While recent columns by Mark Schultz and Brenda James regarding the realities of gun violence in our community were difficult to read, their messages in the Feb. 1 issue of The Durham News were very inspirational. Ms. James has been profoundly affected by the loss of her son who was murdered in 2007. As her friend, Mr. Schultz encouraged readers to talk about gun violence, and more importantly, to take action.

Project Safe Neighborhoods educates community members and connects them with law enforcement representatives so that we can work hand-in-hand to reduce gun crime and violence. As Durham's coordinator, I meet residents daily who want to do something to ensure their family's safety.

I strongly believe that many citizens are troubled by gun crime but don't know how to respond. I believe just as strongly that, as community members, we can turn the tide of violence by transitioning from worrying about it to not tolerating it, talking about it, and taking action against it. We become empowered by being well informed, reporting suspicious activity, and recognizing that there are far more hard-working people in Durham than criminals.

While many of us strive to be the kind of friend that Mr. Schultz has demonstrated himself to be -- one who privately supports a grieving acquaintance then educates the community in order to effect positive change -- I dread the day we might be put to the test. None of us want to lose family members or friends to violence.

By taking action, we can reduce the number of Durham parents who lose children to gun crime and friends who must reach out in the aftermath. Project Safe Neighborhoods is here to help you by sponsoring initiatives to educate and mobilize citizens. Please attend our Community Response training on Feb. 26 from 7 to 8 p.m. at Shepherd's House Church, 107 N. Driver St., to learn about ways you can support Durham neighborhoods impacted by violence. Stay up-to-date with gun crime data on the Project Safe Neighborhoods Web site (www.durhampolice.com/psn). Attend monthly Partners Against Crime meetings or become a block captain. When more of us become involved in the safety of our community we will turn the tide of violence.

Jennifer Snyder, Project Safe Neighborhoods

ELECTRONIC BILLBOARDS A DANGER TO DRIVERS

Is it true that some members of the City Council are in favor of allowing these electronic billboards to come to Durham? I hope not!

If it goes through, there will undoubtedly be more accidents. Not every driver has an equal ability to focus on the road when giant bright lights with changing images are right before them. We have many aging drivers on the road. Why increase the chances that one of them might run into you (or anyone)? Also young new drivers may be at greater risk for distraction.

This electronic billboard idea is bad for many reasons: environmental, financial (if we ever wanted to remove them, Durham taxpayers would have to compensate the advertisers for lost revenue!), and for being a general eyesore near residential neighborhoods. But I think traffic safety is the no-brainer that ought to sink this scam.

Susan Baylies, Durham

SHAME ON THE CITY FOR NEGLECTING PARKS

What is the city going to do about its horrible parks?

Many tennis courts have no nets and need resurfacing. Roads leading to the parks are unpaved, and basketball courts are non-existent or have no nets on the rim. There is no upkeep at all. By Durham Regional the tennis courts were black as the highway, and the park was littered. After seeing what else the park had to offer I left after about five minutes.

I have to drive all the way to Raleigh for good recreation. Raleigh has Millbrook Exchange, Biltmore Hills, Pullen Park, and that's just to name a few.

I am just wondering if the citizens of Durham will have these luxuries anytime soon.

Onterio McAllister, Durham