In response to “Encampments return to Santa Maria Riverbed” (Jan. 30): I understand that Japan removes homeless people from the street, provides a livable detention area with basic needs. Basically, they are incarcerated. They are cleaned up (from addiction) and given an opportunity to improve their ability to thrive and return back into society. If this does not work, they may return again, stay off the streets, and are provided for.
All people deserve dignity. Just need to provide the correct measure.
The root cause is not necessarily high prices to live, or job market, but the influx of very powerful drugs, causing substance addiction. People’s ignorance of “just” trying the drugs “one time,” of the vulnerable, is the tipping point to heading downhill. These drugs only take one time to take a hold of a person. Some people absolutely cannot shake the addiction. It is so strong.
Just wanted to share my thoughts on this issue. We are all empathetic, but also frustrated.
I wonder if we still teach students in our schools that illegal drugs are bad.
Gregory A. Jensen
Camarillo
This article appears in Feb 6-16, 2025.