Dateline: Sat., April 1, 2017... as I pulled into the parking lot at Ocean Park I stopped to take the above photo of the cost of parking in the beach parking lot that the City of Santa Monica charges to beach patrons. In return for this payment you would think that beach patrons could expect that the beach, especially near the water's edge would have been cleaned by the City of Santa Monica so that patrons could enjoy the beach without having to step on or over #beachtrash... but you would be wrong, unfortunately.
In the Ocean Park area, for example, there was simply ZERO collection and/or disposal of #beachtrash by the City of Santa Monica yesterday (Sat., April 1, 2017) near the water's edge. Below are photos that I took of the #beachtrash in the area just south of Ocean Park between lifeguard towers 29 - 27.
Below, I stepped on this piece of storm debris, e.g., a shaft of bamboo, which was sharp and dangerous. Rather than gather it up and dispose of it, the City of Santa Monica runs its tractors towing rakes and ends up burying a great deal of it... which poses a public safety hazard for beach patrons.
All of this #beachtrash near the water's edge is right OUT IN THE OPEN and is very visible. It's not hiding or buried. It has not been picked up and disposed of by the City of Santa Monica for the very simple reason that the City does not send its staff out to hand pick it up.
Stick a fork in it... again.....
In the final two photos below, is the #beachtrash that I collected, photographed and later disposed of in a nearby trash can. All of this #beachtrash was near the water's edge and uncollected and/or disposed of by the City of Santa Monica. You would think that the City would have some of its resources and staff tasked to hand pick up #beachtrash near the water's edge in anticipation of the weekend crowds AND because they are charging patrons who park their cars at the beach TEN DOLLARS... but you would be wrong about that too...
Glass bottles, aluminum cans, paper products, plastic bags, plastic bottle tops, plastic straws, and a great deal of storm debris...
The City of Santa Monica continues to benefit financially from parking revenues which the City collects as part of its Operating Agreement with California State Parks with respect to the operation of Santa Monica State Beach but the City is NOT cleaning up the #beachtrash near the water's edge either daily or regularly. This is a failure of consideration. This is a breach of the contract, in my opinion, with both beach patrons and the State of California.
It is hard to believe that the State of California allows this to continue to the detriment and safety of the public.
Meanwhile, it is spotless and there is no trash on the grounds surrounding Santa Monica City Hall. Go figure...
Respectfully submitted,
William Maguire,
Santa Monica business owner
(All photos by & Copyright William Maguire 2017.)
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