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# Letter writers do a disservice to the cause
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/letter-writers-do-a-disservice-to-the-cause/
- Published: 2007-09-17T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-25T01:01:20.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Opinion, Santa Monica, #archive-import, Homeless, Homelessness

*By BILL*

IT’S ALWAYS GOOD TO RECEIVE READER comments on controversial topics — both positive and negative. My two recent columns on transients and homeless services attracted a big reaction.

I want members of the community to intelligently discourse on vital local issues whether it be about traffic, the homeless, development or any number of topics. I always hope that somehow, whatever I write about, the ultimate outcome is a more responsive municipal government and a better, more livable community for residents.

After reading letters from some Daily Press readers about my most recent columns, I’m wondering if the authors comprehend what they read, understand the issues or are just picking a fight.

I’d written (Aug. 27, Page 4) I’d heard rumors that homeless services provider, OPCC was planning to bus people here to enroll in programs. I e-mailed Julie Rusk, the city’s Human Services Manager, and quoted her response — that bussing people here for intake was not happening. I thought that settled the issue.

Readers, including OPCC’s executive director, John Maceri, still accused me of spreading rumors about OPCC bussing people here. Strangely enough, another reader wrote “services outside Santa Monica are the ones doing the bussing by giving free tickets and tokens to those who have caused trouble in their particular area." In any case, my assertion that Santa Monica’s cornucopia of services is a carrot that attracts transients here in large numbers (bussing aside) hasn’t been refuted.

A couple of frustrated letter writers sunk to name calling. Labeling anyone a "homeless hater,” “attack dog” and “bigot" is pathetic. One reader suggested I should live on the streets for a few weeks before expressing opinions about homelessness. How ridiculous. Does this person also think that everyone must serve military duty in Iraq before opining about the Iraq war?

Some readers made things up. One reader said I was for “more police enforcement as a way to deal with poor and mentally ill people.” Maybe in that reader’s mind, but I never wrote it. With the exception of West Coast Care, the Santa Monica Police are doing more homeless outreach in this city then the rest of the service providers combined. How about that?

I was accused of "lying” when I wrote “there are 3,000 homeless in Santa Monica” The City’s Urban Institute report, “Ending Homelessness in Santa Monica...” (Dec., 2006, Highlights, page xiv) says that the number of homeless in Santa Monica is “between 2,300 and 3,000” individuals." Note: The 3,000 figure includes 2,800 people in city funded assistance agencies including in supported housing and at the Brentwood Veterans Administration and approximately 200 who aren’t in services. Liar? Tell the Urban Institute.

The opinion columnist from surfsanta-monica.com also got into the act. After attending the opening of OPCC’s new Access Center, he posted: "In recent years the candidates for City Council who have proposed simplistic solutions to homelessness in Santa Monica don’t receive many votes. The names Jenna Linnekens (2006), Bill Bauer, David Cole and Kathryn Morea (2004) come to mind."

How droll. You’d think the Lookout’s columnist would know the “fact of political life” in Santa Monica is: “Those with the mostest and biggest bucks get elected.” Bobby Shriver’s landslide City Council win in 2004 probably had more to do with his name and $500,000-plus in backing as opposed to campaign rhetoric about "constructive solutions” for homeless problems — whatever that means. For the record, my 2004 Council campaign raised $7,699.

Speaking of politics, Planning Commissioner, Terry O’Day might have shot himself in the foot when he proposed at the August 29th Planning Commission meeting that parking requirements be reduced in future developments downtown and along transit corridors.

His proposal met stiff opposition from fellow commissioners and members of the public who didn’t want less parking written into the city’s zoning codes. Many developers would love to see parking requirements reduced because building and maintaining parking space is expensive and doesn’t generate return on investment that sales or rental of housing or commercial space does.

O’Day is widely expected to run for City Council next year. While alienating some potential voters, his proposal was a way of attracting developer and real estate lucre for his campaign’s war chest. It seemed as if O’Day was saying, “Help me out. I’ll work for you.”

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on September 17, 2007.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/091707.pdf?ref=smdp.com)