By Brian Castellanos Santa Monica High School student
I worry when I read the Santa Monica Daily Press. Why? Because every time I read it, it talks about how the city is spending its budget to beautify the Santa Monica community, especially the downtown area, for tourist attractions. Instead, they should focus on the necessities of our community. They should spend the millions of dollars making more activities for our youth, elderly people and, more importantly, our schools. Education should be the city’s priority. “The key to success is education.” I’m really hurt by this because this effects the whole community and everyone who wants to get a fair education. Teachers these days only get $125 to spend on supplies for their classrooms. Do you think that’s even enough to buy classroom supplies for one whole school year, for 180 students? I truly hope that people listen to what the youth have to say. We live in this community, we work in this community, so therefore we should have an input in this community.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on October 17, 2002. Read the original PDF.