The next time I read about a death from alcohol poisoning or a drug overdose I will think of you Marion. You are so kind to wish to contribute to their problem. WHAT DO YOU THINK THEY ARE SPENDING THEIR MONEY ON? Keep bagging up the bottles and cans Marion. You are CONTRIBUTING TO THEIR DEATH!

My heart goes out to you Mr. Crandall. You are doing exactly what I did. You are doing what needs to be done to save your son and your family. Dont give Josh F's stupid comments a seconds thought . Its written by someone who we can only hope never spawns any children. I think its obvious why. I went through the drug and alcohol issues with my dauhter. She was a beautiful and bright girl who made some very poor choices. Its devastating and painful beyond words. I remember thinking that she'd never get through this and I believed the same for myself. After several very sad and exausting years, she came out of it! It wasnt easy on any of us but she is back to her sweet and funny self! I know that with his reigns pulled in and a family who loves him enough to make the sacrifice it takes to get him under control, your boy will make it. Then someday, you and your son will be talking about the bad old days and he will thank you for loving him enough to "control" him. Its easy to let them do what they want even if it destroys them. Whats difficult is loving them so much that you will sacrifice whats easy to know every single move they make so that they can get through their problems! I will be praying for your family Mr. Crandall!

I agree with the above! Besides the obvious illegal behavior coupled with more often than not the mess they make sorting out their illegal bounty on my property I dont wish to assist them in their endeavors. What would that be? Do you think that its just possible that they just might be buying drugs and alcohol? So the Democrat do gooders are absolutely going to have to step up and take some responsability for being at fault for the destruction and eventual death of those fine folks. If you cant see the relationship then you must be naive or in complete denial! We are NOT helping them!!!

This was an AWESOME article! I am also annoyed by the jaywalking that seems to be the norm. FINALLY a Jaywalking sting! YEAH!!!!!!

Dale, I dislike the idea of hand outs with no end in site much more than holding someones hand towards a means to an end. It seems to me that public employment would be the win-win compromise for our parks and recreation. Can you imagine how many opportunities there are? There are broken sidewalks and buildings marred by graffitti. There are multitudes of public service opportunities! This would be so much more beneficial to the homeless than hand outs. The city and tax payers save money and the down and out learn a skill that will enable them to re enter the work force with something to put on their resume.

I have been to Cheesecake Factory a few times. First time was because I'd heard so much about it and then again because I had a couple of friends who were dying for cheesecake and thought it was the best cheesecake in the universe. Although it must be noted that that prior to discovering CC factory they thought that it nothing could possibly be more wonderful than a frozen Sarah Lee Cheesecake) Then once again because it was the only place that was open that could seat us in time to make it to a movie on time. I thought it was generally okay. Not great, not horrible but not worth waing for. Different strokes, right?

Its unfortunate any time there are budget issues and people are layed off. I agree that park maintainance shouldnt be fully restored at the expense of recreation programs. I also believe that while focusing upon the subject of what we need to give up, we may be overlooking a wonderful opportunity. We have large population of homeless and jobless men and women that I have no doubt would jump at the chance to find work. Why couldnt the city retain senior Parks and Recreation employees as trainers? If the homeless were then retained at minimum wage, they would have an opportunity to save money towards a more perminent shelter. Even more important, they would have the fantastic chance to learn a trade along with the pride that only working and becoming a contributing member of society can bring. The men and women that ask me for spare change tell me that the only thing in the world that they want is a job so they can get off of the streets. Lets help them to help themselves! I realize that minimum wage isnt a lot of money. However, this is much more than that. I would almost liken it to being paid to attend school.

If you delve deeply into land that has in the past been donated with the stipulation that the gift bear the name of the gifter, I think that most of us would take issue. In the same light, there are countless buildings, Airports and schools that honor individuals that are loved and respected by many yet elicit a negative reaction by others. If its believed that his name is so notorious that the benefits cant possibly outweigh the negatives incited by the name on a plaque or sign then politely decline for the good of all. I wonder how many people have any idea who William Shockley is. I'll hazard to guess that most of the families who use this park will never give the name a second thought. He will as so many before him, be no more than a landmark.

