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# Frustrated in Santa Monica
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/frustrated-in-santa-monica-editor/
- Published: 2005-07-01T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-23T07:21:50.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Opinion, Promenade, #archive-import, Homeless

*By Rich Cooper Santa Monica*

Regarding “Handouts to be managed on Promenade?” (SMDP, June 28, page 1). Kathleen Rawson, executive director of the Bayside District Corp. says, “I’ve hit my frustration level,” referring to the corporate handouts like free chewing gum or cans of soda on the Third Street Promenade.

How awful for Kathleen. I’ve hit my frustration level on some other minor problems that have made the Third Street Promenade the blight of Santa Monica.

I’ve hit my frustration level over the fact that I can’t walk two steps without being approached by homeless and vagrants for money.

I’ve hit my frustration level over the fact that you can’t sit on a bench on the Promenade because the homeless occupy them along with their multitude of overflowing bags and carts.

I’ve hit my frustration level over the fact that portions of the Promenade oftentimes smell like a urinal.

I’ve hit my frustration level over the fact that menacing homeless/runaway teens congregate by the fountains and make it nearly impossible to show a little child the sculptures there.

So, yes, Ms. Rawson, I feel your pain. Let’s concentrate on the big bad corporate wolves demeaning our lovely Promenade by having the audacity to hand out a free cold soda on a hot day. And those nasty gum stains that you’re concerned that our city workers will have to clean? Well of course those gum stains could only be the result of a corporate hand out.

Where else could people possibly get gum? A convenience store maybe? No. Only free gum makes for dirty sidewalks, people would never throw gum on the ground that they bought. True frustration. Have you looked at the sidewalks along Wilshire Boulevard near the Promenade lately? They are filthy. Wilshire is a pit. Gum may not be the biggest problem at hand.

But please, Ms. Rawson, by all means, let’s bog down City hall with an ordinance to make a law. When asked what problems are facing Santa Monica, I’ve no doubt that free soda heads the top of every concerned citizens list.

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on July 1, 2005.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/070105.pdf?ref=smdp.com)