Throwing Money at Non Problems and A Wonderful Idea

July 1, 2003

Dear Editor,

“Santa Monica's problem is not throwing money at problems, it's throwing money at non problems." (WHAT I SAY: “Paying for Squeaky Wheel Government,” June 23)

Amen. That is why we have the lovely new roundabout at 26th and Washington.

I attended every meeting regarding that project and several related to traffic in the area. Councilman Kevin McKeown also attended these meetings. The original request came from some parents living east of 26th who wanted their children to be able to cross 26th street safely, without going to Wilshire or Montana, on their way to Franklin and Lincoln schools.

For several years they asked for a stop sign and were denied. A traffic light was "too expensive." Pedestrian activated flashing markers on the crosswalk, a la McCabe’s on Pico? Nada: "These are only here on a test demonstration basis from the manufacturer and we aren't going to keep them."

A pedestrian bridge? Out of the question. Better police enforcement for speeders? Yeah, right. It got so nasty that Lucy Dyke (the City’s Transportation Planning Manager) had to run and hide.

Judging by the cars whizzing by that confusing, over-crowded intersection -- in all directions now, safety was not improved one whit. But the street landscapers and city council can once again justify their existence.

And why, oh why, didn't anyone think to put in a left turn lane instead of another Jacaranda tree in the middle of westbound Pico at 33rd -- when they knew Trader Joe's was at/moving to that location?

Linda Morris

June 30, 2003

Dear Editor,

Establishing a sobering center is a wonderful idea and would go a long way to solving persistent resident complaints about noisy drunks leaving local bars. (“Sobering Center” Gets Mixed Response,” June 30)

Waking up on a mat at the CLARE foundation might make some people think twice before ordering that 3rd or 4th or 5th drink! It would certainly leave no excuse for the police NOT to respond when residents called in at 2 a.m. to complain about the screaming and shouting.

I have no problem with holding a public hearing on the idea. But let's be real. Most of the drunks dropped off at CLARE would not be homeless.