By Dr. Lisette Bauersachs Santa Monica
Finally, a well thought out solution to our homeless problem. Kudos to Dr. Sirkin. His letter actually provides a solution instead of just criticizing the present situation. It is unacceptable to think that our beautiful parks are actually campgrounds. You need a permit to camp in Yosemite, but not in Santa Monica’s Reed Park or Palisades Park. It never made sense to me. Build a large shelter and with the “will” and “wallet” of this great community by the bay, we can care for those who need assistance in our beautiful city. Those unwilling to use the shelter are simply not allowed to sleep on the sidewalk. The added bonus is that one can actually enjoy Santa Monica parks, without encroaching on someone else’s “campsite.”
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on January 30, 2006. Read the original PDF.