> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.smdp.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Thank you, Mr. Edelman
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/thank-you-mr-edelman-editor/
- Published: 2006-01-30T16:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-23T17:06:03.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Opinion, Santa Monica, #archive-import, Homeless

*By Heidi Hameed Santa Monica*

I am writing in response to the article entitled “Shake hands, make friends the first order of business” (SMDP, Jan. 23, page 1).

First, I’d like to say “thank you” to Ed Edelman for taking on the task he has taken on. It won’t be easy or nice for him, even if the money’s good. It’s good that he has hit the ground running, so to speak, and is working toward whatever goal he has set up.

Secondly, as a citizen of Los Angeles County, I would urge him to get out there and meet the people he is trying to help. It’s the only way he will see for himself what he really working toward. Skid Row is an abomination; drug dealing going on everywhere at any and every hour, mentally ill people running or crouching around, etc. In addition to those people aforementioned, are the people that are desperately trying to get off the ground, that are working full-time or at least looking for work. Those who are married who can’t get into a RSO because they are married, but can’t stay at the hotels for more than 28 days either, so they move back and forth until they run out of places to stay.

We need Ed Edelman. The people of Los Angeles County need him. The homeless and the hopeless need him. The veterans who are downtrodden in our society need him and those who don’t even realize they need him, need him.

Thank you for taking on this job, Mr. Edelman. I hope you can help us; we’re running out of options. May God bless you with wisdom, empathy and courage for the challenge that lies ahead.

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on January 30, 2006.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/013006.pdf?ref=smdp.com)