Seeking Solutions for the Homeless

We read with interest “Residents Urge Crackdown on Transients,” (Times Valley Edition Nov. 12). As mentioned, the Studio City Residents Assn. continues our drive for a solution to the homeless and transient problem in Studio City.

Yes, we are frustrated by the increase in crimes committed by “transients.” Accordingly, we support the Los Angeles Police Department’s efforts to take back our streets by prosecuting those who block access to public spaces, panhandle aggressively or harass people. We want Studio City to remain a pleasant place to walk, shop and raise a family.

Yet, contrary to some reports, the association is leading the effort to find solutions to the homeless problem in Studio City in a comprehensive manner, not simply by sending all transients and homeless people into an overburdened court and prison system. Some homeless persons remain homeless by choice and some do commit crimes. But to really solve this issue means unraveling a complex web of problems--economic distress, housing, personal problems, mental health care or substance abuse.

Our association will discuss ways to deal with homelessness at our meeting Tuesday at Carpenter Avenue Elementary School at 8 p.m. We hope to start a Valleywide movement that goes beyond quick fixes. Let’s combine hard-nosed intolerance of criminal behavior and respect for our public spaces with some true problem-solving.

TONY LUCENTE, president

KEN BERNSTEIN, board member

Studio City Residents Assn .