Editor:
Congratulations on your 85th year of publishing The New Era. Having a hometown newspaper has kept our family up-to-date on the community happenings and filled in our knowledge of the history of Sweet Home. Scott and staff, keep up the good work!
The editorial page and “Letters to the Editor” have been interesting to read. Unfortunately, some of the letters tend to be more emotional than factual. While there are many things to be concerned about in our community and nation, where there seems to be real (or perceived) problems we need to offer solutions.
I suggest that submittals to the “Letters to the Editor” have more civility toward previous published submittals and individuals or organizations mentioned in the letter. One may not agree with a published letter but nevertheless should respond in a courteous manner.
Moving on to another topic: the “street people” and “homeless” in Sweet Home and vicinity. While visiting California several years ago I read an article in the Sacramento Bee about an attempt to address the homeless population in Placerville (slightly larger than Sweet Home.) The published article was followed up with a news report by Tom DuHain on Sept. 25, 2012 from station KCRA channel 3.
The article by Peter Hecht on Nov. 2, 2012 was titled “Hangtown Haven,” a “legal” homeless encampment located 1½ miles east of the downtown area of Placerville on donated private land. The encampment is fenced and has about 40 residents. The residents have a “Haven” committee, which is self-policing; and strict rules are enforced for residents including no drugs or alcohol in the camp.
The camp project organizer, Ron Sachs of J.J.S. Ministries, told the reporter he is proud of the community and the residents who have created a solution to the ongoing problem of random camping, littering, and associated crime along U.S. Highway 50.
While the city of Placerville has authorized the camp, they have been in contact with their county officials seeking a more permanent solution to the displaced homeless in the greater Placerville area.
Placerville’s solution to the homeless problem may not be appropriate for our community and east Linn County; however, the articles offer some ideas to consider for the future.
Read: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/11/02/4956180/placerville-homeless-camp-gets.html #storylink=cpy Read more here: http://www.kcra.com/news/local-news/news-sierra/Placerville-s-legal-homeless-camp-hopes-to-survive/-/12970852/16600530/-/98kxbx/-/index.html#ixzz2B55hI4uH
Hank Berg
Sweet Home