By Kathryn Padbury
As a new resident of Santa Monica, I am very concerned about the homelessness problem. I would have attended the meeting this week had I known about it, (“Few residents weigh in on homeless plan,” SMDP, Jan. 28, page 1). So I would not read into the lack of resident-attendance as a lack of interest on the part of local residents.
I think local, taxpaying-resident input is important to addressing this problem. I also think resident concerns should be addressed — safety, etc. — without being vilified by homeless advocates as being anti-homeless. Residents have legitimate concerns that deserve an open forum to be discussed with the city and those who advocate for the homeless.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on January 30, 2004. Read the original PDF.