Readers propose better lighting, rehab facilities and a total image overhaul as solutions to make Santa Cruz a safer place.
Light Therapy
Re: “Shock Waves” (Currents, March 6). Let there be light! Our community is in darkness, and not only because we are all enshrouded by the inexpressible sadness of recent events. We are also wandering in the dark in search of the way forward as a community. Let me suggest one practical path to pursue: let there be light.
Although many neighborhood groups have adopted the public safety strategy of putting more “eyes” on our problem areas, it seems no one has thought to put more light on the problem. Let's create a city program that provides more light to our community in the form of more and brighter street lighting. The city should also consider incentivizing the installation of front porch lights on every residence. Perhaps we can also consider revisiting the Blue Light Safety Project. In these ways, at least, we can together begin the journey out of the darkness and into the light.
Steve Pleich
Santa Cruz
Real Solutions
Re: “Santa Cruz’s Angriest Man” (Currents, Feb. 27): Homelessness and drug addiction in Santa Cruz is not going to disappear because people are getting angry at those afflicted by these conditions. What is needed are live/ work/ rehab facilities for people who want a chance at recovery. Our nation lacks government-sponsored work and rehabilitation programs because of right-wing politicians who have duped people into thinking government is a bad thing. This is because they represent a small group of wealthy families who are profiting from the situation and enjoying low tax rates. Without government intervention the situation will continue to be hopeless for tens of millions of people. This hopelessness turns into increased drug addiction, crime and violence. The idea that the private business sector is going to resolve these problems is ludicrous. Government rehabilitation and education programs are what is needed to lessen the problem.
Andrew Todd
Santa Cruz
FROM THE WEB
Real Solutions,
Part Deux
Re: “The Battle For Santa Cruz” (Cover, March 6): “Keep Santa Cruz Weird” in and of itself is not the cause of any violence, but it’s part of the general perception of Santa Cruz as a place tolerant of activities that would not be tolerated elsewhere.
Another cause, as mentioned in the article, was the proposition that instructed the police to treat marijuana usage as their lowest priority.
Yet another is the great marijuana smoke out that happens every year at UCSC, which is clearly illegal yet permitted to continue by the city council.
Those and many other local political faux pas are what attract troubled people to Santa Cruz.
In my opinion, most of the blame for that perception was caused by the so-called progressive politics that held sway around here for so long.
Fortunately, common sense has prevailed, most of the progressive attitudes have been replaced by real-world attitudes, and the progressives have become largely irrelevant.
What’s needed is a total re-branding of Santa Cruz.
Sure, keep the Keep Santa Cruz Weird slogan but make it clear that it applies to the artistic and creative aspects of the community.
City Council, stop wasting time on plastic bag bans and reducing global warming. They’re both worthy causes of course, but are they more important than keeping your city safe? I’d gladly swap our recently appointed global warming position for another police officer.
Peter Haworth
