WTF Happened To Santa Monica, California?!

Summary

The video script documents the decline of Santa Monica, California, as businesses suffer from a surge in crime and homelessness. Once a thriving hub, the city now grapples with high vacancy rates and a shift towards online shopping. The narrator, a former resident, interviews locals and shares personal anecdotes, revealing a community struggling with the effects of the pandemic, high rents, and a lack of effective solutions to the growing issues.

Takeaways

• 🏪 High crime rates and homelessness have significantly impacted businesses in Santa Monica, leading to a rise in vacant storefronts and a decline in the city's vibrancy.
• 🚔 The police response time has been criticized as being too slow, with businesses reporting a lack of immediate action in response to crimes.
• 📉 The Third Street Promenade, once a bustling business hub, now has a 40% vacancy rate, indicating a severe downturn in commercial activity.
• 💔 The video creator, a former resident, laments the transformation of Santa Monica from a thriving city to a 'barren wasteland' with high crime rates.
• 📈 The cost of real estate and rents in Santa Monica is exceptionally high, making it difficult for small businesses to sustain themselves in the area.
• 🛍️ Online shopping and the COVID-19 pandemic have further reduced the need for physical storefronts, contributing to business closures.
• 🗓️ The high rents and inability to subdivide larger spaces into smaller, more affordable units have made it challenging for businesses to operate in the city.
• 🏠 The homelessness issue is exacerbated by the area's pleasant climate and scenery, attracting a large homeless population but also contributing to social issues.
• 💊 Substance abuse and mental health issues among the homeless population are linked to a rise in violent crime incidents in Santa Monica.
• 🛑 The 2020 riots had a lasting impact on the city, with businesses struggling to recover from the vandalism and theft they experienced.
• 📊 Despite official crime data showing a decrease in certain crimes, businesses are reluctant to report incidents due to a lack of police action or fear of increased insurance premiums.

Q & A

What issues have recently affected businesses and residents in Santa Monica?

Recent violent attacks and a growing homeless population have shaken neighbors and businesses in Santa Monica, leading to a series of high-profile crimes and a perceived breakdown in the city's response system.

What is the current state of the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica?

The Third Street Promenade, once a major business hub, now has a high vacancy rate with 40% of its space empty, and many businesses have shut down, leaving a barren landscape of empty buildings.

How has the response time of the police been perceived by the locals?

The locals feel that the police response time is inadequate, as exemplified by a situation where police arrived two hours late in response to a call, indicating a broken system.

What changes have been observed in the city's culture and economy?

The city, once vibrant and thriving, is now described as a barren wasteland with empty buildings and increased crime, reflecting a significant decline in its culture and economy.

What is the significance of the public safety kiosk in front of the Apple Store?

The public safety kiosk signifies the high number of incidents in the area, necessitating a police presence even in one of the most expensive areas in the country.

How has the rent for commercial spaces in Santa Monica changed over time?

Rents have become extremely high, with some spaces asking for $30,000 a month for 1,500 square feet, making it difficult for small businesses to break even and survive.

What impact has the COVID-19 pandemic had on businesses in the area?

The pandemic forced many businesses to shut down due to restrictions, leading to significant financial losses and ultimately, business closures.

What role has online shopping played in the decline of physical storefronts?

Online shopping has reduced the need for physical storefronts, contributing to the decline of businesses and vacancies in commercial spaces.

How does the homelessness issue in Santa Monica compare to the rest of the country?

Santa Monica has one of the highest rates of homelessness in the country, with 117 homeless individuals per square mile, contributing to the city's challenges.

What are some of the reasons businesses are hesitant to open in the current Santa Monica environment?

High rents, decreased foot traffic, a reputation for crime, and a lack of safety are making businesses hesitant to open in the area.

What was the impact of Proposition 47 on crime in California, and how does it relate to Santa Monica?

Proposition 47, passed in 2014, made thefts under $950 a misdemeanor, leading to an increase in petty theft with low accountability, which has affected businesses in Santa Monica.

How do the locals perceive the city's efforts to address the homelessness and crime issues?

Locals feel that the city's efforts, such as frequent clean-ups and housing projects, are not effectively addressing the issues, and the situation continues to deteriorate.

What are the sentiments of residents who have lived in Santa Monica for a long time?

Long-time residents express sadness and concern over the changes in Santa Monica, with some contemplating moving out due to the increased crime and homelessness.