> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.smdp.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# ‘The Other Greg Thomas’ states his piece
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/the-other-greg-thomas-states-his-piece-editor/
- Published: 2003-03-29T16:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-23T01:57:02.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Opinion, Promenade, #archive-import, Homeless

*By The Other Greg Thomas Santa Monica*

In (the March 27, SMDP), you ran a letter regarding the Promenade homeless attributed to Greg Thomas of Santa Monica. Depending on which phone call I answered I was either a hero or Saddam. Same name/city, wrong guy.

Although I do not believe in the other Mr. Thomas’ tone of voice and referring to the homeless as “miserable SOBs,” I do in some way support a toned down version of his concern. What Mr. Thomas did not cover is that Santa Monica, for years, had a city attorney (now gone) who made it impossible for law enforcement to do their job.

The city, in its liberal approach, offered free food programs in front of City Hall. At one time there was an estimated 5,000 homeless in Santa Monica alone. Ironically the city resulted in hiring a consultant to understand why there were so many homeless in the city. No arrest, free food and warm climate. Who could pass on that?

As the city became “capitalistic” and realized they could actually make money from the death of Westwood, they began to build a tunnel with trains entering from both ends. The homeless were on the Promenade before it was the Promenade.

If Mr. Thomas (again, no relation) wants to go somewhere else for dinner, it is easier for him to do so than the many who cannot and must revert to the trash cans. As far as the people “ranting, and yelling,” it could well be coming from over 100 outlets for liquor along the Promenade or the circus of street performers that are able make any kind of sound as long as they buy a permit.

There is a “different” kind of homeless on the streets today who have changed the attitude of many people like Mr. Thomas. There are, however, some good people who are down in their luck who the city needs to help with the incredible revenue they are enjoying from the Promenade taxes and the overbuilding of Water Garden.

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on March 29, 2003.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/032903.pdf?ref=smdp.com)