By Judy Rambeau Assistant to the City Manager Modern life in paradise Editor:
Mayor Richard Bloom forwarded to our office Matt Schabe’s e-mail regarding his family’s unsettling experience in the alley behind Toys ’R Us recently and your opinion regarding the city’s efforts to combat homelessness (SMDP, Oct. 5, page 6).
The mayor has already responded to you on the work being done locally and regionally to eliminate homelessness in the next decade, outlining Santa Monica’s efforts in this regard through both police and social services. As he said, homelessness is a national problem, and federal dollars are needed for the implementation of regional plans that will really work to help those in need and retain the quality of life our residents — and all citizens — expect and deserve.
While we look at the longer term solutions, we are challenged daily, as you point out, with jarring examples of life on the street. In response to concerns raised about the condition of the alley between Fourth and Fifth street, a city maintenance crew was dispatched and cleaned up the area by 11:30 a.m. Sadly, when inspectors drove the alley half an hour later, clean-up was again needed. We are working with the management of the business establishments using the alley to help us keep the area clean and to move the trucks that provide a screen for activity. We will continue monitoring all of the downtown and doing our utmost to keep the area safe and sanitary for all. We hope you will continue patronizing Santa Monica businesses and will stay in touch regarding areas of concern.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on October 8, 2004. Read the original PDF.