[redwitch]

I think there are a lot of good people and things in Wildwood. I also think there is a severe drug problem there. That doesn't mean don't go there. It means be careful -- don't flash a lot of cash, lock your car, etc. Normal, safe things to do. I don't go to Wildwood at night by myself; I will with friends to eat in some of the lovely restaurants there.

I used to live in the Tenderloin in San Francisco. During the day, it was perfectly safe and I would often walk through it to get to downtown. At night, it was another story. I wouldn't even walk the area with my husband and we'd been accosted more than once while in our car.

I've delivered food for Project Open Hand in the Avenues of Oakland (very gang-infested). No problem during daylight hours, as long as I stayed alert and aware.

I doubt I will visit Brownwood until it has been shown that visitors will be safe. I know I won't be driving my golf cart south of 466A after dark unless outlying areas change. If there is serious drug usage in an area, you have to be more careful. Robberies and muggings are real dangers, so you need to be alert and use common sense. For all of the good things in Wildwood (and there are many), there are drugs there and, from what I've read and heard, it is a serious problem there.

BTW -- Can't wait to check out the farmer's market and I really like Polly's Pantry. Haven't eaten at the Cotillion yet, but I've heard many good things about it. I'm not much of a shopper, so the stores really have no interest for me.