By Marilyn Brennan Santa Monica
Regarding the Euclid Park article, (SMDP, June 16, page 1), City Councilperson Bob Holbrook, who with Mr. Shriver, declined to back the park project, stated that the controversy surrounding Euclid Park reminded him of a green space he once saw in Sausalito. That park had been fenced up and closed off to the public because it had become overrun with transients and criminal activity. He goes on, “You could look, but you couldn’t touch. I hope we haven’t reached that point.”
Oh, but we have, Mr. Holbrook, we have. If you doubt it, walk by the park at Lincoln and Wilshire. Walk down Lincoln toward Montana and see what that park has become. I am living in a city where my granddaughter refuses to walk on the sidewalk next to the park, let alone go in and play. Sad but true.
And Mr. Genser, who supported the project without fences, stated that the concerns the citizens expressed were “not well founded.” What city do you live in, Mr. Genser? He goes on, “I do get complaints about activities that occur at park, but those activities are usually during the day. The police are there to enforce.” Mr. Genser, the people who would like a safe place for their children and families to enjoy would like to go to the park in the day. Duh. And if the park at Lincoln and Wilshire is any example, the police are not enforcing drug use, public urination and defecation, etc.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on June 23, 2005. Read the original PDF.