By Molly Scott Santa Monica
Today was a beautiful day in sunny Santa Monica. I decided to take my son to Reed Park where the YMCA summer camp was spending some time. He enjoyed the sand, the slide and watching all the big kids. He made numerous attempts to escape the confines of the playground to test and push his boundaries as all small children do. As I packed up the stroller I made a mental note to bring his ball next time and skip the playground in lieu of finding a shady spot to practice his new throwing skills. My heart sank as we left the park and every nice spot was occupied by an individual or group of transients. I realized I had the following options: 1. The shady lawn that was occupied by at least five homeless people talking loudly to one another. 2. Another shady spot where a woman sat muttering and twitching to herself. 3. The knoll where a transient couple are lying/sleeping next to their shopping carts and one another. 4. The bright sunny spot occupied by no one yet which held promises of sunburn.
Over lunch, I read Stephen Baker’s letter to the editor (SMDP, July 6, page 4) and I truly identified with his desperation. As taxpaying residents of Santa Monica, we all have an opinion of the homeless issue that plagues our city. Mr. Baker is obviously frustrated and angry. At this point, I am just sad. I am sad that my out-of-town guests cannot see Palisades Park for the beautiful place that it is because all they can see is the numerous people who call it home. I am sad that the police blotter is full of invasive crimes both of property and person committed by transients. I am sad when I walk on Fifth Street from Santa Monica Boulevard up to Wilshire and all I can smell is urine. I am sad that we have great spaces for children, yet I can not seem to find a comfortable spot to play catch.
I second Mr. Baker. Why is it acceptable for the citizens of our city to feel like second-class citizens to the transient population? We have an incredibly unique and beautiful piece of land here compared to the rest of the world. It is the city officials responsibility to ensure that our citizens — our taxpaying, rent paying, mortgage paying, bill paying citizens — be able to enjoy Santa Monica to its absolute fullest. At the very least, I challenge you to show me a safe, comfortable place to kick around a ball with my kid at a park within walking distance to my apartment.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on July 11, 2006. Read the original PDF.