By Michael Jolly
Over the past six months, Santa Monica has experienced a concerning rise in crime, sparking heated discussions about the future of public safety, tourism, and economic development in our iconic beachfront city. Although Santa Monica has long been known for its picturesque landscapes, thriving tourism, and cultural attractions, recent crime reports and local media have highlighted a troubling issue threatening Santa Monica’s reputation as a safe and vibrant community.
The candidates below for Santa Monica City Council, whom we wholeheartedly endorse, have prioritized safety. This is their main platform for immediate positive changes in our city!
Phil Brock, Mayor, and Council Member
Dr. Vivian A. Roknian
Oscar de la Torre, Council Member
John Putnam
A Snapshot of Recent Crime Trends
The last half-year has seen a noticeable uptick in several types of crime in Santa Monica, with property crime, vehicle theft, and petty theft being the most common. According to reports from the Santa Monica Police Department, thefts from vehicles, commercial burglaries, and shoplifting incidents have significantly increased, particularly in downtown areas and popular tourist destinations like the Santa Monica Pier and Third Street Promenade. Violent, shooting, and sex crimes, while less frequent than property crimes, have also increased and raised alarm, with several high-profile incidents making current headlines.
Residents and business owners have expressed growing concern over this trend, pointing to the need for more robust public safety measures and increased police patrols. Some have reported feeling less safe walking around downtown, particularly at night, as incidents of assaults and robberies have made some areas feel less secure than they did in the past.
Personally, I have had a few “close call” incidents in Santa Monica, and not all have been located downtown. The other day, we walked to the Promenade, planning a lunch at 1212 Restaurant. We were on Arizona Ave, between 16th and 17th St when we heard blood-curdling screams and swearing, “Bitches Mother******!! I turned around, and there was a man about 25 feet away threatening to kill us, screaming you mother****, I will cut you and F*u all up (I saw nothing in his hands, thankfully). An older woman was walking close to us, apparently in her eighties, physically frail, frightened, and trembling. I went over to her, put my arm around her, and tried to calm the situation while we all walked cautiously. I was thinking of calling 911, but fortunately, the whole thing passed without incident after that as the man ran away (our German Shepard was a good deterrent, perhaps), except this woman was on the verge of tears and said, “I wouldn’t have known what to do; I’m from Bakersfield!” Who knows what to do in these situations except to try and de-escalate and stay safe whenever possible? Unfortunately, this new reality and fear of unexpected crime and violence face and concern residents, and it’s only getting worse because it appears to me, based on numerous conversations with other residents, that so many incidents like these are not being reported.
The Impact on Tourism and Business
Tourism has long been the lifeblood of Santa Monica’s economy, with millions of visitors flocking to the city each year to enjoy its sunny beaches, upscale shopping, and cultural events. However, a rise in crime could tarnish the city’s image as a safe destination, potentially deterring tourists from choosing Santa Monica over other Southern California cities. Many tourists may reconsider their travel plans if safety concerns are not addressed, mainly when violent crime or reports of theft dominate the headlines and social media.
Local businesses are also feeling the impact of these safety concerns. The bustling Third Street Promenade, once a prime shopping destination, has seen increased retail crime, leading some stores to invest more in private security or reduce operating hours. Vacancies remain high. For businesses already strained by the pandemic, these added costs and concerns could further hamper their recovery. Restaurants and small businesses that rely on a steady flow of foot traffic could see declining revenue if tourists and residents begin to avoid perceived dangerous areas.
A safe city that enforces the laws is the foundation for better and well-managed growth. It is foolish to continue densifying Santa Monica with large development projects without first and foremost addressing this critical issue.
Prioritizing Safety: A Must for our City’s Future and Economy
Public safety must become the city’s top priority for Santa Monica to thrive—both as a place to live and as a destination for visitors. The rise in crime is not just a short-term problem; if left unaddressed, it could have long-lasting effects on the city’s economy, reputation, and quality of life.
Here are some concrete steps our candidates can take to make safety a central focus:
1. Increase Police Presence: A visible police presence is crucial in deterring crime and restoring public confidence. More patrols, particularly in high-traffic areas like the Pier, Promenade, and parks, can help prevent criminal activity and respond more quickly to incidents.
2. Community Policing Initiatives: Building more robust relationships between law enforcement and residents can help create a sense of shared responsibility for safety. Encouraging community policing initiatives, where officers engage directly with residents and business owners, can foster trust and cooperation in addressing crime.
3. Improved Lighting and Camera Surveillance: Enhancing lighting in public spaces and increasing the number of security cameras can make would-be criminals think twice before acting. Better visibility and real-time monitoring can help police respond more effectively to incidents.
4. Investing in Social Services: Crime is often linked to more significant social issues, such as homelessness, mental health, and substance abuse. By wisely investing in social services that correctly manage and address these underlying problems, Santa Monica can work to prevent crime from occurring in the first place. This includes expanding access to mental health resources, addiction treatment, and housing assistance for the city’s vulnerable populations.
5. Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating residents and tourists about safety measures, including how to protect themselves from theft or report suspicious activity, can empower the community to prevent crime proactively.
The Road Ahead
As crime rates rise, there is an urgent need for city officials, law enforcement, and community members to collaborate on solutions that restore public confidence and ensure the safety of both residents and visitors. Santa Monica’s future as a thriving community and tourist destination depends on addressing these challenges head-on. By prioritizing public safety, the city can create an environment where people feel secure to live, work, and visit—ultimately encouraging more residents to stay, attracting more tourists, and helping businesses flourish.
The city has an opportunity to turn the tide and restore its reputation as a safe and welcoming community. Public safety must be recognized as the cornerstone of Santa Monica’s future success, ensuring it remains a top choice for residents, tourists, and businesses.
In addition to crime, traffic safety, and enforcement have emerged as critical issues that must be addressed to ensure the safety of the public and the city’s long-term growth. By making safety a central focus, Santa Monica can protect its residents, attract more tourists, and allow businesses to flourish.
In the long run, a safer Santa Monica means more residents staying in the city, more tourists visiting, and more businesses succeeding. The path to a brighter future begins with making public and traffic safety non-negotiable, ensuring that the town remains a thriving coastal gem.
More to follow regarding traffic safety and enforcement in next week’s article.
Michael Jolly for SMa.r.t.
Santa Monica Architects for a Responsible Tomorrow
Samuel Tolkin, Architect & Planning Commissioner; Thane Roberts, Architect; Mario Fonda-Bonardi AIA, Architect; Robert H. Taylor AIA, Architect; Dan Jansenson, Architect; Michael Jolly, AIR CRE; Marie Standing, Jack Hillbrand AIA, Architect
For previous articles see www.santamonicaarch.wordpress.com/writing
