By BILL
Last week, (Sept. 3, Page 4) I wrote about the Santa Monica Police Department’s equestrian unit. I said the city was paying for half of the horse’s feed and mounted police officers were paying for the rest of feed costs by asking for donations and pedaling “SMPD Cavalry” T-shirts.
Phillbo Rubish, the unit’s lead officer, i nformed me the city is no longer financially supporting the four horse and rider unit in any way. It’s 100 percent dependent on public donations for feed, stables, hay, veterinary and other expenses. R ubish estimates that the cost to maintain the unit is around $30,000 annually.
The fact that the city contributes nothing is not only unfortunate, it’s downright embarrassing. A city with nearly a half-billion dollar budget can’t spring $30,000 for public safety? Once again, let’s hope City Council rectifies this by appropriating money from their discretionary budget until the horses are fully funded in next year’s budget.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on September 10, 2007. Read the original PDF.