By Carole Warren Santa Monica
In a perfect world, there would be equal opportunity for all, but in the city of Santa Monica, in this year of 2006, we find ourselves subject to the vagrancies of vagrants. For years, Santa Monica and its resident politicians have chosen to welcome the homeless to our community. In doing so, they severely limit the rights of taxpaying homeowners and rent paying tenants.
I oppose the re-election of Kevin McKeown, who continually exacerbates this problem. In his stead, I hope the voters of Santa Monica will support Bob Holbrook and Terry O’Day, who will help restore our city to the beautiful and safe place that it once was.
For three years, I worked tirelessly with adult volunteers and students to feed and clothe Santa Monica's homeless. Now, with the benefit of perspective, I am saddened that, in spite of our outreach, the homeless break our laws on a daily basis. They gather in Palisades Park, the promenade and on the beach path with shopping carts that are the property of individual store owners. They litter with their food and cigarettes, and some go so far as to urinate and defecate on public property. It is not unusual, day or night, to have one’s solitude broken by the breaking of bottles, cussing and fighting.
By all means, let us assist the homeless in their plight. Let us also limit their ability to take over public space and make that space untenable to residents.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on November 2, 2006. Read the original PDF.