This article from the New York Post describes the escalating homelessness crisis in Santa Monica, California, and its impact on local businesses and residents. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:

The Problem:

Explosion of Homelessness: Homelessness has considerably increased in the LA area, including Santa Monica, since the pandemic.
Impact on Businesses: Businesses are suffering due to crime, vandalism, and fear. Owners are closing early,and staff,many of whom are teenagers,are experiencing harassment,including screaming and indecent exposure.
Empty Storefronts: The once-popular Third Street Promenade, a pedestrian mall, is now characterized by empty storefronts, panhandlers, and graffiti.
Personal Experiences:
One business owner, who wishes to remain anonymous for fear of retaliation, states the situation is “not under control” and that staff are afraid to leave at night.
A man named Alle, who owns buildings on the Promenade, was severely beaten by a vagrant two years ago, resulting in permanent neurological damage and chronic pain. He believes current city efforts have worsened the problem. Andrew Jeffreys,who came to California to be a musician,is now homeless and expresses a desire to leave the state,stating,”If somebody can help me get out of here,sign me the f-k up.” He acknowledges the dangers of hitchhiking.

Local Emergency Declared: Santa Monica declared a Local Emergency on Homelessness in 2022 and has invested “tens of millions of dollars” in public and NGO programs.
Criticism of Programs: alle and others believe these efforts are ineffective, with taxpayer dollars allegedly going to empty housing or NGO programs that distribute drug paraphernalia.
Resistance to State Incentives: The city has resisted Governor Gavin Newsom’s incentives for cities to ban street camping, claiming they have the situation “under control.” This claim is disputed by local business owners.

A Proposed Solution (or a glimmer of hope):

“Get Out of Town” Program: The article mentions a program that offers free tickets to help people leave the area.
Strict Criteria: To qualify for this program, applicants must be from out of state, not be on drugs, and have family waiting for them back home.
Alle’s Hope: Alle hopes this program will grow and that the city will eventually support such initiatives.

An empty Johnny Rockets restaurant on the Third Street Promenade, reportedly closed due to crime and vandalism.
A sign on one of Alle’s buildings criticizing local politicians.
Andrew Jeffreys, a homeless individual.
Tongva Park, described by Alle as a “de facto homeless shelter.”
Signs distributed by District Attorney Nathan hochman warning potential troublemakers.

In essence, the article paints a grim picture of Santa Monica’s struggle with homelessness, highlighting the negative consequences for businesses and the perceived ineffectiveness of current city strategies, while also introducing a potential program aimed at helping people leave the area.