http://www.10news.com/editorials/9726826/detail.html

10News Editorial: Migrant Camps

POSTED: 2:54 pm PDT August 23, 2006
UPDATED: 3:19 pm PDT August 23, 2006

SAN DIEGO -- Don't just move this housing problem.

As many as 300 people live in shacks in McGonigle Canyon, a piece of land between Carmel Valley and Rancho Peñasquitos. The site has been home to migrant workers, both documented and undocumented, for more than 15 years.

Two years ago, the camps were removed from an outside section of the land, but they simply relocated further in. Now, San Diego City Council President Scott Peters leads an effort to shut down the camp once and for all.

Councilman Peters says real environmental and health concerns make the closing necessary, but he also admits there are no housing alternatives once the huts are gone.

10News says without someplace to go, the workers will likely move the site, and the problem, to another community.

We call on Council President Peters to take an additional step that shows longterm vision. Work with local non-profits and support groups to find real alternatives to these camps. We need a long-term solution, not musical chairs.

That's our opinion, what's yours?