Looking at the Numbers and Capturing the Sentiment

March 29, 2006

Dear Editor,

I noted with sadness the report on the recent assault on Celia Carroll, head librarian at the Ocean Park library branch. When searching for an explanation some insight is to be found in The Lookout's analysis of the recent survey of homeless people in Los Angeles County.

A quick glance at the homeless census reveals that 24 percent of the unsheltered homeless in Santa Monica were counted in the census tracts adjacent to the Ocean Park branch library. Head Santa Monica Librarian Greg Mullen is quoted in your article as commenting on the assault, " I feel pretty confident about the rules we have.” ... “Things like that happen from time to time... we don’t know why."

No criticism of Mr. Mullen is intended, but I can't help but note the liquor store less than a block away from the Ocean Park branch library might play a role in the conduct of some of it's patrons. The state of California issues liquor licenses, but I believe the City of Santa Monica can regulate the zoning of where these businesses are permitted.

Perhaps our city council might consider banning liquor stores being located in such close proximity to our public libraries and whether this might have a beneficial impact on the safety of those who work and patronize these wonderful institutions.

The suggestion of Larry Carroll (spouse of Celia Carroll) posted at the City’s web site bears serious consideration. He notes the lack of security personnel (Library Inspectors) at our branch libraries.

I've patronized every library branch in the city (even the tiny one at the Ken Edward's center), and if there is one branch to start placing security at it is the Ocean Park branch. It's a historical protected landmark, right in the center of the coastal homeless zone noted in the recent census and is definitely a congregating point for street people.

Dee W. Pack
Ocean Park

March 27, 2006

Dear Editor,

What a terrific column. ("City of Many Victims, Truths") You couldn't have captured the sentiment of most SM residents better. Thanks for your thoughtful analysis.

Eric Talley
Santa Monica