Kudos on Series and Free Bee Removal

August 2, 2002

Dear Editor,

"Feeding the Problem?" (July 30, 2002) is a well researched, thoughtful article. Oliver Lukacs obviously reflected on the issues.

I can't say I enjoyed reading what you reported. Much of what I read was heartbreaking and upsetting. But in a democracy, that is the critical role of journalism -- to uncover facts we need to know, even if it causes uncomfortable questions.

I keep Surfsantamonica.com as my Home Page. "Feeding the Problem" is journalism of the highest caliber. Thank you.

Paul DeSantis
Santa Monica

August 2, 2002

Dear Editor,

I appreciate the time and effort invested by your new reporter, Oliver Lukacs, describing and clarifying part of the complex facts and highly emotional issues surrounding some of the transient population in Santa Monica.

I appreciate his fact gathering and hopefully as a community and region, we can expeditiously craft a solution in a healthy, humane and constructive manner.

Ann Greenspun
Santa Monica

July 29, 2002

Dear Editor,

Re: July 16, 2002 article on bee removal along the Third Street Promenade

The Los Angeles County West Vector Control District would like to advise you and the residents of Santa Monica that bee removal services are provided free of charge by our agency on private as well as public property. We have a staff of technicians that are available Monday through Sunday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. For service, call (310) 915-7370.

Hives and swarms of bees, as well as other stinging insects such as yellow jackets and hornets, will be removed from all areas with only the following exceptions:
1. The hive or swarm must be no higher than 25 feet off the ground.
2. The hive or swarm must be on the outside of a structure, not established within the walls, attic, or other structural voids of a building.

I hope this information will be helpful to you readers.

Very truly yours,

Robert Saviskas
Executive Director