Santa Monica's Common Ground -- A Benefit or Danger?

February 17, 2012

Dear Editor,

Thank you for your recent report on Common Ground's move to a new location. ("Santa Monica's Sunset Park Residents Upset over Non-Profit Neighbor," February 14, 2012)

As a former Common Ground board member, current volunteer and long-time Santa Monica resident, I can attest that Common Ground is committed to being a good neighbor.

Common Ground recently celebrated its 20th anniversary. Education, testing and access to treatment are the keys to preventing the spread of HIV. With these goals in mind, CG has and continues to successfully reach out to a diverse population of severely under-served and “At-Risk” men, women and youth in our community.

The hands-on services CG provides facilitates access to harm reduction, education, testing, medical care and housing. Individually and combined, these services directly impact the reduction of homelessness, substance abuse and the spread of HIV.

While this is not meant to minimize neighborhood concerns, CG’s mission directly addresses the issues in our community that are causing neighborhood concerns. CG intends to take further steps to ensure that it is a good neighbor and hopes Sunset Park residents will allow CG to fulfill its important, timely and critical obligation to the community.

Greg Sadoian

February 16, 2012

Dear Editor,

In 2008 I was elected to look out for the interests of tenants and housing providers. As a Rent Control Commissioner my mandate is clear-- first and foremost the protection of Santa Monica residents.

To that end, I am obligated to comment on the relocation of Common Ground, which will have a huge negative impact on families with young children, seniors, Santa Monica - Malibu School District students, Santa Monica College students, low income and market rate tenants and home owners. This is clearly putting Santa Monica residents on the pathway of harm.

Many residents on Monday night said they'd directly experienced crime at the agency's old location, and that the non-profit's clientele had harassed them, engaged in drug deals or been publicly intoxicated.

This move deep into residential neighbor is putting Santa Monica residents is danger.