Last week the Santa Monica City Council voted to prohibit panhandling in the Third Street Promenade area.

Specifically, the Council has barred panhandling from the benches and chairs along the Third Street Promenade.

If you have visited the Third Street Promenade then you know that the benches and the chairs are oftentimes monopolized by the homeless population.

I think this is a good step forward.  From my experience, when the homeless/panhandling monopolize the benches and chairs on the Promenade, not only does it limit where patrons can sit, but it feels intimidating and unsafe to me as well.

I think this can only help shop owners in the area and create a safer environment for the Promenade in general.

Ginny McGonigle

http://westsidehomfinders.com