By Sunny Kreis Santa Monica
I agree with Peter Shopay that the site of the former Fisher Lumber should not be dedicated to housing for the homeless (SMDP, April 15, page 4). There may well be a need for additional homeless shelters but neither these nor housing needs should be located on prime real estate. As Shopay points out, this misguided altruism thumbs a nose at all the resident taxpayers working hard to support themselves and live within their income level. One obstacle we suffer from in terms of alleviating the homeless problem is a City Council that says one thing during election time, but is in reality, indifferent to this problem. Pre-election, I spoke to one of the representatives for a council nominee and asked about his stance on the homeless. She stated, “Well, the homeless have always been here,” adding “they have to go somewhere.” Really look around this city at the homeless. You will see many who appear perfectly hale, hearty and youthful enough to hold down some kind of job. It’s time to acknowledge the real victims of this problem are the decent Santa Monica citizens.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on April 19, 2005. Read the original PDF.