to the editor: Maybe we should resort to that old nickname “The People's Republic of Santa Monica” as a clue as to why tourists don't come and companies don't find it a friendly place to do business (“Fighting for Santa Monica's recovery plan: more police downtown, bringing back lost businesses,” October 28). I just returned from Dubai and saw what a business-friendly environment can bring to an economy. Meanwhile, try to do anything in Santa Monica and you'll be trapped in a swamp of bureaucracy. Additionally, the prospect of going to downtown Santa Monica and being harassed by homeless people is not appealing to tourists.
Finding out why Santa Monica is called “The People's Republic” and addressing those issues head-on would be a good start to rebuilding the image. More police and events on Third Street Promenade are not answers; They are band-aids.
Steven Pokress, Santa Monica
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to the editor: Installing new parking meters in front of businesses, raising rates and making access more restrictive is not the way to boost the city's economy.
It just hurts retailers and angers shoppers.
Kathy Horbund, Venice
