Editor:

It confounds me that yet again, we have had another violent event that is so close to home. It causes anger and contempt to boil to the surface that lasts for days. 

In February, the shooting was seven blocks from home; Friday, it was two blocks from home. I was reflecting on just how many events have happened on the Semiahmoo Peninsula in recent years. It is infuriating and sad. The number is astounding. 

Our community is being torn apart by overdevelopment and by people who have no regard for what we, who are long-term residents, have nurtured. I remember campaigning to "Save our Sunnyside" and how proud I was to have been part of that. Now it seems to have not been worth it. Why work so hard for something when others selfishly come to destroy the area around it?

I find it truly baffling that intelligence-gathering on these miscreants can't be improved so that we don't have stray bullets flying around at 8:46 in the morning.

When I hear the statement that "the general public is not at risk," I become very cynical and sarcastic. It's our homes and vehicles that end up with holes in them. We are inside our homes and vehicles, so we are at risk! I am amazed that there were immediate arrests made.

Let's hope the charges stick and don't get bartered down to some petty crime. I really wish legislation existed that made crimes with a firearm come with mandatory minimums, but that was never passed. Can't imagine why.

I must say that my core says to be a good neighbour and get to know those who live next to me. That's how I was raised and something I have always enjoyed, but now that seems to be risky behaviour as there is no way to know who is next on the hit list.

I remember when there used to be public warnings broadcasted on the evening news that gave us a heads up about those in the crime/gang life, and who not to be seen with at a bar or club. It really is tragic that now, if that information was shared, it would mean selling your home and moving.  

Brad Paddock, South 性视界传媒