In response to the Oct. 10 article, "Man arraigned on DWI after trying to Flee": We have had two drunken-driving incidents on our street in the last year where the offenders have fled, and we've have been told by more than one officer that we are not to give chase or attempt to apprehend.

We were also told that there could be no action taken by the police if they themselves did not witness the drunken driver behind the wheel. I am very glad that this story turned out the way it did — citizens taking matters into their own hands, resulting in an arrest — and would like to hear from the Santa Fe Police Department as to why this case was different. Once and for all, what is the law? Laws need to be definitive for the public.


Clark coverage

Your recent articles covering the murder of Cary Clark were one-sided, insensitive, and lacked a basic respect for the dead. Human beings are never one-dimensional, and if you would have taken the time to gather more information, you would have found that Cary was an extremely complex, bright, loving man with a lifelong substance-abuse problem. He lived in Santa Fe for 22 years and was a passionate, outspoken person. He was empathic to the poor and to those who do not readily fit into society. He could smell injustice from miles away, and if he was alive to read this, he would have been outraged by your insensitivity. Please use this letter as a tool to look at how you portray victims of crime and those with lifelong substance problems. May Cary rest in peace.


Can't pay for itself

The idea that the Valles Caldera National Preserve pay for itself stems from Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone was our first true National Park, as we know them, and it was nearly our last because it failed to pay for its operation through tourism. Ask any rancher today if the Valles Caldera Preserve can be managed to break even, and the answer would likely be "no."

I've skied and hiked in the preserve a number of times, carried to trailheads to hike in a preserve van. The experiences were delightful and the staff terrific. But we're told that more studies need to be done before more public use can be permitted. Millions have been spent. It's time to turn the site over to the National Park Service, an agency experienced in managing visitor use at less user cost.


Panhandler problem

There are many wonderful things about The City Different, once a person gets over the first impression. However, this city makes a terrible first impression to visitors. Everywhere you look there are panhandlers/beggars holding up signs saying they are stranded here and need money to get out. They approach cars in the streets or stop people outside of restaurants and ask for money. They patrol hotel parking lots and fast-food lots. They scare off customers, forge for cigarette butts, and steal drinks and food. Empty beer bottles and trash litter bus stops and streets.

Drunks can be found urinating on the sides of local retail buildings and sleeping behind Dumpsters. There is gang graffiti everywhere. Santa Fe is a very tolerant city, and because of it we appear very unsafe to visitors. No wonder tourism is declining. Are we "different" for good things or bad?


Doing their part

Hats off to Harry's Roadhouse. Not only do they have fantastic ambiance, service and food, they now have a no-flush urinal in the men's room. They also have warnings on environmental issues posted by the "Green Police." A sense of humor never hurts.


Hit-and-run help

On Sept. 29, I was involved in a hit-and-run accident at the intersection of Sandoval and Aztec streets. As a lifelong resident, I continue to see caring citizens. Thank you to Mr. Steve Sanders, Mr. Randy Newmann and his wife for coming to my immediate assistance. A sincere thank you to the gentlemen who wrote down the license plate number when he saw the car flee. He was quick to realize that his sharp eye was needed when I went down on my motorcycle. Everyone took time in their busy day to make sure I was fine, called the police and remained with me until the police arrived.

The vehicle that ran was a small gray van or SUV. If anyone has any information on the car or driver, please call Officer J. Lopez at 955-5038. Please help keep this dangerous driver off our streets before he seriously injures or kills someone.


Honk if you love it

Be sure and drive by St. Michael's and Hospital drives and see the fabulous stonemasons putting up a superb wall on the corner for Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center.