Beach Safety, History Matter Little

* Irony. As a teacher who believes that structures from the past must be saved for those in the future, I was dismayed and eventually disgusted in the 1980s with the destruction of historic or old downtown homes and buildings. I volunteered and was appointed to the city-sponsored Historical Board. We who served were to find that the board was a front to relieve the consciences of those in charge of the city.

As we earnestly tried to keep buildings preserved, the city was putting permits on the desk at 5:30 p.m. and demolishing the structures by 6 p.m. When questioned, city council members and planners continually told us they were making way for a “family-safe” redevelopment area.

Now, we find the “safe” streets a haven for bars, carousing crowds and often, out-of-control behavior. Many downtown residents stay away from Main Street at night. Now, the area has experienced the ultimate of assaults on a community--murder. For those of us who saw an ill-placed mentality for destruction of buildings and homes dominate in the name of “safety,” we can now mourn the destruction of the city’s greatest asset--its people. Irony.

JUDY M. SCHWANTES

Huntington Beach

* As a resident of Huntington Beach, I’ve had enough of the current council majority and their lack of concern for our public safety. The writing was on the wall that public safety was going to take a back seat when the council cut marine safety below the necessary staffing level. I find it amazing that with the beaches closing at 10 p.m. (you’d expect to at least have a marine safety officer until that time), all our officers go home at 6 p.m. It’s nice to know the council is willing to allow a four-hour time period when there is no protection on the beach for our families.

Haven’t (recent) incidents been enough of a wake-up call for the council majority? Don’t they think that two murders, an armed robbery and a stabbing in a two-week period is enough?

I have had enough of this nonsense and lack of concern by this council. I want results, not discussion. We’ve had enough talk; it’s time for action.

Huntington Beach was one of only two cities in Orange County that had increases in crime. What with Huntington Beach having only 1.1 officers per 1,000 residents, and the statewide average being 2.0, it’s obvious that we are surrendering in this battle against crime as long as the current council, led by Mayor Linda Moulton-Patterson, believes that parking spaces and trees are more important than public safety.

DIRK VOSS

Huntington Beach