Letters to the editor: Dealing with inflation; crime issue in Simi
Learn how to combat inflation
Inflation continues to drive up the cost of living, making it difficult for average individuals to afford everyday items. Raising the minimum wage alone is not enough to combat this issue. It’s time to take action and learn what we can do to stop the nonstop increase of prices.
One solution is to make our governing political powers aware of the issue. Matt Jacobs, a U.S. House Representative, has stated that inflation and the cost of living are the primary concerns of voters. He believes that the spending by congressional Democrats in recent years is partly to blame. Inflation not only drives up the cost of living but also drives people out of the area.
The director of the California economic forecast states in an interview that: “A lot of people have moved out and the population is in decline. The unemployment rate is almost the lowest on record and there’s tons of unfilled job positions, so the labor market isn’t the issue; it’s getting more people that we can get working. The labor market is really strong right now, but we need more workers”
Individuals can also take steps to survive inflation without having to relocate their entire livelihood. Budgeting is the best way to prepare for any financial crisis. Individuals should aim to have six months of cushion expenses in cash to cover living expenses. Having a budget also allows you to apply for assistance before it's too late as you will know when it is needed. Lastly, it’s essential to invest for the future, focusing on long-term investments instead of quick returns.
By taking action and being proactive, we can combat the rising cost of living and inflation. It’s time to implement strategies to ensure that inflation does not destroy our community.
James Cherno, Moorpark
Curtailing crime in Simi Valley
Recently I have noticed an uprising in neighborhood theft in Simi Valley. I have an account with Ring, and on its app it has a neighborhood forum where you can share videos and pictures of lost animals or any suspicious activity.
Recently, I have seen an increase in people reporting suspicious people and theft on the forum. Perhaps the city of Simi Valley can help educate and help provide a program for people to have better surveillance of their property.
I have seen an increase in theft posts in the past three months. It seems that the thieves are focusing on amazon packages and unlocked cars or trucks. This morning as I was getting ready to leave my home around 7:30 a.m., I noticed a handprint on the hood of my car that was parked in my driveway. I noticed that the handprint was fresh because it was not removed by the rain, as if someone had just put their hands on it.
This is happening to people all around Simi Valley and they are completely unaware of it happening. Thieves come in the middle of the night to try and prey on opened cars and packages left outside.
The city of Simi Valley should provide nightly police surveillance in areas that people have been affected by these recent crimes. The city of Simi Valley should also spread the information on the usefulness of owning a Ring doorbell, or any device that allows you to record people entering your property. The most important point is that we as a community stay in touch and point out problems and theft around us. The protection of one’s neighbor is an indirect service to oneself.
Martin de la Torre, Simi Valley
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Letters: Dealing with inflation; crime issue in Simi
