Reader input: 'Tent city' is just a temporary fix

I've written before on the subject of the homeless in our area. While the numbers have gone down, there are still too many of us living in cars and tents. Whether it is because of drugs and/or alcohol, mental problems or simply because the cost of housing has skyrocketed, this situation cannot continue. I read about the temporary "tent city" the county has instituted. While I think this is a step in the right direction, it is only a temporary fix. I also read a recent article where the old Bank of America building was going to be the new home of the High Street Church, which among other things would work in conjunction with The Gathering Inn. They stated the church would offer bible study, prayer meetings and would host up to 30 homeless individuals for a 24-hour period once a month. The Planning Commission denied their permit, stating this was inconsistent with the downtown businesses and feared it would attract more homeless individuals to our town. As I told one supervisor, people don't want the homeless near schools, in neighborhoods and downtown. Just where are they supposed to go? As I also stated, there is no island anywhere in Placer for them to live. If I sound upset, it's because I am. I've been waiting for the Board of Supervisors to make a decision finally about the Campus of Hope, a residential community which would be run by The Gathering Inn. I understand the people of Rocklin and Lincoln do not want this housing project. I say it is about time they come up with another solution or approve this campus. The people of Rocklin and Lincoln are a part of Placer County and should do their part. Auburn should not do all the heavy lifting. Rosalie Wohlfromm Auburn How the airport serves our community Users of our local airport clearly see the relevance and importance of activity happening at KAUN. To the general public, however, the airport may not seem related to their lives. On the contrary, the local airport serves our community by hosting emergency responders, training future aviation workers and supporting commerce. First of all, the Auburn Municipal Airport provides a hub for regional law enforcement, emergency response, search and rescue, fire protection and utilities. CHP, Placer County Sheriff, Civil Air Patrol and PG&E all have bases at KAUN. CAL FIRE, Life Flight Network and other emergency responders also use the airport when working in the region. In addition, the flight schools and other fixed-base operators at Auburn Municipal Airport help launch the careers of pilots and other workers into all aspects of the aviation industry, and make no mistake – aviation supports our modern lives. Freight movement, the travel industry and emergency services are used by most everyone everywhere, however little time an individual may spend considering how overnight packages get to their front porch, or how relatively easy it is to fly across the country. And the Auburn Airport Industrial Park supports commerce. In addition to the many aviation-related businesses located at KAUN, the surrounding commercial area is home to dozens of manufacturers, an international biotech company, distribution centers, two breweries and a distillery, car repair and our beloved Wings restaurant, to name a few. There's a confluence of commerce here at KAUN, and it's good for the community. See you at the airport, Chris Haven President, Auburn Aviation Association