In our Country we are all equal and the same. I am OFFENDED that the word "weight" was used in referencing another individual in conjunction with the words "standards". As a matter of fact I see no reason to refer to another individual as over weight,under weight or however one is perceived. I take issue that the subject of race,gender,creed or color is ever spoken of. While we are on the subject, why are we subscribing to an antiquated grading system in our schools? It is ridiculous and so discouraging to send your child to school only to have the childs tender feelings bruised and made to feel as if its (I feel "it" is a preferable reference as opposed to potentially prejudging the child based on their sex) performance is less than that of another childs. Regardless of performance or effort, all children should expect an A++. The benefit to children who would have traditionally been considered lazy or an underachiever is so much greater than singling out the select and few children traditionally considered "honor students. How can anyone dissagree that in modern society everyone has benefitted from the realization that there are no losers. We are are winners! I for one was so very proud when my young student came home with its first trophy. I asked why this high honor had been bestowed upon my student who was quite obviously so proud that it was obviously rendered nearly speachless! I will always remember the thrill when it answered "I dunno. Everyone in our class got one. I think its cuz we were in the 4th grade. Can I watch a video now?" So if that doesnt say it all I dont know what does. So there you are Mr.Knapp! How DARE you speak of minimum standards? We are all the same! How can you speak of standards when there are no standards? If you happen to think that you have possibly encountered someone who may be "special" you must at least pretend you didnt notice. If you encounter a person who is shaped differently than you or I then please smile but dont stare or make them uncomfotrable. Remember that they are a victim of a society that all but shoved a Big Mac, large Fries, Coke and a deep fried apple pie down their throat!

Lee...All I can say is wow! If all you wanted was someone to accompany you to a concert I would have been happy to be your platonic date for the bargain price of $350.00. For your $350.00 you would be entitled to make small talk utilizing the list of approved topics that i willl provide for your convenience. Absolutely NO knee or hand contact! While I'm at it, there is to be no actual contact with me at all. However, that shouldnt be an issue since its apparent that you just wanted company for the concert along with small talk. I will guarantee that IF the opportunity should arise and only IF I find that the concert will not be of my liking, I will flee at the pace of a brisk walk so as to give you a sporting chance at recovering yor ill spent money. Come on Lee! You sound like a nice guy with average intelligence. You can find a girl to go to concerts and talk with you who will do it because she LIKES you! I have never asked a man to so much as give me a down payment in order to date him.

With all of the cutbacks in what I believe are city necessities, such as Fire and Police departments. Businesses that were once thriving are no longer there. How many homes and businesses do you walk past in the Midtown area alone that now sport Foreclosure or Available for Lease signs? We live in an area that happens to own one of the most burdensome tax rates. If the city ran itself as a business, they would sell this lot. Instead of generating an even larger tax burden in a time when its indisputable that Sacramento as a city is BROKE! When I was running low on funds, I sold my second car and worked weekends in order to pay off my debt. Why shouldnt the city react in a similar way? Sell this piece of land to a developer to pay off debt! Its only my opinion, but I have to believe that services that affect public safety are far more important than anothet park. This is an EXTREMELY personal. Because of a slow economy and layoffs that included the fire department, my 42 year old father DIED of a heart attack that he should have survived! What killed him was what normally would have been a wait of less than 5 minutes for help that became a wait of 18 minutes. And why? It was because of cut backs that included the fire department!

FYI: I camped LEGALLY. I PAID $6.00 a night for pitching my tent and using their facilities. I have never had so much as gotten a speeding ticket. I think I will say good luck to you Tom. I realize now how badly the world has treated you. Its obvious that you have been victimized. You lose the good brother who you could count on to give you food and shelter. How could anyone expect to get a leg up when all they have are Buddhist friends . On top of all that you are dealling with Loaves and Fishes cavalier attitude. Even if they are running a non profit organisation, they have no right to make their own hours. I'm with you on this Tom. Its irresponable of them! You were stuck with a RIDICULOUS FELONY CHARGE!? The system has been against you in every way. Again, I truly wish you the best of luck!

When I was 20, I left my home state and moved to Southern California. I had accepted a much higher paying job that required travel and a move to their corperate offices in Santa Barbara. It was fantastic for a few months until I was informed that they were having financial problems and my job ended just that fast. I scrambled to find ANY job. Not an easy task at the time I lived there. I was out of money and was too proud to call home to ask my family for money or a plane ticket home. I didnt have enough money to pay my rent, so I told my landlord I had to leave and took the last of my savings to by a pup tent. I lived in that tent for months. I showered at camp grounds and occasionally did what I could in gas station rest rooms. I washed my clothes in sinks and hung them over the top of my tent to dry ( it kept them from wrinkling and looked somewhat starched and ironed). I worked as a waitress in Solvang and saved up enough money to get into an apartment. I continued looking for a better job and continued to fight my way back into what I feel is a respectful and dignified life. I contribute to society, I live in a home that I own. I have NEVER accepted help or took the easy way out. I do not begrudge those that need a helping hand. However, if Mr. Armstrong has been homeless for a year, he can not possibly claim that he has made every effort to correct his situation. If the shelters close so early that its not employment friendly, then I believe that the shelters need to adjust their system so that the folks who are attempting to better themselves and are doing their best to eventually leave the shelter are rewarded. This is something that obviously needs to be corrected. I have absolutely no issues whatsoever in regards to assisting those who need a leg up to re-enter society. I take exception to ongoing assistance to professional victims who have made a life style choice.

