"So what is it like in Santa Monica now? It depends on who you ask. If you ask Los Angeles Times reporters reviewing statistics, Santa Monica is a relative garden of Eden. The Times did a dive into police calls and, according to their review, it’s trending down. It spiked during the George Floyd riots when rioters looted and burned the city. But forget about that. The Times wants you to know that statistics show that it is so much better now. Police responses, arrests, and encounters are down.
There is a group of Santa Monica businesses and residents who see it differently. They’ve witnessed a lot of aggressive homeless, sex workers, and drug dealing. They want the world to know that there is a problem. They put up a sign that says:
Santa Monica IS NOT safe,” it reads, above a second sign with the words “Crime … depravity … outdoor mental asylum.”
The city of Santa Monica disagrees:
“We care deeply about the success of Santa Monica businesses. It’s sad that a small group of landlords are working against our collective success through signage at the very moment when small businesses are welcoming holiday customers.”
A month ago, my colleague Bob Hoge wrote about Santa Monica now being one of the most dangerous cities in California.
My relatives returned from their trip to Santa Monica and they didn’t have statistics to report – just what they saw. How was it?
“It was bad.”
There are lies, bad lies, and statistics. So don’t believe your lying eyes, Santa Monica is a Garden of Eden. Hollywood and Vine? A paradise. Just ask the guy with his pants around his knees."
