By Josh Epstein Santa Monica
I am sad to report that after just spending a week in Rio de Janeiro I felt much safer staying in their beach communities than I have felt living here in Santa Monica. I think we all know Rio’s reputation for crime. In Rio, my girlfriend and I were never bothered walking around day or night, and routinely walked back after going out at night. Here in Santa Monica, I live in an apartment five blocks from the Third Street Promenade and we never walk back from it at night. Although we have not been victims of a crime in Santa Monica, it feels dangerous walking the streets of this city, especially during the night. Also, it is a shame that we have one of the most beautiful parks in the world, Palisades Park, and the taxpaying citizens do not even feel comfortable enough to enjoy it any more. As others have mentioned in recent letters to the editor in the SMDP, the homeless problem is out of control. Shame on Santa Monica for failing to live up to its potential.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on July 19, 2006. Read the original PDF.