“Shame on you, Mr. Zane!” and “We Must Keep Searching”

June 13, 2003

Dear Editor,

Denny Zane is at it again, talking out of both sides of his mouth. (“Rising Rents,” June 12, 2003)

Mr. Zane is one of the many white professionals who personally benefited from low-cost, rent controlled housing affordable to the same minorities Mr. Zane so hypocritically decries the loss of.

It's time to face facts, Mr. Zane, for you are one of the chief architects of the rent control scheme that failed to do what you said it would: help the poor, elderly and minorities.

Instead, rent control has been a financial boon to white professionals like yourself, allowing you to occupy affordable housing -- displacing the poor, elderly and minorities -- while providing you the opportunity to save money paying low rent so that you could purchase a home in this community.

Shame on you, Mr. Zane!

Sincerely,
Saul Cohen

June 13, 2003

Dear Editor,

For the past three years, a unique group called Community for Excellent Public Schools has been exploring and studying options and strategies for increasing funding for our public schools in Santa Monica and Malibu.

We would like to point out just what CEPS stands for, literally and symbolically, because each part is important. The acronym CEPS is for:
Community for
Excellent
Public
Schools

All along, we have believed that multiple sources of funding are needed, and that we would not succeed without everyone working together. The outcome of Measure S, and more importantly, the effort that went into achieving the victorious 67.61 percent vote, proved how powerful our community is --- and how much our community cares about education.

But, as you know, the news is not all good.

Our schools still face a serious shortfall in funding. Measure S will make up about half of the $13 million deficit caused by the State's $35 billion deficit.

In order to expect our public schools to be excellent, we must keep searching for funding solutions.

In January, 1,000 citizens rallied at Santa Monica City Hall, imploring our City Council to "double its love" for education and schools, and find a way to contribute another $3.5 million.

In April, 1,000 supporters turned out for the "Pink Slip Parade," marching through the city to show their concern for the 200 school district employees losing their jobs.

And, last week, 12,146 people voted yes on Measure S.

We ask that on Tuesday, the City Council of Santa Monica join the effort in a most meaningful financial way by voting to add another $3.5 million for education in the 2003-2004 budget. What a way to be a pivotal and critical part of our Community for Excellent Public Schools!

Sincerely,