By Jerry Rubin Santa Monica
Editor: I deeply appreciated your article “Henna gets backing from city arts com- LETTERS, from page 4 mission” March 21, 2002, and your ongoing coverage of the unfortunate henna ban in Santa Monica, but I would like to add some clarifying information.
First, henna body art is not a tattoo, not even a temporary tattoo. Tattoo is defined as a skin-puncturing design.
Second, your article reported that “the three councilmen that voted to keep henna in the city agreed that it’s an art form and should be included under the city’s street performer ordinance just like a clown who does face painting.”
Sadly, however, your readers need to know that the same ordinance that bans henna body art on the Promenade and pier also makes it a criminal defense for clowns or others to face paint little hearts, flowers or other designs on a child, or anyone for that matter. I imagine Santa Monica is the only city in America with such a restrictive ban. How sad! Especially in a city that always goes out of its way to find supportive solutions for promoting artistic diversity and creativity.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on April 8, 2002. Read the original PDF.