Impact of `useless wars' on homelessness

I've been attending the Chico Peace Vigil. I bring a replica of a billboard I did in August 2014, “US supports Israel killing children.”

According to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, in 50 days in July and August 2014, Israel killed 2,251, including 551 children and 299 women. Now Israel's US supported carnage is exponentially worse, with Euro-Med Monitor estimating that in just three months, with US supplied weapons, 30,676 Palestinians have been killed, 28,201 civilians, including 12,040 children, 6,103 women, and 105 journalists.

The E-R reported on Dec. 28 that “California's homeless population grew 6% this year.” The homeless population will continue to grow as social services are cut due to the US astronomical debt of $34 trillion, much due to US useless wars.

Eisenhower, 1953 “Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired signifies, in the final sense, a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed. This world in arms is not spending money alone. It is spending the sweat of its laborers, the genius of its scientists, the hopes of its children … This is not a way of life at all, in any true sense. Under the cloud of threatening war, it is humanity hanging from a cross of iron”

To better understand US foreign policy, come to hear a retired CSU Chico professor talk on “The United States at War: Gaza and the Geo-Political Impact,” Sunday, January 14, 4-6 p.m. at the Meeting Room of the Chico Library. Come to learn, question and discuss.

— Lucy Cooke, Butte Valley

Former Chico fire chief supports Valley's Edge

As the former fire chief for the Cities of Chico, Rocklin, and Lincoln, I am writing to express my staunch support for the Valley's Edge Development, in response to concerns raised by individuals who suggest it poses a wildland fire hazard.

First and foremost, it is crucial to highlight that the Valley's Edge Development has been designed and constructed with an unwavering commitment to fire safety. The developers have undertaken rigorous measures to ensure that the community is built to the highest standards, utilizing fire-resistant materials, and implementing comprehensive wildfire mitigation strategies.

As a former fire chief, I understand the importance of defensible space, proper building design, evacuation planning, and community-wide preparedness in reducing the risk of wildfires. I can attest that Valley's Edge has not only met but exceeded these expectations. It is a testament to the commitment to safety and sustainability, setting a benchmark for future developments in the region. By dispelling unfounded concerns, we can appreciate the efforts invested in creating a community that not only adheres to but exceeds the highest building standards.

In conclusion, Valley's Edge is not just a development; it is a manifestation of thoughtful planning, collaboration, and dedication to fire safety. As someone who has dedicated their career to fire prevention and management, I am confident that Valley's Edge will contribute positively to the community and serve as a model for responsible development in fireprone areas. — Bill Hack, Chico

Safe Space shelters, intake don't increase crime

I was heartened to see in Tuesday's E-R that the city and Safe Space Chico have agreed upon an intake center for the rest of the season.

As the debate about the intake center unfolded over the last few weeks, I revisited a study I conducted with colleagues Greg Madonia and Peter Hansen several years ago regarding Safe Space and crime. We analyzed both arrest records and calls for service around Safe Space locations between 2015 and 2019, and find no effect of Safe

Space on crime in the immediate neighborhood of the shelter or intake location. This includes the churches hosting Safe Space, as well as the fixed locations used by Safe Space during those seasons.

To reiterate, there was no additional crime around either the intake location or host church when Safe Space was present, compared to when Safe Space was not operating.

If interested, please find the full community report regarding this study on the Housing Research Group website — https://housingresearchgroup. csuchico.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Safe_Space_CR2.2.211.pdf

— Jen Wilking, Chico