Amongst all the talk of the homeless situation in Santa Monica, something I never see addressed is the problem of extortionists. These are the people who or may not be homeless, but come into the city on the weekend to try to extort money from people. Some of them do not just stand on a corner (or sit in a wheelchair), with a cardboard sign, but rather, walk around the (Third Street) Promenade and the busy streets pressuring people to give them money. I have seen how they operate. They usually pick on young couples, or tourists who are so intimidated. They will readily fork over some cash just to be left alone. And if you’re sitting at an outdoor dining establishment, prepare to be harassed.
There is one man whom I have seen operate in this fashion for over 10 years! I never see him Monday- Thursday, but as soon as Friday, Saturday and Sunday roll around, there he is roaming the streets and doing his act of intimidation. (He also has a handicap placard, so he parks his car in a handicap space on Ocean Avenue while he wanders the streets.) Is there a no panhandling law on the books? If so, why can’t it be enforced? It’s one thing to see the homeless sleeping in the parks, but do we really need to see people on every single street corner asking for change or holding up a sign? Why is it, the performers on the promenade need a permit to try to procure money, but these people do not? I have lived in this city for over 17 years and the situation has never been worse. Gavin Smith
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on April 24, 2007. Read the original PDF.