Pubdate: Sun, 25 Dec 2005
Source: Desert Sun, The (CA)
Copyright: 2005 The Desert Sun
Contact:  http://www.thedesertsun.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1112
Author: Bill Burgess
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

IT TAKES A VILLAGE

Thank you for your extensive articles and opinion on the meth epidemic
("Meth lurks everywhere," Dec. 18, and "The Face of addiction," Dec. 19). It
is so important that people understand the horror of this epidemic and how
it destroys people and tears apart families, leading to increased crime and
violence.

Here in Warm Sands we have shown that persevering and remaining
watchful, reporting to police and becoming proactive in a neighborhood
environment can get results. Thanks to the police chief and his
officers, the Coachella Valley Drug Task Force, City Manager David
Ready and Councilwoman Ginny Foat, we have made a difference and are
getting our neighborhood back.

The nature of the use and dealing of this drug often causes the
sources to move to a new location when there has been interference by
authorities. Sometimes the new location can be only blocks away.
Breaking the stranglehold on users is the most difficult part of the
process. As long as there are buyers, there are suppliers.

Collectively, we need to protect Coachella Valley communities from
this scourge. Everyone must be watchful of activities that get their
attention and report to the authorities.

Bill Burgess

Palm Springs
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin