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# Bauer’s column a boost to city
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/bauers-column-a-boost-to-city-editor/
- Published: 2006-04-06T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-23T17:30:37.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Opinion, Santa Monica, #archive-import, Homelessness

*By Richard Hilton Santa Monica*

Bill Bauer’s columns are much appreciated by me and, undoubtedly, by others who read the SMDP.

I happen to have met Bill at a funeral memorial at the Ken Edwards Center. Bill and I briefly discussed city politics, community matters such as homelessness, and the city’s commitment to social service programs.

We disagreed on some of the issues. He was friendly and tolerant. My sense is that Mr. Bauer has strong character, integrity and a backbone to stand up for what he perceives is right and wrong. As for his column in the SMDP, I find him to be compelling and persuasive. Unlike some people, I like diversity of opinion and lively discourse in a community newspaper.

As for the letter by Alan Toy, “Bill Bauer’s world must be dreamy” (SMDP, March 29, page 4), Mr. Toy’s tone was angry, condescending and disrespectful to any opinion other than his own.

Mr. Toy used phrases to patronize virtually all ethnic minorities. The excessiveness about sensitivity and forgiveness for “past injustices” makes me wonder if Mr. Toy was speaking about himself, and if so, as victim or perpetrator?

I know that Mr. Toy has worked in the entertainment business. As for racism, is there not a more segregated, hedonistic, selfish and lack-of-opportunity profession for minorities than the Hollywood entertainment business?

Mr. Toy, in your letter blasting Bill Bauer, virtually every term you used could be ascribed to the Hollywood crowd: “class,’’ “politics,” “sleepy,” “boring,” “uppity,” “sanctimonious,” “dream world,” “all peaceful and cozy,” and “blissful.”

After Katrina hit Louisiana, as I recall, Bill volunteered for the Red Cross to work in the New Orleans area. His column dispatches about his experiences helping victims of the disaster were heartwarming.

My impression is Bill cares about people, and he doesn’t pander to unnecessary racial identification.

Incidentally, that memorial I attended with Bill at Ken Edwards was to honor a Santa Monica community activist, a disabled veteran. Mr. Toy, I didn’t see you there.

Talk and lectures are cheap. Mr. Toy, next time you’re not scheduled for a make-up session, stage rehearsal and getting all the adulation — wake up, volunteer your time and live the real life like the rest of us do every day.

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on April 6, 2006.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/040606.pdf?ref=smdp.com)