By Marilyn Brennan
Regarding the article in Friday, (SMDP, Sept. 16, page 1), “New cart program rolls onto Promenade,” all I can say is that the raising of the rental and other fees is typical and in keeping with the Bayside District/City Council/city planners usual M.O. of their desire and seeming determination to turn what used to be the “little gem by the sea” into an ugly (if the new prison-like library is an example of future architecture), generic, high priced city that reflects everything that is wrong with America — greed, avarice and the haves pushing the have-nots out into the cold. And of course, they are speaking with forked tongues, saying their goal is to “improve the consumer experience.” Who are they kidding? The new expensive carts will reflect the dull big business concept of mediocre goods and will happily improve the Santa Monica experience — not. Keep it up folks and Santa Monica will be a place no one will want to visit or live. Have Bayside District/City Council/city [planners been going to the G.W. Bush school of rip off?
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on October 4, 2005. Read the original PDF.