Regarding Noozhawk publisher Bill Macfadyen’s Feb. 17 column, “Santa Barbara Tourist Murder Story Grows into a Gang Gunfight,” Santa Barbara DEFINITELY has a gang problem.
I was born and raised on the Westside, and have lived here for most of my life (80 years and going strong!). Either the chief of police does not know what she’s talking about or she’s not being straight with us — alarming either way.
Thank you to Noozhawk for not swallowing the official line and pretending there is no problem. You have to expose this. Please keep digging.
D. Lopez
Santa Barbara
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Regarding the Feb. 18 article, “Santa Barbara Mayor Issues Statement on Dec. 9 Tourist Murder Case,” while I welcome Mayor Randy Rowse’s very belated condemnation of the tourist murder in his town, why does he feel the need to take a gratuitous swipe at his constituents?
He writes: “The thorough and patient procedures followed by our law enforcement personnel, while criticized by some …” — as if those of us critical of the city’s response were complaining that the police solved this crime! WTH?!
I don’t know who Rowse has been talking to, but A LOT OF US in Santa Barbara agree with Noozhawk publisher Bill Macfadyen’s criticism of how this case has been handled from the beginning.
We support the police. We don’t want to be lied to about the crime we see and experience on a daily basis. And we don’t like being given the runaround by city leadership — starting with Rowse.
T. White
Santa Barbara
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I hope Mayor Randy Rowse didn’t overexert himself while working on his statement about the alleged gang murder of Camarillo tourist Rob Gutierrez — two months ago. What took him so long?
Sam Peña
Santa Barbara
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I voted for Mayor Randy Rowse, but his uncharacteristic absence has been a huge disappointment. His “statement” was just lame.
Bob Carey
Santa Barbara
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Thank you to Noozhawk publisher Bill Macfadyen for voicing what many are thinking.
When I read Jerry Roberts’ interview with the new Santa Barbara police chief I was appalled. With her attitude of “No problem, nothing to see here!” I have little faith that things will get better.
I am surprised that Mayor Randy Rowse has not taken a strong stand on this.
Thank you for your part in keeping our leaders accountable.
Glenn Avolio
Santa Barbara
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It is reassuring and comforting that Noozhawk’s journalists are doing the job we expect them to do.
The Stearns Wharf investigation and gang activity in general needs to be reported on. Public officials need to have their feet held to the fire if they won’t do the job taxpayers pay them to do.
What a tragedy this shooting is. I can easily wonder what if that happened to me, how devastated my family would be.
Hoodlums running wild is not acceptable. I, for one, will not feel safe as a visitor until gang activity is snuffed out. California risks being taken over by Mexican drug cartel-like crime.
Good work, Noozhawk.
Jan Lipski
Vandenberg Village
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