By CITY COUNCILMAN HERB KATZ
The homeless situation is not a local Santa Monica problem and it cannot depend only on local Santa Monica solutions. It’s clear that the only real long-term solution is to approach this regional problem with a regional plan. That means we must begin talking with leaders of other communities in Los Angeles County and work in concert to create a solution in which all cities and the county participate so we can share the burden and the costs, while ensuring the safety and security of their residents. Otherwise, the problem will simply continue to shift from one local community to another.
At the same time, this approach can provide needed peace of mind in Santa Monica and neighboring communities for older residents, women and others who have the right to feel safe any time of the day or night as they walk through their neighborhoods — without being forced to worry about potential threats from unknown people who are sleeping in doorways, on benches, under bushes, etc.
I will continue to provide a reasonable voice for the community as we develop real answers to the challenge of homelessness — answers that truly address the problem without having lasting negative impacts on Santa Monica residents
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on October 12, 2004. Read the original PDF.