By Carole Orlin Santa Monica More homeless problems Editor:
Once again I find myself in need of writing to the editor about the issue of homelessness. I just finished reading the very well-written letter to the editor (June 24, SMDP) by John Medlin and l am in total agreement with him about the many problems the “privileged” (i.e. hard-working, taxpaying, law-abiding) people of Santa Monica constantly have with the homeless.
I want to add, once again, the issues of breaking and entering, burglary and property destruction committed by the homeless. Last week, once again, some currently vacant property that I own, that is boarded up and fenced in, was broken into by some homeless people who even somehow managed to tap into the electricity.
Needless to say, they trashed the place and once again I am left with the hassle and expense of picking up, cleaning up and trying to think of a new and even more expensive way to protect my property from them.
If these people would only use the time, resourcefulness and energy that they use to break the law, they could become contributing members of society. However, that is obviously not their goal.
Can’t anything be done? Writing letters to the editor helps vent the frustration and anger about this dangerous and unnecessary situation, but let’s get organized and do something! Things are out of control and only getting worse.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on July 28, 2003. Read the original PDF.