Dear City Council.
On Sunday at Memorial Park, I got some throws in with my 10-year-old son. We're getting ready for Fall Ball and love the community of Santa Monica Little League.
As we strolled over to the field, a lady accused us of being spies with the U.S. Government.
Then, when my son chased one of my bad throws towards the first base line, he returned and asked me about the one-sock dancer that muttered gibberish in the empty bleachers.
Behind us, across Olympic, a man lying on the sidewalk scratched himself. There were no other children in sight, but we could see a hooded figure slowly pushing a stroller full of trash near the restroom.
And then it occurred to me: I wonder if people avoid parks in Santa Monica because the parks have been reduced to this? And is this the long-term future of Santa Monica? At this point, does the city have any sort of formal plan to actually get these people the care (and sometimes coercion) that they need, not only for their sake, but for the sake of future generations?
Thank you,
Josh Randall