By Maria Sirotti Santa Monica
How very sad that Virginia Avenue Park is becoming a center for criminal activities. The money the taxpayers spent to create that park is all for nothing. This was to be a safe place for our children, so it was said, but this is a place where our children kill or are killed, and it seems this park is progressing to other crimes such as rape. Where are the leaders, such as Oscar de la Torre? Why is he not stopping the crimes? After all, if the Santa Monica Police is blamed for everything, why not those who profess to want the best for the Pico corridor? The only action I have seen from them is to have a march for peace.
Once upon a time, a Santa Monica councilman wanted to close some of the city streets because the traffic was much too much for him, at that time I believed this councilman was a bit crazy. I am not so sure right now. I would like to see Virginia Park become a parking lot. You see, this way when I go to the pharmacy, to the freeway and other places where I need to drive by the park, I would stand a better chance of not getting killed by our children.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on July 17, 2006. Read the original PDF.