JUST BEING NEIGHBORLY
I lived two units down from the house [Theo Douglas’ “The Little Old Lady From Rose Park,” May 27]. There was one woman around often, probably her daughter, and we occasionally spoke. She seemed like she was working hard to get out of there, poundin’ out drywall downtown and riding her bike back and forth. She was good people. There were definitely some shady things goin’ on, but that’s no different than most of the area; it’s this little thing called poverty. You can’t act like it’s not a problem when it’s right next door, and acting pretentious definitely won’t help. Of course [Councilwoman] Suja Lowenthal would love to run her out and help her developer friends make a fine profit. And of course the Rose Park folks—who put up the most redonkulous METAL gazebo in the middle of what was a nice park, complemented by a surveillance system that audibly TELLS YOU to get out if you walk through after 9 p.m.—would love to run these folks out. They are annoyed by anything out of the ordinary. I moved, and for 100 bucks more a month, I get to live right by the ocean.
WANDERLUST
Via thedistrictweekly.com

This story is being very kind to Effinger and almost makes her look like a victim. She is not a very nice person. The police have visited that location for many, many years and always seem to find someone to take out of there. This should have happened a long time ago.
ROSE PARK RESIDENT
Via thedistrictweekly.com

Another great story from Theo Douglas. I am amazed something like this can go on in my neighborhood. It’s even more startling that this is only two blocks from Suja Lowenthal’s house. Where has she been while this has gone on?
DENNIS M.
Via thedistrictweekly.com

RAISING THE BAR
Conditions in Belmont Shore bars are only part of the equation in keeping a healthy balance between a vibrant nightlife (which the majority of my neighbors enjoy) and an area that can at times be out of control [Dave Wielenga’s “Say Cheese!” May 27]. I have personally expressed my concerns to Councilmember Gary DeLong and the Long Beach Police Department about the lack of police presence between 1:30 a.m. and 3 a.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. A single patrol car—which can be called out of Belmont Shore at any time—is not sufficient to police this area when it is flooded by out-of-town bar patrons on weekends. This same concern has been expressed to me by Second Street business owners whose storefronts are subject to ongoing acts of vandalism. The bar conditions were a good start. Now further cooperation with the city and police to help alleviate reoccurring problems is the next logical step. If these videos posted by residents speed up this process, then I view them as having a positive impact.
JOHN FORSTROM
Via thedistrictweekly.com

The point has been reached that we should set midnight as the last call for beer, liquor and wine sales in Long Beach bars, with a 12:30 a.m. exit time. A few drinks more will not make the less attractive more attractive to the even-less-attractive loser—the likes of whom have been featured on the recent YouTube videos.
LAURENCE B. GOODHUE
Via thedistrictweekly.com

WE’RE SENSITIVE THAT WAY
Ohhh, District, how did you know about the terrible demise of my relationship—the one that caused me to miss two finals after a brief self-indulgent bout of alcoholism? Your quarterlife crisis article [Kate Carraway’s “All the Lonely People,” May 20] couldn’t have come at a better time. I will now attempt to “grow the fuck up.” Thanks!
DANA KINSEY
Via letters@thedistrictweekly.com