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# Santa Monica Homeless need to move on
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/santa-monica-homeless-need-to-move-on-editor/
- Published: 2003-07-24T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-23T02:38:55.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Opinion, Montana, #archive-import, Homeless, Homelessness

*By John Medlin Santa Monica Put up barricades at the market Editor:*

Mr. Springer in his July 21 column stated, “The people who have the most trouble with homelessness are the ones who have a degree of power and prestige in this community.” If by “a degree of power and prestige” he means persons who pay their way, then I guess I qualify since I pay the rent on my one room, 100-square-foot residence and buy my own food and clothing.

Being so qualified I want him to know that most of the people who have to deal with the homeless on the streets and alleys of Santa Monica do not live north of Montana or Wilshire. It’s not the members of City Council who live in those parts of the city without an every day, every night, up close and personal exposure to the homeless. Instead it’s the majority of us renters living south of Wilshire. It’s those of us who have to call the police — at least seven times since January — to break up the fights and quiet the noise of the homeless who live in and excrete in the alleys behind our very humble residences. And, those of us who have been living in Santa Monica and LA without a car can attest that riding public transportation with the sometimes foul-smelling, foul-speaking homeless is a disgusting experience.

In May 1967, when I first lived in Santa Monica, the homeless problem was relatively minor. Returning in March 1988, it was so bad I moved to the Marina del Rey area. In October 1996, it appeared that the homeless situation had improved enough to finally settle here. I have attended meetings on homelessness at the old Midnight Bookstore, as well as listened to Santa Monica’s director of homeless services state that 40-60 percent of the homeless are either mentally or alcohol/drug disabled. Assuming that is true, what about the remainder? Why are they living on the street, sleeping on the benches, blocking the sidewalks and excreting in the alleys? Are they “owed” fair housing and a living wage? If so, by whom? If so, who will pay for it? If the non-disabled homeless were to clean up their act, Santa Monica’s public safety budget could be reduced by some of the 50 percent of calls that are attributed to homeless issues.

No one ever said life was fair. In “The Road Less Traveled,” M. Scott Peck’s first sentence is, “Life is hard.” Respect is something that is earned not given. If you want to classify yourself as “homeless” what does that mean? Is that something to which one should aspire? Should that become a vocation? Some of the homeless on the streets in October 1996 are still here, some even in the same doorway or alley. What about the people who were homeless and took advantage of the incredible resources provided here in Santa Monica to get themselves out of the gutter and make a better life for themselves? Isn’t that where resources should be focused and eliminate/prohibit allocations to others not willing to comply?

I have cousins who were raised in an orphanage who had a hard early childhood and they all bettered themselves. They have little sympathy for those people who use their lot in life as an excuse for a permanent state of shame and irresponsibility. A woman, who I met worked for one of the largest charitable organizations in LA, said to me, “I will do everything I can for those persons willing to abide by our rules and make a better life for themselves and their families. However, I will do absolutely nothing, not a thing, for those unwilling to help themselves.” Those are strong words from a kind, compassionate person who has worked in this area for over 20 years. She deals every day with people in difficult situations and knows the difference between empowering and enabling, between teaching someone to fish and giving someone fish. For those many homeless who do have the capacity and ability to “learn how to fish,” I say start learning and start fishing, regardless of the level at which you start.

From the last census it can be seen that Santa Monica was one of the few cities in California that actually lost population, by almost 10,000\. Today, with a homeless population estimated to be almost 2,000, that means 2 percent of Santa Monica’s population is homeless. I say enough! The welcome mat needs to be withdrawn. Homeless are not welcome in Santa Monica. Persons willing to act responsibly and contribute positively to this community are welcome. Otherwise, keep on moving.

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on July 24, 2003.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/072403.pdf?ref=smdp.com)