read the downtown policing policy article posted on modesto famous, affects the scene downtown

I do read other blogs, articles here, not just write them, and this one is one that affects the emphasis strategy to develop Modesto into a Regional Cultural hub, quality events, a vibrant entertainment scene, appealing to us lucky to be here and enjoy it, but also to the outlying region, pull those visitors in, bring in some dollars not just to downtown, to Modesto. Cops have a point, they've been pulling for more officers, so they put less overtime into this, etc., and that's an overall area thing, but costs as efren noted in his blog, a reason some of the venues cut back on entertainment beyond the primary food and drink, why your bands might not find it economic to keep on playing, why we're close to that one time plan to be a real vibrant downtown entertainment district, costs of rent, problems of public works construction delays, problems of the local car thieves working that area while we enjoy the fun, and yet I also notice as I did in my recovery month blog, that movement is real in this town, actually one of the strongest Recovery Movements in the country, partially due to we had such a big drug and alcohol problem, you had a lot of folks who needed to take that path, but many really did. Modesto Blues FEstival, a lot of the staff, volunteers, in that crowd, sober, live in clean and sober housing, regular meeting makers of sort that is personal, support group leaders, partner with those organizations, that's rehab groups, mental wellness help, and those costs almost caused JB to pull the plug, on great day in the park, few problems at all with crowd, and yet those costs came up, we had to find some sponsors quick, and these same folks came through for us to put the great day we had on. We understand it, but it really is tough on the promotion of these fun events we all enjoy, have choices to attend, and so your input, as the paying or free to attend public, who seem to enjoy, want these concerts, dance and music opportunities to expand, continue, beyond us in the promotion end, or the bands that play, you need to contact the City and City Council, work with MPD, as we do just to get these things off the ground, as a matter of the real business of bringing entertainment to Modesto. The public who wants it, who wants it to continue, get even better, needs to put that input in, and help with solutions, make the security issues easier on all concerned, even those working overtime on the MPD. So read that article, make those comments, write the bee, letters@modbee.com and city council, put your input in, and put this on the table for a real shape modesto for the better public discussion.