By Christopher and Laura Thixton Santa Monica
It was interesting reading the responses to Julie Thixton’s e-mail of Oct.30,regarding Step Up On Second’s loan application.
This Sunset Park neighborhood clearly understands that the approval for Step Up On Second’s loan application for the acquisition of the property located at 1826 Pearl Street was contingent upon certain guidelines, etc. We also understand that “there is much to consider.”Frankly, your responses did not inform us of anything we hadn’t heard before.
Councilmembers, we reiterate once again, that this type of proposed transitional living facility for young people afflicted with mental illness(es) that display symptoms that are extremely unpredictable, irrational, and at times, dangerous (not only to themselves, but to the public as well) just didn’t make sense. This neighborhood already supports numerous social programs. We are saturated, and you are directly responsible for changing the fabric of this community — without the residents’ input.
This issue was simply a matter of common sense, not just compliance with zoning regulations. This is also simply not a matter of whether application(s) were filled-out correctly. You have heard this neighborhood’s opposition, that is, those of you who graciously granted us the privilege of your attendance at the meetings this neighborhood demanded! With the exception of Mayor Holbrook and Council-members McKeown and Katz, the remainder of the members kept silent. You represent “our” city, and you not only have a responsibility to the businesses that bring in millions of dollars into this city and your campaign pockets, but also to the residents that voted for you.
I also find it quite disturbing that the feeling of profound disappointment was not only contained within this Sunset Park neighborhood, but throughout Santa Monica.
Lastly, we ignorantly believed that the City Council and the government would work with us and that our voices would not fall on deaf ears, but this was not the case. We thought there would be some cooperation.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on November 13, 2006. Read the original PDF.