From the Email Inbox: Youth and Security there is a Connection

Dear Gramps,

I am deeply concerned about the number of children who are at home alone after school and walking the streets at night. While some may say that is the parent's problem; I say our City Council has failed our children.

City Council is concerned with national security, but not our children's well being. That appalls me. They have been asked to bring back the Recreation Department. They have even been offered grant money by the State.

Our City Council members, like their picture in the paper with a new jungle gym at Pico Park for little tots but she offers nothing for children of school age. Oh, she will say they have baseball, soccer, basketball, girl scouts and boy scouts. These are really not her doing but hard working parents who have created and sustained these outlets. And, that doesn't offer anything to parents whose children don't like that sort of thing or can't afford $85. Those children who would just rather do art, music, or skateboarding, bicycling, chess.

The truth is, there aren't enough parks or facilities to sustain the children in Grand Terrace. There aren't enough programs or care facilities. Yes, there is the Grand Terrace Day Care, but they really aren't set up for older children. Grand Terrace Day Care is a money making venture which provides profit to the city. It is a unique opportunity for the City to expand its usefulness to our older children.

Last night I saw a new group of boys walking the streets. What else do they have to entertain themselves. I just hope they aren't so board to start trying drugs or alcohol.