The search for work and public safety concerns

Re “Day Laborers, Cities Seek a Way That Will Work,” Aug. 29

I own and manage an apartment complex in Huntington Beach whose residents are negatively affected by the presence of day laborers on the street corners. Each day, the residents must overcome trash and debris left abandoned from laborers’ snacks; navigate the public safety hazard laborers pose by standing on street corners, thereby blocking access for residents and vehicles, and by the presence of gang-affiliated “lookouts” and drug dealers hidden among them who randomly approach residents’ cars.

This situation isn’t safe for my residents, and it isn’t safe for these laborers, who step into traffic to solicit work and who may wind up in an unsafe situation once they get into a vehicle.

There has to be some legal acknowledgment that their desire for work can’t supersede the public’s need for access, safety and sanitation.

KATHERINE JOHANSEN

Orange

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In your article you forgot one other problem: day labor encourages the ungrounded economy. I don’t know how many people who are illegal in the U.S. pay Social Security and other taxes, but I bet very few of the employers pay it for them, along with workers’ comp and health insurance. If you are a pro illegal alien politician, then go after employers who aren’t paying their fair share of taxes.

EUGENE OSMERA

Los Angeles