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# Get a handle on panhandling
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/get-a-handle-on-panhandling-editor/
- Published: 2008-07-12T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-24T20:09:51.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Opinion, Santa Monica, #archive-import

*By Julia Reeves*

A ban on panhandling would be most welcome from my vantage point.

What is the difference between a robbery/hold up, and being approached by a panhandler? The big difference, from my point of view, is that the panhandler does not approach his/her victims with a gun in hand, at least, not that I have heard or know of. What the panhandler plans to do with money collected is unknown, and whether the panhandler is in dire need of the cash which is “requested,” or whether it just a plain scam, a cleverly, or maybe not so cleverly disguised attempted hold up, is unclear. Personally, I believe that there are many out there who may conceivably make a “good living” panhandling, and I suggest that those who are approached do not give any money, but, instead direct them to one of the many agencies in Santa Monica where help can be sought. I have been approached by panhandlers who have raised serious suspicion in my mind, and I even commented to someone nearby where I was approached, “That guy is a millionaire.” The passerby questioned, “Really,” to which I responded I did not know, but he seemed very intelligent, and could be spending his time in better pursuits.

A ban on such pursuits would be most welcome.

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on July 12, 2008.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/071208.pdf?ref=smdp.com)