By Susan Hojer Santa Monica
I am writing in response to your columns from Jenna Linnekens regarding the problems with transients in Santa Monica. Like Jenna, I am not heartless or unsympathetic, but a citizen who is tired of dealing every single day with a city overrun by the homeless. I feel sorry for those with mental problems or veterans who have been through more than anyone should have to endure, however there are too many other categories of homeless who have it too good in this town to move on or get motivated to improve their situation. Citizens are being harassed every single day, when they walk on or near the beach or in public parks. I have been harassed so often when visiting Main Street that I do not even go there on my own in the evenings. The parking lot west of Main Street is loaded with homeless who harass women while they are attempting to get out of their cars. This is not good for business.
On a daily basis, I deal with the transient problem before I even leave home. This includes witnessing those urinating on my wall, sleeping, drinking, smoking and yelling all day long, just a few yards from my window. There was even a knife fight, which finally caused the police to respond, only after being called. My latest frustration occurred last week when I walked into my living room to find a couple acting inappropriately on the lawn just several feet from my window. The male yelled something to me and I immediately went into the other room to call the police. After describing the couple and the fact that they were smoking pot outside my window I felt confident the police would respond. In the next half hour they smoked a few joints, got rowdy and practically had sex in front of all — including many children passing by — before they moved on. All the while, no police response. If they do not respond to that activity, what makes me believe it is worth my time complaining if nothing is going to be done? Perhaps the police were dealing with a more violent situation with other transients elsewhere in town. One only has to read the SMDP's weekly crime reports to realize that the overwhelming majority of the perpetrators in Santa Monica are transients.
Unfortunately, if the majority of Santa Monica voters are more concerned about keeping Santa Monicans For Renters Rights (SMRR) candidates in office to maintain their below-market rentals, and will vote in any SMRR candidate over a candidate who will protect the safety of its community, the situation will never improve. Instead of voting for “renters rights” why not protect the rights of all citizens including Santa Monica home owners, business owners and tourists who have been bringing hundreds of millions of dollars every year to this town. What do the tourists remember about Santa Monica? The homeless problem.
I am spending hard-earned money to pay for a condo so I can enjoy a small view of the ocean. Why should I have to keep my windows and shades closed so I do not have to witness irresponsible behavior on a regular basis? Put Jenna — or someone with her common sense approach — on the ballot. I would vote for her in a heartbeat.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on July 27, 2006. Read the original PDF.