By Blaine Ivy Santa Monica Kill the squirrels Editor:
Enough time has passed for the Santa Monica City Council to discuss in broad-brush strokes the idea of a dedicated position to tackle the homeless issue in Santa Monica and to work with surrounding communities, as well as work with levels beyond that, as needed (SMDP, June 6, page 1).
For the dissenters in the City Council, get onboard with Shriver’s idea and make it work to achieve real solutions to homelessness. Shriver is new to the council, has ideas and can draw media attention, as well as the attention of heavy-hitters in the political and entertainment realm. The City Council needs to embrace the new position and use what Shriver can bring to the table to solve problems. In other words, there’s no room for road-blockers and obstructionists at this point.
The homeless issue has been a major problem for more than 15 years. City Council may justifiably point to success stories getting people off the streets. That’s all to be applauded. But the reality is that the numbers of people living on the streets — drugged out, mentally ill or simply down and out — don’t seem to ever change. The perception — and the reality — is that Santa Monica is a homeless haven, and City Councilmembers who have served for years bear a lot of responsibility.
So it’s fine to talk about input and plans from Bring L.A. Home. But without even knowing the specifics, I bet it’s not going to be nearly enough to fix the problem. Put some powerful legs in Santa Monica for this position.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on June 29, 2005. Read the original PDF.