Letters to the Editor

$750,000 Fence

The decision by Long Beach officials to spend $750,000 on fencing around a public library raises serious concerns about priorities and effectiveness. While safety and accessibility are valid goals, this approach treats a visible symptom—homeless encampments—rather than addressing underlying causes like housing shortages, mental health needs, and economic instability.

A fence may temporarily displace individuals, but it does not resolve the conditions that led them there in the first place.

Moreover, allocating such a large sum to physical barriers risks undermining the library’s role as an inclusive public space. Libraries are traditionally places of refuge, learning, and community support, especially for vulnerable populations. Turning them into fortified zones sends a message of exclusion rather than assistance.

A more cost-effective and humane alternative could involve policy measures, such as implementing a curfew ordinance paired with outreach services, shelter expansion, and coordinated social programs. This would balance public access with accountability, without the heavy capital expense.

Ultimately, the issue is not whether action should be taken, but whether this particular solution reflects thoughtful governance. Spending three-quarters of a million dollars on fencing suggests a short-term fix rather than a sustainable strategy.

Rob Lepe, via Nextdoor

Time to Vote

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Time to vote. Time to make our voices heard loud and clear through all the noise and distractions of the times we are living in now. It is time for us to speak and exercise the power of our voice through our vote.

Some might say that this June 2nd election, which is a local election, isn’t that important. I beg to differ; it is just the opposite. Our local election in which we will select our local officials is the most important election. Local government provides us access to our officials. We can attend decision-making meetings, make our thoughts known, ask questions, provide input, and if necessary hold their feet to the fire. They are our employees and we are hiring them with our vote. Unfortunately, some of them have forgotten this and need to be reminded through the power of the vote.

It is this local election that sets the precedent for the road to the White House. We need to select people for Long Beach City Council who would be just as reliable as they ascend the political ladder.

Living in the 3rd District, that person to me would be current City Councilor Kristina Duggan. I have had several situations in which I have needed to contact my City Councilor. Ms. Duggan was always responsive, and either she or her chief of staff, Nick Kaspar, spoke to my concerns and worked to find solutions.

To me, this is the most important task of a city official: to be available to listen and work on solutions. Sadly, this has become a forgotten attribute for some of our leaders, who opt instead to further their own political aspirations, becoming legends in their own minds. (Five years later, I am still waiting for a response from then-Mayor Robert Garcia, a former Republican activist who is now our Democratic Congressman and Ranking Member of the House Oversight Committee. He always did have a talent for overlooking things.)

Councilor Duggan is different. No matter what your politics are, or whether or not you agree with all of her decisions, she and her office will always listen and be available to you. This to me is the most important part of good governing, and right here and right now is where it all begins.

Let’s start taking back the reins of government. Look for your ballot in the mail, grab it, and vote – and if you live in the 3rd District, let’s re-elect Kristina Duggan to Long Beach City Council!

Merry Colvin

Middle East War

The April 17th, 2026 article in the Beachcomber on the Middle East War by Marshall Blesofsky presents a one-sided narrative of the Middle East conflict that overlooks critical context and, in some cases, misrepresents key facts.

The claim that Iran posed no imminent threat is not just questionable it also ignores decades of reality.

The regime of the Ayatollah has been responsible for the death of more than1,000 American citizens, with attacks on US Military bases, the kidnapping of American citizens, and the arming of proxies across the Middle East and beyond.

Iran has amassed 450 Kg of enriched Uranium which are sufficient for 11 nuclear bombs and they also developed advanced ballistic missiles. Recently we also learned that the missiles could travel 4,500 kilometers from Teheran to many European capitals, as a potential target.

The omission of historical context weakens the argument of Iran not being a threat.

The current situation did not emerge in a vacuum, it is the result of decades of failed negotiations, violence, civilian suffering and deeply rooted political and ideological divisions.

Ignoring this complexity leads readers to the conclusions that are emotionally compelling but analytically incomplete.

Above all the Ayatollah never hid his intentions. For 47 years it has called for the destruction of Israel and also the United States.

When terrorists openly tell you who they are, believe them, the next world for them is more beguiling than the present one.

Several US administrations tried to negotiate a peace agreement with the Ayatollah only to be turned down. President Obama’s administration even delivered by cargo airplane 1.2 billion dollars in cash, but failed miserably.

President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu are two brave leaders who took the steps to save the world from a nuclear catastrophe.

Finally, Mr. Blesofsky does not represent the Jewish people who have endured centuries of persecution, exile and attempted annihilation.

The Iranian people have been a strong supporter of the Trump and Netanyahu’s war against the IGRC as demonstrations were seen with signs thanking Trump and Netanyahu for their stance against the Ayatollah over 40,000 people were murdered in cold blood within few days.

Similarly, in Los Angeles Jews and Iranian dissidents joined together to demonstrate in support of the war and a hope for freedom for the Iranian people.

 Israel Menachem