And, while our objection is still interpreted by some as being “selfish”, let this Pacific Park area homeowner make it very clear that our objection is quite the contrary. The Council revealed Tuesday night that 40% of the people to be dropped off at the shelter are United States Military Veterans. I consider it absolutely outrageous that this Council and others consider dropping off “our” veterans at some armory to crash for the night a charitable contribution.

I am married to a Vietnam combat veteran. I think that merely arranging for “our” veterans, who are now apparently in dire need, to be simply dropped off so that others may feel that they are making some extraordinary contribution to their well-being is despicable. These vets should be dropped off alright, at a VA Facility – like the excellent one in Sepulveda – where they can receive medical and psychological treatment, where rehabilitation programs can address their specific needs, where they can receive support to help them return to employment. These programs for our Vets exist for this very reason. We have generously supported these programs for years. No, we are not the “selfish” ones.

“Screening”, of the shelter guests our Police Chief tells us “has been done”. Done by whom? Are there any felons among the remaining 60%? These are but a few questions that remain on this topic. Who has the answers? And, huh? what was that Vice Mayor Bric? We couldn’t hear you. Did you say you were wrong when you said last month that the shelter was a lockdown facility?

With a final comment – we want to express our gratitude for the efforts and courage exemplified by Norm & Alicia Blevins and Lorena Garcia, as well as all the others in our neighborhood who take time from their busy lives to contribute to our community well-being. And, contrary to the remarks made by Council Representative Marsha Ramos, “Those leaflets aren’t helping”, I would say, “Those leaflets ARE helping!” How else would we know about this “deal” made by our Council and others. What’s not helping is keeping us out of the loop. It was noted at the Tuesday meeting that there was no notification to area residents last year and I suggest that there probably wouldn’t have been any notice made this year either were it not for those leaflets.

One Bit More…

The Burbank Leader has asked their readers this question: “Do you think residents’ concerns about the shelter are right?” Let’s answer it! Let’s let the Leader know that this Armory is NOT the place for this shelter. They said to
e-mail : burbankleader@latimes.com or you can write a letter to Burbank Leader 221 N. Brand Blvd, 2nd Floor, Glendale, CA 91203, they said to be sure to include your name, “hometown”, and phone number for verification only.

The homeowners responded to a flyer prepared by Lorena Garcia on Saturday, Nov. 22nd. Some were the same people who attended the October 28th Council Meeting when the Council voted 4 to 1 to approve the use of the Armory as a shelter for unfortunate homeless alcohol and drug addicts, described as “guests”.

As one of the homeowners who attended this meeting I can tell you many felt that this accommodation was made without their knowledge, let alone their consent. When it was presented to the Council on October 14th, it appeared that it was already set to open and staff members were formalizing the plans which would, incidentially, include a plan that would inform the “impact” portion of the community about the project (which they did on October 25th).

When the Council approved the plan on October 28th, any opposition was interpreted as “heartless”. And, Vice Mayor Gary Bric, trying to assuage residents’ concerns about safety – especially for the children who play in Pacific Park – was quoted in the Burbank Leader (Oct. 29) as saying the shelter is “100% lockdown”. However, Dave Martel, the contract manager for the LA Homeless Services Authority, is quoted in the Burbank Leader (Oct. 27) as saying, “The shelter is not locked down, but shelter guests are informed that it’s a bus-in and bus-out only. If somebody goes to the park and stays there, they will not be able to get back into the shelter.”

Several homeowners plan to attend the Council meeting on November 25th, to again voice objection to the location of this project. Join us there.