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# Shriver doing the work
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/shriver-doing-the-work-editor/
- Published: 2005-06-27T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-23T07:17:53.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Opinion, Santa Monica, #archive-import, Homeless

*By Clyde Smith Santa Monica*

I applaud the efforts of Santa Monica first term councilman Bobby Shriver to assist in the plight of the homeless veterans. Some Santa Monicans recognize that of every homeless man or woman we see on our streets a portion are veterans. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has yet to decide what to do with acres of land dedicated to serving veterans, and was considering developing office space, when Los Angeles County ruled Tuesday to have their lawyers block any development that would violate county planning rules. With ample land and existing model programs at the VA now, like “The Haven” run by the Salvation Army, we could go a long way toward helping these men and women off the streets.

As a Marine Corps veteran that spent 11 months and 23 days in the Republic of South Vietnam in 1965, I recognize that the true cost of war is not visible on the surface. Of the billions of dollars we now spend in war efforts around this globe, trillions might be needed in the future to heal the physical and mental wounds of combat placed on our young men and women. The sign at the entrance to the VA Hospital in West Los Angeles reads in part: “This is the true cost of war.” Veterans salute you, Councilman Shriver, for highlighting these problems and posing some workable and immediate solutions. Semper Fi.

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on June 27, 2005.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/062705.pdf?ref=smdp.com)