Community Forum: Santa Rosa needs to be rid of its video arcades

Editor:
My fellow Santa Rosans, it is time to evaluate the so-called video gamerooms in our community. We all know they are illegal gambling establishments, don't we? So let's start with that. Anyone disagree?

Ownership is held by non-Santa Rosans, profits go to non-Santa Rosans and most gamblers are non-Santa Rosans.

Lately, we have had a shooting and an attempted robbery in which robbers allegedly ran off and got away with nothing. Hmm. A video arcade where no money prizes are allowed is the target of an armed robbery. I'm no detective, but that sounds pretty fishy.

So where is this leading? What am I trying to say?

It's time to take our heads out of the sand and stop pretending that these video arcades are somehow a benefit to Santa Rosa. Our community faces nothing but trouble and my friend and sheriff, Omar Lucio, needs to put a stop to this load of hypocrisy.

If these places are illegal, shut them down and keep them shut down until our laws say they can be in business.

We already have drug-related shootings, hangings and disappearances. Oh, I forgot, those don't exist either. What's next - hookers on Main Street? Not in my town! Bring the paddy wagon, sheriff, you'll still have my vote.
Ramiro Ochoa
Santa Rosa

Solicitors part of how Wal-Mart pitches in
Editor:
This is in response to the reader complaining about solicitors at Wal-Mart. You had very valid points. That's why Wal-Mart has guidelines for solicitors to follow. Please check with management.

But, mostly, this letter is to praise Wal-Mart. Of course they're in business to make money - that's the American way! But, when America was threatened, Wal-Mart was there!

I lived in Michigan on 9-11. The attacks occurred in the morning. That evening, there were four semi-trucks in the parking lot loading supplies for our neighbors in New York. At the state entrance, there was a spontaneous gathering of people praying and singing "God Bless America." Management never asked us to leave or to stop caring for our neighbors.

That's why the Girl Scouts and other community groups solicit at Wal-Mart. We are friends and neighbors helping each other. That's the American way!
Elia Grimes
Harlingen
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DROP US A LINE
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