Jacqueline Craven
Oh, my goodness! What a hateful, intolerant diatribe from Matt Borenzweig regarding transients. I am also a longtime Malibu resident, almost 30 years, and I find his letter offensive and completely devoid of empathy for those amongst us who are less fortunate and unable to reside legally in Malibu as he and I do.
If he is concerned about homeless people, who are mentally ill, he could perhaps contact the National Alliance for the Mentally ill (www.nami.org or 800-950-6264) to see how he might help the situation, or write to his representatives about more funding for the mentally disabled, which includes drug addiction.
As for his observation that some day laborers drink alcohol, or use drugs, while waiting for work, I can bet that there is more alcohol and drug use amongst those who hire day laborers than amongst this hard working, diligent group of people, who are not usually homeless, but on the contrary, are striving to support families far away, while living in Los Angeles. They work hard, often doing several jobs, for very little recompense at work that most Americans shun. Who, but the desperate and needy, would travel a few hours before dawn, by bus, facing landslides for an average of $60 a day, if they are amongst the lucky ones.
The tale of the naked transient reminded me of a similar situation involving a well known, well heeled, well loved, local resident a couple of years ago. So that incident is not unique amongst the homeless, and doesn’t Mr. Borenzweig read the Sheriff’s report? Burglaries are part of life in Malibu.
Please don’t blame people who are homeless for the ills of our society. Act, don’t react, and try to be part of the solution. May you find peace and gratitude that you are one of the fortunate.