Once upon a time, the Third Street Promenade was the crown jewel of Santa Monica. In this place, locals and tourists alike could revel in a vibrant mix of shopping, dining and entertainment, all set against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. It was a pedestrian paradise, a rare car-free zone in Southern California where one could stroll, shop and savor the salty sea air. But today, the Promenade is very far from its former glory. It has become a monument to free-fall decline, a symbol of a city that has lost its way and an unmistakable sign of Santa Monica’s spiraling descent into chaos.
I used to live happily in Santa Monica. The allure of its pristine beaches, the eclectic mix of people and the lively atmosphere of the Promenade made it a place that felt like home. But that feeling didn’t last. Over time, the city became overrun by an overwhelming tide of homelessness, crime, filth, chaos and the pervasive sense of demoralization that accompanies such a decline. I watched as the place I once loved became unrecognizable. Finally, I could take no more. I sold my house and left, seeking refuge in greener pastures.
The Third Street Promenade’s fall from grace is perhaps the most glaring indicator of Santa Monica’s broader decline – a decline so pronounced that some now refer to it as our “mini-San Francisco,” an unflattering comparison that speaks to the city’s rapid deterioration.
‘Lack of vision’
Once bustling with energy and excitement, the Promenade is now a shadow of its former self, its empty storefronts and grimy streets standing as a testament to the city’s failed policies and lack of vision.
What happened? How did a place that once symbolized the best of Santa Monica become such a disaster? The answer lies in a toxic mix of factors – some intentional, others unavoidable – that have conspired to bring the Promenade to its knees.
One of the most significant forces behind the Promenade’s decline is the homelessness crisis. This problem has gripped Los Angeles County for years but has hit Santa Monica with particular ferocity. The city’s ultra-progressive but ultimately disastrously executed approach to homelessness has turned the Promenade, at times, into a de facto shelter, with encampments and loitering becoming a common sight. The statistics are grim: from 2022 to 2023, the number of people experiencing homelessness in Santa Monica surged by 15%. This increase and accompanying crime and filth have devastated the Promenade, driving away businesses, shoppers and the sense of safety that once made the area so appealing.
But it’s not just the visible presence of homelessness that has contributed to the Promenade’s downfall. Crime has also increased, significantly eroding the public’s confidence in the area. Incidents of theft, assault, and vandalism have become all too common, turning what was once a safe and inviting space into a place many now avoid. One former Santa Monica resident said, “I wouldn’t take my family there if they paid me.” This sentiment is echoed by countless others who have witnessed the area’s decline firsthand.
Impacts of the pandemic
The Covid-19 pandemic only accelerated the Promenade’s downward spiral. The prolonged lockdowns and social distancing measures devastated the area’s businesses, many already struggling to survive in an increasingly hostile environment. The result has been a wave of closures, leaving the Promenade littered with empty storefronts and boarded-up windows. What was once a vibrant commercial hub is now a wasteland devoid of the energy and vitality that once made it so special.
However, the problems plaguing the Promenade are not just the result of external forces. In many ways, the city’s policies have exacerbated the decline. Santa Monica has long prided itself on its strongly progressive values, which have become a liability in recent years. A seeming militant reluctance to enforce laws against loitering, public nuisance and petty crime has allowed the situation to spiral out of control. The city’s leadership, seemingly paralyzed by a fear of being seen as “uncompassionate,” has failed to take decisive action to address the growing problems. Instead, they have allowed the Promenade to become a free-for-all, a place where anything goes and the rule of law no longer applies.
The result is a disaster. The Third Street Promenade, once a symbol of Santa Monica’s success, is now a cautionary tale of what happens when a city loses control of its public spaces. It is a place where businesses cannot thrive, families do not feel safe, and the promise of the California dream has turned into a nightmare. The Promenade’s decline is not just a loss for Santa Monica but for everyone who once believed in the city’s potential.
For those who remember the Promenade’s heyday, the transformation is tragic. It is a reminder that even the most cherished places can fall victim to neglect, poor management and a lack of vision. The city continues to lack the will for bold action, a willingness to confront hard truths, and a commitment to restoring the city’s once-proud identity. Until then, the Third Street Promenade will remain a symbol of what has been lost: a cautionary tale of a city that fell from grace.
Michael Levine is the author of the best-selling business book “Broken Windows, Broken Business.” He was a former resident and business owner in Santa Monica for 13 years.
