WTF Happened To Santa Monica, California?!

Graham Stephan
14 Aug 202418:50

Summary

TLDRThe 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.

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Related Tags
Santa MonicaCrime WaveHomelessnessBusiness ClosureEconomic DownturnUrban DecaySafety ConcernsCommunity ImpactReal Estate CrisisSocial Issues