“Santa Monica is not safe” – Local business owner sign highlighting homelessness and crime in popular tourist areas

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (KABC) — Hoping to raise awareness about crime and homelessness, business leaders have put up a sign saying “Santa Monica is not safe” near that city’s popular Third Street Promenade.

The business leaders and activists putting up the sign say they are fed up with what they describe as the city’s inaction on worsening problems.

They say they wanted to spread the message in the heart of the popular tourist destination to share their dissatisfaction with what they call “continued neglect”.

The sign reads in full: “Santa Monica is not safe. Crime…depravity…outdoor mental hospital.”

John Alle, a local property owner who led the effort, said additional signs are planned for other parts of the city.

Eyewitness News has contacted the city for a response and has not yet received a response.