It’s trying enough that because the Third Street Promenade is a public street we have to endure constant panhandlers and shady solicitors, but being forced to listen to would-be musicians butcher the Beatles and shred Sheryl Crow is enough to make residents want to stay away, and some visitors never want to return.
Unfortunately, for many business owners and their employees, they have to hear it day in and day out.
That’s not to say there are not exceptionally talented performers along the Promenade. Many have seen their careers launched as a result of having their day in the sun. They also add character to what might otherwise be just another suburban mall lined with chain stores.
Regardless of their talent level, the musicians en masse are just too loud. Performing only 40 feet apart from one another, they pump up the volume to get their voices heard, and drown out the competitors. The resulting instrumental lament is a collective one, as passersby must turn to the fancy new vendor carts in search of keepsake earplugs.
The staffers at the Daily Press, which has offices located along the Promenade, once pooled their money together and actually paid a drummer $20 to stop playing for 30 minutes.
The frenetic fugue of disharmonious voices competing for attention drives people from restaurants because they can’t have a conversation at the outdoor tables, and it turns people off who just want to sit because they can’t hear themselves think. What’s more, some of the more obnoxious performers force the mellower, acoustic musicians out, as they either can’t or won’t compete in the hectic atmosphere.
There is a city law that is supposed to prevent this from happening. It dictates a certain decibel level for the day and night. But like so many other laws, it goes largely unenforced. That’s because it’s difficult for police officers to get an accurate reading — the performers see them coming and turn it down before they get a ticket.
Stephen Bradford, the venue manager on the Promenade, has reported that some performers have even threatened violence. Since he neither carries a weapon nor can issue a ticket, Bradford’s presence only goes so far.
That’s why the Promenade needs more police officers patrolling the area. We’ve suggested it before because of other illegal activity that happens routinely on the Promenade. There should be a police officer patrolling each block of the Promenade, including the alleys on both sides, 24/7.
Effectively monitoring the street performers also could be solved if the Bayside District — which manages the area in conjunction with City Hall — moved forward with its ambassador program. It would include trained people who would cruise the Promenade with radios that have direct contact with police so they could report illegal activity. The ambassadors also would serve as helpful guides for visitors looking for specific attractions, stores and restaurants. But more importantly, they would be the eyes and the ears for police who aren’t always around when crimes are committed.
The City Council needs to put a priority on funding that program. Lastly, put the police substation back on the Promenade. More than a year ago, it was moved from the center of the mall near Santa Monica Boulevard to a tucked away office on Second Street. That was one of the worst decisions ever made. A police presence is absolutely crucial on a public street that attracts every walk of life.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on April 21, 2006. Read the original PDF.