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# Searching for candidates with plans
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/searching-for-candidates-with-plans/
- Published: 2004-09-13T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-23T05:02:56.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Opinion, Santa Monica, #archive-import, Homeless, Homelessness

*By SCENTS BY CAROLE ORLIN*

I was pleased to read the recent article in the SMDP (Sept. 4-5, page 1) about the soon to be unveiled “plan to end homelessness” in Los Angeles County. This plan, created by a panel dubbed “Bring LA Home,” is set for release on Sept. 23\. The goal will be to end homelessness in LA County within 10 years. Will this be the solution for Santa Monica?

Santa Monica has long been known for being a haven for the homeless. I have been a strong advocate for the homeless. Before moving to Santa Monica in 2000, my husband and I both worked as volunteers in a soup kitchen on the East Coast and felt good about helping those in need. I still feel good about helping those in need, but my experiences with the transient population in Santa Monica has been rather startling. Although by definition, transient means passing through, these “transients” seem to be here to stay. This anomaly has caused me to rethink the difference between homeless people and our permanent “transients.” In my mind there is a difference.

The homeless population I worked with was, for the most part, very motivated to change their circumstances. They were assigned to a caseworker, and the expectation was that they would follow the program offered or they could not enjoy the privileges of this particular soup kitchen, which included hot meals, clean clothes, showers, temporary mail and message center, job referrals, medical referrals, and shelter and housing referrals. They had to be clean and sober when they showed up for dinner. If they were given a job lead or a lead on housing, they were expected to follow up on it. A caseworker often went with them when they looked for housing or a job and helped them with other life skills. They were expected to go into drug rehab programs or attend AA or NA if they had an alcohol or drug problem, and the caseworker helped them coordinate with the particular program that was available. If they needed help for mental health issues, they were referred to or taken to the appropriate resource. A lot of people did not stay with the program and comply with the rules, but many people did. For those who stayed with the program, their lives were slowly but surely changed in a positive direction for themselves and for the community.

In looking back at those people who did not succeed, many didn’t really want to change their circumstances. They wanted the free handouts that were offered: the free food, clothing, etc. They felt they were entitled to it. This is by and large the type of transient population I have all too frequently encountered in Santa Monica. I have seen the same individuals hustling people in the same spots for years now. I have encountered very intelligent, articulate and savvy people who would rather complain about how tough their circumstances are rather than do something to make a change. Transients come to Santa Monica because they know it is easy to live a transient lifestyle here. The city government here enables them to continue their lifestyle — the weather is good, free meals are made available on the beach, and the police do little to interfere with non-violent laws they break. When a group of transients repeatedly broke into and trashed some property I owned in Santa Monica, the police responded and tried to be helpful, but admitted there was not much they could do. Word gets out in the transient community about Santa Monica being a haven for the homeless, and we get stuck with this unmotivated population for decades on end. We are currently spending about $2 million each year on services for homeless people in Santa Monica. Are we seeing any positive results? I know that in my four years of living and working in Santa Monica, I have seen the problem get worse, not better.

I know I will get mail about how hard it is to get a job and live in Santa Monica. If that’s the case, then go to a place where it is easier. I see people who speak little or no English get jobs all the time. They will take any job that is offered because they want to change their circumstances. Why can’t the able-bodied transients do the same? Is day labor beneath them? Housing and jobs are difficult to find in Santa Monica, so why stay where it’s so difficult? There is a lack of logic with their arguments. I was in a Barnes and Noble bookstore a few weeks ago, and two young, healthy-looking transients were exchanging information about free “this” and free “that.” They were musing on the fact that every time the city attempts to pass ordinances restricting their lifestyle, they seemed to have the reverse effect and end up getting more.

I know there are many people on the street who are mentally ill and desperately in need of help, especially some elderly women. I fear for their safety. Where do they sleep at night? Are they safe from predators? These people need our help. They need to be in a safe environment. I was a nurse for many years and worked with the mentally ill. I am very aware of the right of people to refuse medication, and there are people for whom the current available medications do not work. Maybe that is why this group of people is on the streets. Perhaps intervention was attempted and refused, or the medications they received were not helpful. I know that since “deinstitution-alization” began, many mentally ill have been cast into the streets. Is there enough outreach for this genuinely needy population? Unfortunately, the transients that are practicing alcoholics, drug abusers and/or anti-social with no desire to become contributing members of the community seem to dominate our homeless population here in Santa Monica. They have alienated many in the community — not just business owners, as is often claimed.

The local elections are fast approaching. From discussions with friends and neighbors, and reading numerous letters to the editor, there might not be a more important issue to confront in this election than evaluating how each candidate stands on the homeless/transient issue. This election is an extremely important one for local issues because there are four council seats up for grabs.

I hope the concerned citizens of Santa Monica will see the difference between the homeless who genuinely need our help and the anti-social “transients” who are destroying our city and taking advantage of the good hearts and intentions of many of our citizens. The candidates running for City Council need to see this difference and present to us a vision and a specific plan of action to improve everyone’s quality of life in Santa Monica.

Later this month, when the comprehensive plan to end homelessness in LA County is released and reviewed, we will certainly be very interested in hearing how this might affect Santa Monica in the long run. Equally important, we will be looking at the actions that can be taken in the short run to promptly confront and take immediate steps to improve the situation for all of Santa Monica. To the candidates for City Council: We will be waiting for your responses. (Carole can be reached at Caroleorlin@yahoo.com).

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on September 13, 2004.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/091304.pdf?ref=smdp.com)