Time for healing and precautions

Re “Trial in Market Crash Set to Begin,” Sept. 4

We are about to compound the Santa Monica market crash tragedy twice over. First, by subjecting an honorable elderly man to criminal liability for a terrible lapse of coordination. Second, by spending huge sums of money on a foolish trial when there are still crash victims who need compensation for their losses. The district attorney’s office should drop its case and pay victims the amount it would otherwise have spent in court. Then we should redouble efforts to prevent similar accidents. It’s more than three years since that ghastly day. Healing is long overdue.

DANIEL HINERFELD

Santa Monica

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The article on the Weller trial prompted me to communicate my ongoing concern regarding local farmers markets and the inconsistent use of vehicle barriers. I attend a Sunday farmers market in Brentwood on occasion and drive by it frequently. Often, there is nothing blocking either end of the market. Sometimes there is a police car or truck at one end and nothing at the other end. Three years after the Santa Monica tragedy, I find this hard to fathom. Given the likely reality that numerous individuals could have driving skills similar to Weller’s, it seems that the local cities need to establish and enforce laws requiring the use of barricades to prevent a similar disaster.

LAURIE ADAMI

Santa Monica