I am writing to express my disappointment and anger about stopping the SOS (Standing on Stone) program at Malibu Methodist. Regardless of whether this is a result of “just a suggestion” from the mayor and mayor pro tem, the church trying to appease its disgruntled neighbors or whatever the reason for this decision, it is cruel and heartless to just stop the program. These people count on us; (they) look forward to a hot meal and warm connection. For some, it is all they have to look forward to.
As an active member of SOS and the OLM community, I must admit I am shocked. I thought we as a “community” were better than that.
While I am disheartened about the current state of affairs of our beloved city, the one last remaining quality, aside from Malibu’s beauty, was that we were a community with a tremendous desire and ability to help anyone in need—no matter their social status.
For the past 27 years, I have prided myself on this belief and raised my children on it. I simply do not understand how this could happen. How can we just turn our backs on these people? Why do we need to stop the meals on Wednesdays and Thursdays? Where will we find a better venue in a nonresidential neighborhood? And most importantly: When?
These questions need answers, but in the meantime I wish the SOS program could continue, especially during the holidays and colder months.
Justine Petretti