Solana Beach Resident Speaks Out: âWe Feel Vulnerable in Our Own Communityâ
Solana Beach resident John Young has voiced his concerns following a recent incident where a boat carrying illegal immigrants landed on the local beach. The event, which gained attention through a report by journalist Ben Bergquam, has left many in the coastal community feeling uneasy about their safety and the state of border security.
âAs a resident here, weâre terrified,â Young said. âWe donât know whoâs coming off those boats. It could be families, but it could also be drug dealers, traffickers, or even terrorists. Not knowingâand not having our beaches protectedâis unacceptable.â
Young expressed frustration with what he described as lax policies at the state and federal levels. âI blame our governor for his lenient practices throughout the state,â he said. âWeâre the United States of America. With all our technologyâradars, satellitesâit should be obvious when a random boat is cruising up from Tijuana or the border. But instead, theyâre letting them land in private communities like ours.â
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Residents like Young are particularly concerned about the lack of proactive measures to address these incidents. âWe pay a lot of money to live here,â he said. âWe pay property taxes, and we expect protection. Right now, it feels like weâre not getting it.â
Youngâs frustration extends to national leadership as well. He highlighted his support for former President Donald Trump and his border policies. âThis is why I voted for Trump,â he explained. âHeâs bold enough to say, âWeâre going to protect our border.â And really, whatâs the problem with that? Every country protects their borders.â
Reflecting on past political dynamics, Young criticized what he viewed as political obstruction during Trumpâs presidency. âHe faced resistance from all sidesâimpeachments, investigationsâyou name it,â he said. âThey weaponized the government against him. It was pretty obvious.â
For Young, these challenges underscore the need for stronger leadership and accountability. âWe donât worship our government; we worship God,â he said. âBut here in California, even that seems taboo. Christianity feels under attack, just like our communities.â
Beyond border security, Young raised concerns about taxes and government spending. âI donât mind paying taxes, but the way the government is spending them right nowâwhatâs the point?â he asked. âWhy work hard if our money is just going to people who donât even belong here?â
As Solana Beach residents continue to grapple with the implications of the recent boat landing, Young hopes for change at the national level. âWe need leadership that prioritizes security, common sense, and fairness,â he said. âUntil then, weâre left hoping someone will step up and protect us.â
Youngâs remarks echo a broader sentiment of frustration and vulnerability among residents in coastal communities dealing with similar incidents. For them, the need for decisive action and effective solutions has never been more urgent.