WHERE'S DOWNTOWN PRESENCE?

I could not believe that the Santa Cruz police tried to link gang
violence downtown to marijuana use. I am in no way condoning illegal
drug use, but gang members coming downtown to buy pot - give me a
break. Gang members are the underbelly of society and their networks
are made up of felons, parolees and drug dealers. My point? They don't
need to come downtown to try to buy pot from people they don't know.

The problem is, there is absolutely no enforcement downtown. There are
signs that say, "No Loitering" but does this matter? No!

If police officers happen to notice a bunch of would-be gang members
wearing their colors, why don't they talk to them?

I am a huge supporter of law enforcement and all its endeavors, and
frankly the thought of these gang members in this seaside town makes
me sick.

I really hope this gets under control. I would hate to not be able to
go downtown because of what might happen.

BRIAN CROCKER

SANTA CRUZ

CLEAN UP PROGRESSIVES' MESS

Mayor Krohn must have his head in the sand. Does he really think the
Beach Flats' existing plan, or lack of, is going to handle the area's
drug problem? It's unfortunate that he and his cohorts have such
dislike for the Seaside Co. The extreme criminal activity in the area
is not only negatively affecting the Beach Boardwalk, but also the
residents and the entire city.

I suggest we hire additional law enforcement, as we should have done
years ago, and clean up the mess that the progressives have ignored.
New leadership and working together as a community is necessary before
the criminals completely take over.

BILL ALDER

SANTA CRUZ

GIVE US OUR TOWN BACK

There are many adjectives that come to mind that I could use - like
thugs, cowards, weasels - but I choose "young men," because you are a
product of a society where so many parents/relatives, teachers and
friends are too busy to notice that you need help.

I am so sorry you felt the need to kick Raven in the face and shatter
his jaw. No one deserves that kind of treatment, least of all Raven.
Yes, Raven attends UC Berkeley, but he was born and raised in Santa
Cruz, so you see he is a local. And he's also a patriot - the Air
Force is paying his way through college and he'll be defending our
country soon for people like you.

You may not detect my anger, but indeed I am angry. I'm angry that you
took away not only Raven's innocence, but the innocence of a community
that does not want the crime and violence of a large city. We want our
town back from the gangs, the drug dealers, the prostitutes, the
panhandlers and young men like you. I only hope you will get some help
from a teacher, counselor or minister before you hurt or maim someone
else.

For those of you who know Raven, or just have a big heart, and would
like to help with his medical expenses, donations may be sent to Coast
Commercial Bank, 1850 41st Ave., Capitola, CA 95010, Account No. 06-21397-9.

JANINE CANADA

SOQUEL