By Pat Robles Santa Monica City Hall has a candidate Editor:
I read about the no smoking in outside dining areas in Santa Monica (SMDP, April 29, page 1). I am not opposed to that, but to make it a law is outrageous. As it is, now we have too many laws in Santa Monica that are never enforced.
Since Christine Reed Park has been closed for whatever reason, the homeless population has moved to the parkway there. It is so nice to look out at the park and not see piles of rubbish all over the place. On Sunday mornings the people are fed — against the city ordinance. Who is enforcing that law? They are also fed in the beautiful Palisades Park. They leave so much trash that attracts flies that the people of Santa Monica can’t enjoy a stroll through the park.
If they are going to be fed, whoever is feeding them should provide and enforce trash pick-up and portable potties. Wherever you go in Santa Monica there is evidence of people defecating and urinating all over town. Our city smells like a dirty toilet.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on May 3, 2005. Read the original PDF.