AMNESTY PLAN MIGHT HELP BREAK VICIOUS DRUG CYCLE

Editor:

In July of 1995, I was in my hometown of Los Angeles making plans to take
up residence in Corning, a city that I had never visited and hardly ever
heard of before. I wanted a change of life and I was extremely pleased to
leave the bad streets of L.A. behind me.

In my mind, I pictured Corning as a quiet, simple town. I later found out
that it wasn't the naive town I'd hoped for. However, I endured five years
of Corning. I can honestly tell you that it's a likable place, but it does
have its drug and gang troubles. It just goes to show me that drugs and
gangs are everywhere.

Herein lies the purpose of my letter. The north valley is a mecca for drug
labs. Let's start cleansing it by making provisions for those who are
caught up in the vicious lifestyle of drugs and violence. Suppose Butte,
Glenn, Shasta and Tehama county district attorneys' offices, police
departments and sheriffs' departments join forces to develop an amnesty
plan for all illegal drug producers in the valley. Publicize the amnesty
windfall loud and far. Shake the mountains. Give those who come forward
full amnesty. Allow for a one-time opportunity to turn in their meth lab
equipment and all related materials. Then, and only then, will they be
granted complete amnesty.

Now, this plan does not require a lot of details, so nobody mess with it,
please. It's simple -- just turn in your drug-making equipment and any
interrelated material during the amnesty time frame and there will be no
questions asked, no name taking, no anything. You go free.

Drugs are here to stay, but this plan just may entice one poor soul to come
clean and start a new life. It may also save one child from falling into
the vicious mix and ruining his or her life for good. Let's set a precedent
for all to follow. Amnesty can work.

James Sylva

Red Bluff