First and foremost, I would like to thank anyone taking a moment to read this letter. You are the basis of why I want this to work. I know first hand (because I’m out here too) just how difficult it can be to be on the streets. Things happen that wouldn’t normally happen if we had shelter – encroachment, endless “camping” violations, etc. We have been on the negative side with police contact since the very beginning. A lot of times these violations are wrong and stupid. Can I ask you something honestly, though? Have you ever walked down by the riverbed, even it’s just along the trail, and seen the monstrosity of garbage that is there? I don’t know about you, but it makes me sad. It’s not difficult to pick up after ourselves. Take a grocery bag with you and discard it in the garbage cans (they’re everywhere). Sometimes it’s because of the things the homeless are doing to this place. San Diego is beautiful. Yet the bike paths are filled with questionable matter, because of some lazy individuals who don’t care. I ask of you, beg of you, let’s try to care a little so we can prove to the ones who condemn us, and speak badly of us, that we were raised better. Even if you don’t know how to clean, that’s OK. Just pick up scattered trash and debris and throw it away. This mess is the main barrier between us and the residents (with homes) here in San Diego County. They don’t like us here because we’re ruining this place with litter. Plainly stated and dually noted. Shianne Westbrook
San Diego