By Kenneth Jones, DVM Santa Monica
I would appreciate being allowed to have the opportunity to respond to Ms. Karen Hernandez’s comments regarding the “smell” on 17th Street between Olympic Boulevard and Michigan Avenue (SMDP, Aug. 15, page 4). We have been practicing veterinary medicine seven days a week on this corner for over 20 years with never a complaint. We take it upon ourselves to clean and sweep the sidewalk about once a day. Most of the time there are leaves, trash, plastic bags, cans, and liquor bottles on the sidewalk. Other people besides our clients walk their dogs on this overpass. It is a long stretch over the 10 freeway with no grass, only cement. I personally have never seen the city of Santa Monica in 21 years sweep this sidewalk. Homeless people live across the street and under the freeway and there is often trash, blankets, and old sleeping bags in the bushes next to the street.
Last week apparently some animal died in the brush next to the freeway causing the smell in the area which had nothing to do with our so-called “sick” clients and their pets. I suggest this area under the freeway needs to be cleaned and monitored by the city. If Ms. Hernandez’s suggestion is to issue a citation, my suggestion is for all of us to pitch in, helping keep the area clean. I will be very happy to allow Ms. Hernandez to help us maintain the area. Perhaps next time the “daily newspaper with issues” should speak first with the veterinary clinic in question or investigate the source of the complaint. We also appreciate Ms. Hernandez for thanking our staff for cleaning up the sidewalk.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on August 19, 2006. Read the original PDF.