By Kathryn Morea Santa Monica
If the city were truly concerned about code compliance, they could first look at complaints, instead of surprise attacks on random businesses. Several months ago I lodged a complaint about a business in violation of a CUP. I did this after contacting the business personally on at least three occasions. When my efforts failed to result in compliance, I reluctantly contacted code enforcement. Code enforcement did nothing. I never heard back, no letter, no follow-up. As far as I can tell, they never bothered to try to enforce the condition I complained about. That business continues to violate their CUP on a daily basis, and nothing is done.
Meanwhile, the city has hired an inspection officer and plans to hire two more, as well as a support staff person. Does it bother anyone else that during a time we hear so much about “budget cuts” and lack of funds, our city is adding four new full-time positions? And for the sole purpose of charging $500 to innocent business owners while looking for additional revenue from fines as well. Unbelievable. How convenient it is to wage war on businesses. Why are we so quick to defend the poor, the children, the homeless, etc. — yet treat our businesses as though they are enemies of the state? Who will come to their rescue? It’s easy to demonize or at least exclude oneself from the plight of someone who owns a business. They must be rich. They can afford that $500. After all, it’s not coming out of my pocket.
Personally, I do not own a business, so it would be easy to ignore this and go on my way. But I was reminded of Martin Niemöller’s quote about moral failure in the face of the Holocaust: “First they came for the Communists, but I was not a Communist, so I said nothing. Then they came for the Social Democrats, but I was not a Social Democrat, so I did nothing. Then came for the trade unionists, but I was not a trade unionist. And then they came for the Jews, but I was not a Jew, so I did little. Then when they came for me, there was no one left to stand up for me.”
How quickly we forget the lessons of history. Ask yourself, who will be left to stand up for you?
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on June 18, 2004. Read the original PDF.