Denying opportunity to young people

EDITOR: It is often said that Santa Rosa is a most desirable place to live. That statement becomes very questionable when selfish people attempt to block (without merit) opportunity and safety for our young people.

Last year, I was able to help one young resident of Tamayo Youth Center secure her first job. Her radiant excitement will live within me for the rest of my life. She is young, coachable, responsible, focused and grateful. The young man who played the lead in the Santa Rosa Junior College production of "Les Miserables" is another example of energy, skill, and achievement. Would the NIMBYs opposed to the Dream Center deny our youth these opportunities to succeed?

They would not do it with their own children. Why are they intent on driving children who have not had the fortune of wealth and close families to the street life?

JIM WIESCHENDORFF

Santa Rosa