Santa Monica’s politics are largely progressive and they translate to the types of people (such as artists) and businesses who call the city home. One resident says Santa Monica is what happens when “hippies get rich”. Thus, there are many upsides to living and working in this community. Primarily, the various government departments and social agencies, which make up some of the fabric and networks of this community, are plentiful and available. In addition, the city’s economy is strong, which allows for further development of its infrastructure. Despite a bus system that runs throughout the city, most residents drive their own cars or ride bikes. In contrast, the newly built metro system attracts riders from all across the socio-economic
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The city’s homeless population represents Santa Monica’s greatest challenge. In addition, Santa Monica’s lack of a designated main center also represents a weakness. That physical togetherness does exist in other forms (such as the Farmers’ Market) but Santa Monica feels spread out just like greater Los Angeles. That sprawling nature facilitates the clear separation between socio-economic classes in residential neighborhoods.
Despite these weaknesses, Santa Monica feels safe overall within both the commercial areas and residential neighborhoods. It is interesting to note though what the local paper, The Santa Monica Lookout observed: “in 2012, the real estate website Movoto.com ranked Santa Monica among the 25 ‘Most Dangerous Suburbs in America’” (Gonzalez, 2015). Santa Monica has its own police department and one will observe police on bikes and in traditional cars. The police presence appears small and not unsettling. Also of note, a new Chief of Police came in and implemented changes, following an uptick in crime in 2012-2013 (Gonzalez, 2015). The Santa Monica Police Department Annual Report for 2013-2014 (n.d.) reported that part one crimes were down by 13%. Overall, residential areas feel safe and quiet. Traffic and police presence grow less noticeable the further away one gets from the commercial
The city’s homeless population represents Santa Monica’s greatest challenge. In addition, Santa Monica’s lack of a designated main center also represents a weakness. That physical togetherness does exist in other forms (such as the Farmers’ Market) but Santa Monica feels spread out just like greater Los Angeles. That sprawling nature facilitates the clear separation between socio-economic classes in residential neighborhoods.
Despite these weaknesses, Santa Monica feels safe overall within both the commercial areas and residential neighborhoods. It is interesting to note though what the local paper, The Santa Monica Lookout observed: “in 2012, the real estate website Movoto.com ranked Santa Monica among the 25 ‘Most Dangerous Suburbs in America’” (Gonzalez, 2015). Santa Monica has its own police department and one will observe police on bikes and in traditional cars. The police presence appears small and not unsettling. Also of note, a new Chief of Police came in and implemented changes, following an uptick in crime in 2012-2013 (Gonzalez, 2015). The Santa Monica Police Department Annual Report for 2013-2014 (n.d.) reported that part one crimes were down by 13%. Overall, residential areas feel safe and quiet. Traffic and police presence grow less noticeable the further away one gets from the commercial