By Barbara Walther Santa Monica
Items of interest which I want to comment on. May 8, 2002 edition regarding “Litter can go a long way.” Let me say this is a big problem, even though there are devices to catch debris, no one tickets or informs persons who are still putting debris in the gutter, thereby going into the drain.
Santa Monica sends city employees out at least once a month or that is what it appears to me and has to clean them out. Now gardeners many times blow with their illegal blowers leaves and other debris into the gutter, sometimes they wash the leaves etc., off into the gutter. Then along comes the city, paying people to have to clean the gutter out. It seems to me that the city could do more if it gave warnings to buildings where this happens continually.
Maybe this might help. You know we keep hearing about many non-compliance issues that “they didn't know.” Well, a notice or fine might make them more aware, or at least to inform those who do the work that it is not acceptable.
You had asked why Veritas would be good for Santa Monica, having districts, and why we are not happy with our present council members. Well, for example the latest statement put out by come council members that they thought naming the new main library after Martin Luther King is a good example.
He certainly does not represent Santa Monica, not that Martin Luther King was-n’t a great man, but what’s wrong with “The Santa Monica Library.”
It’s like they keep handling the homeless, always say “First Amendment Rights.” Yes, we want to uphold that but if you are doing it with the homeless, then help them get into a better situation, not loitering on the park benches, lying on the park benches, camping at the parks. Either do more or get on with the policing. We hopefully will get some help from the state regarding the mentally ill, and possible being able to take them into centers against their wishes.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to write this to you.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on May 21, 2002. Read the original PDF.