By Barbara Barnard Santa Monica
So the Bayside Board (SMDP, March 31) doesn’t know what is wrong with the Promenade. Where shall I start. I have lived in Santa Monica almost all of my 71 years. I remember when it was Third Street with cars parking into the curb and no parking meters. We had the mom and pop stores, we knew the owners and they knew their customers. And they appreciated their customers. This is also the way Montana Avenue used to be. And the help was helpful and friendly. Now it’s like they’re doing us a favor just being there to ring up any purchase we might make. I have asked others what they think of the Promenade and most answer with the homeless problem and that it is dirty and stinks.
I don’t know what board member Patricia Hoffman was looking at when she visited The Grove. I am next to that location daily at the original farmers market where I have a small job. There isn’t one time you can go to The Grove and not find it clean and with plenty of helpful, friendly and immaculately dressed security personnel. For her to say she finds The Grove unpleasant is beyond imagination. The Grove has become a “meeting place.” For her to say they can’t compete with the Promenade is ridiculous. Where could you go shopping in Santa Monica and have a clean grassy area where your kids can let off steam next to a large pond with dancing waters and music? I don’t know of one. And while we’re talking comparisons, how about the restrooms on or near the Promenade? At The Grove on the first level of the parking structure, the restrooms are immaculate and the ladies room even has an attendant. And speaking of parking, you can go to a movie at The Grove and park for $2 for four hours with a validation. This gives you enough time to wander over to the farmers market and have a meal. And Santa Monica is increasing the parking meters to $1 per hour. Give me a break.
I am so glad they don’t have the funds to rebuild Santa Monica Place. Can you imagine what that would have done to traffic in Santa Monica? It is terrible already what with all they have done with the one lane (each direction) boulevards and traffic slowing devices.
I love the City of Santa Monica and want to see it improve. My three children went to school at Franklin, Lincoln and Samohi, but I am glad they grew up when everything was so much safer here. I don’t know the cure, but I think it should start with ridding us of the homeless problem. How much do we spend catering to them?
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on April 4, 2003. Read the original PDF.