Why arent we providing them the skills that will get them off the streets permently? Of coarse there will be exceptions-mentally ill or handicapped. Most of the homeless that I encounter daily are more than capable of turning their lives around. Rather than providing shelter and a meal then sending them back to the streets we should assist them in restoring dignity and pride. I would be more than willing to donate towards suitable clothing so they will look their best when they spend their day looking for work. We could easily provide lists of potential employers. We could even seek out businesses who would be willing to take them on even for day labor to get them started. The shelters are a band-aid. Work will be a HUGE step in healing them. Isnt that the biggest issue? I live in Midtown and I see the homeless and most of them are healthier than most of us can ever hope to be! Lets help them in finding purpose and restore their sense of self worth.

I'm glad that the author is not my neighbor. I would like to believe that if one of my neighbors caught someone in the act of expressing themselves on my home or property. Had the police and property owner been notified it could have turned out fine. If the owner was as impressed by the art as the writer, they would have the option of dropping charges and allowing the artist to complete his masterpiece.

Joey-despite the fact that this is not the forum for you to purge yourself of personal challenges I'm going to give you 2 more minutes before I ifind another topic. This is repetitive ( kindly refer to the April 27th for an explaination of what to do when you first feel the urge to "go". ) Or if I wasn't clear in my explaination or I may have been incorrect in my assumption that you had learned what to look for in order to prevent an embarrassing accident as a small child. Either way... In the event that your parents did not teach you this when you were a small child, I'm going to briefly cover potty training 101 (this is in no way sarcastic. I'm honestly convinced you need to go over this) When begin to feel the urge that tells you that you may need to urinate (urinate is a big word for "piss".) this would be the time to begin your quest for a public restroom. Don't wait until its too late. Thats when you are in iminent danger of having an "accident". In your case, the accident will be making a nasty mess on someone elses' personal property. Although I have every confidence that as a responsible adult, you would also make every effort to return to the property and clean the area that you fouled it would be preferable that it not occur at all. I am REPULSED at the thought of cleaning up after an adult. If you have so little control and can't figure out a more civilized option to urinating on someone elses property, buy a box of "Depends". They are adult diapers and I'm certain you'll agree with me when I say they are exactly the answer to your issues! Now that thats settled, I will have to say goodbye and that its been an interesting experience chatting with you. I'm going to jump off of this page since its getting stale chatting about "does Joe need to go potty?" Does Joe know HOW to know if he needs to go potty?" . I'm sure you'll understand. I sincerely hope that you get a handle on your latent potty training issues Joe. Good luck with that.

It cannot be the problem of business owners to provide restrooms for the homeless. I am not uncompassionate to the plight of the homeless. My issues are with supporting the homeless by choice. There is a very large portion of the population who have made "homelessness" a lifestyle choice. These are the nicely tanned folks you see riding bikes that are in better shape than most of us can ever hope to be in! Ive spoken with many of them. They are HAPPY with there situation. Why should the people who made a different lifestyle choice be obligated to become responsible for there basic needs? Because they decided that sleeping in, hanging out with there friends and ILLEGALLY scavenging through garbage cans to get enough money to buy cigerrettes, alcohol and drugs, the stupid people like me should also become responsible for their "basic bodily functions". I give to charities that benefit the impoversed. I will GLADLY give time and money to someone who is homeless through no fault of their own. I resent being forced to be responsible for those who are more than able to help themselves.

I frequent the resaurants in this area. The answer is no...I'm not aware that you have to be a customer. I firmly believe that you SHOULD be a customer, but have yet to see anyone asked to leave. There are a few establishments that I have decided not to frequent any longer since walking into the rest room and finding a couplke of women giving themselves a bums bath. The manager was fine with it. The employees at your fast food restaurants have never kicked anyone out. The 24 hour laundries will not kick them out, I'll hazard a guess that you could walk into the Police Station and they will be happy to show you an alternative to making your unsanitary deposit on somene's property. Why is it someone elses problem that you cant or wont become responsible for yourself??? Were you raised to be a victim and can not accept responsibility for your life and the basic functions that your parents should have taught you? Here, I'm going to help (since you say that you are an "average Joe" and not homeless and I'm assuming of average intelligence) When you begin to feel the little urge to make a potty, dont wait too long little Joey...Go run to the potty before you make a mess in your big boy underooes!!! I'll bet your mommy and daddy never once said go potty in the alley! But maybe I'm being way to hard on you average Joe. I'm sure that you returned to the site of the dirty deed and sterilized it with bleach like any civilized person would do. Right?

Give me a break!!! You are a big boy and I have no doubt that you can tell when you need "to go". Fast food restaurants, gas stations, are among the more acceptable and commonly used facilities. I might even forgive you if you found a descreet area near the railroad tracks. There is NO excuse for an adult of average intelligence to behave like this. Please carry a container that you can use if you have so much trouble finding an acceptable facility to relieve yourself in the future. When did it become okay for property owners or managers to be responsible for cleaning the property that you and others fouled ?