By Marilyn Brennan Santa Monica
Regarding “Homeless strategy has mixed results (SMDP, Jan. 19, page 1). This is the second article in a three part series and the third article “will examine the impacts of homelessness in Santa Monica.”
The second article in Jan. 19 issue states that although laws against public feeding has been passed, City Hall doesn’t know exactly how to enforce it. Perhaps they should ask the traffic department how they enforce the parking laws. They do it pretty well.
Why does City Hall pass so many laws they can’t enforce? The enforcement of any law should be considered prior to passing it, don’t you think? Or is it just City Hall’s version of giving lip service to the public’s concerns without actually having to do something about it?
And as for the groups like “Food not Bombs” and others who claim the law against outdoor feeding in public parks is unconstitutional, why don’t they hold their feeding programs in their own living areas in their own parks in their own cities? They come here from out of town to make our parks unfit for any other humans except the homeless. The children? Forget it. They can’t play in their city parks because there are transients lying all over, exposing themselves and going to the bathroom right in front of these children. Everyone is worried about the dogs using public parks and beaches for a bathroom. The city’s dog owners are responsible to pick up after them or get a hefty fine, as well they should. Who fines the humans for depositing their waste in plain sight of our children?
I would suggest that if someone wants to be feed these people that’s fine. But let them do it in their own towns, in their own parks, in their own yards — Santa Monica already has many well-funded programs that feed them.
If the third article is addressing the “impact of homelessness,” please don’t forget the little children who are afraid to walk on the sidewalks of Santa Monica, play in the parks or go to the Promenade because of their fear of these individuals.
Regarding Nesha DeAngelis’ letter (SMDP, Jan. 19, page 4) concerning Adelphia Cable losing Turner Classic Movies, HBO and Showtime. Not to cause general cable panic, it would have been better if you included the information that these channels will not be lost to those who have digital cable. It is only those who cling to the old system that may lose these channels. The old system will no longer be capable of picking up the signals. Sad but true. HBO, Showtime and Turner Classic Movies are mainstays and the bread and butter of Adelphia. And by the way, when I called today, I waited 4 and 1/2 minutes to speak to a representative and I can live with that.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on February 3, 2005. Read the original PDF.