Dear Editor,
Santa Monica is a place that many of us proudly call home. Our city, renowned for its breathtaking sunsets, vibrant culture and historic landmarks, has always been more than just a place on the map. It’s a community, a sanctuary and a testament to the boundless possibilities of the American dream. Today, as we face a myriad of challenges, from homelessness to crime to the exodus of beloved businesses, it is imperative to remember that our complaints stem not from disdain but from deep-seated love and unwavering belief in what Santa Monica can be. It is time for a Santa Monica Renaissance, a revival of the city’s splendor, akin to the restoration of a priceless piece of art.
Our voices have echoed in the chambers of the City Council, calling for action, not out of frustration alone, but out of a profound commitment to the place we cherish. When we speak out against the rising tide of homelessness, it is because we envision a Santa Monica where every resident has the dignity of a home. When we decry the crime that mars our streets, it is because we dream of a community where safety and serenity are the norms. And when we lament the departure of businesses, it is because we believe in a bustling, thriving economy that serves as the heartbeat of our city.
Imagine walking down Third Street Promenade, revitalized and bustling with local businesses, each storefront a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit that defines us. Picture Reed Park, free from the shadows of neglect, a haven for families, children playing safely and community events bringing us together. Envision our beaches, pristine and welcoming, where residents and visitors alike can bask in the natural beauty that has long been our pride.
This vision is not a mere fantasy but a tangible goal that requires us all to come together, united in purpose and action. It demands that we elect leaders who share this vision for a Santa Monica Renaissance, leaders who are not afraid to roll up their sleeves and work alongside us to achieve it. It calls for a community that pledges to support these leaders, offering our hands and hearts in the work of restoration.
We have seen the results of inaction. We have witnessed businesses, once the lifeblood of our economy, shutter their doors. We have watched as crime has encroached upon our sense of security and we have felt the heartache of seeing our fellow humans suffer and die on our streets and in our parks, oftentimes with a government-supplied needle still in their arm. These challenges, however daunting, are not insurmountable. With the right leadership and a united community, we can turn the tide.
Let us remember that there are no constraints on the human mind, no walls around the human spirit, no barriers to our progress except those we ourselves erect. Our city’s renaissance lies within our grasp, waiting for us to seize it with optimism, determination and unity.
We must foster an environment where innovation thrives and businesses feel welcomed. This means creating policies that support entrepreneurship and reduce bureaucratic red tape. It means investing in our public spaces, ensuring they are safe and vibrant places for all to enjoy. It means addressing the root causes of homelessness with compassion and effective solutions, providing pathways to stability and success for those in need rather than kicking the can down a very lengthy, expensive and deadly road.
Our city has a rich history of resilience and renewal. From its early days as a quaint seaside town to its rise as a cultural and economic hub, Santa Monica has always been a place of transformation and progress. Now, we stand on the cusp of a new era, one that requires us to draw upon that same spirit of innovation and community. The strength of our community is unparalleled in Southern California — having lived and worked in many neighboring cities, I can attest to that. Let’s harness our collective passion to enact the needed change.
Let us pledge to work together, to support leaders who embody this vision of a Santa Monica Renaissance and to actively participate in the restoration of our city. Let us hold fast to our belief in what Santa Monica can be, a beacon of hope, opportunity and beauty on the California coast.
As we embark on this journey, let us do so with the knowledge that our efforts are not in vain. Each step we take towards revitalizing our city brings us closer to the Santa Monica we know and love. Together, we can restore our home to its former glory, ensuring that it remains a place of promise and possibility for generations to come.
The brightest chapters of Santa Monica’s story are still ahead of us. Our future is filled with the promise of great achievements and moments that will make us proud. Let us come together, united in purpose, to make the Santa Monica Renaissance a reality.
Houman David Hemmati MD PhD, Santa Monica
