Santa Monica’s city council has updated its definition of illegal campsites to include bed rolls and sleeping bags. In a lengthy debate, council members expressed mixed feelings, describing the change as both compassionate and cruel, minor and significant, depending on one’s perspective.
The amendment to the city code introduces bed rolls and sleeping bags as indicators of an illegal campsite, but does not ban these items outright. They will now be considered when determining whether someone has set up an unlawful campsite within city limits. These items were previously removed from the code two years ago due to a regional court ruling, which has since been overturned by the Supreme Court. In response, the council decided to reinstate these items as evidence while also reviewing similar policies from other municipalities.
Santa Monica’s Police Chief Ramon Batista and the City Attorney’s office supported the revision. Batista argued that including these items would give officers additional tools to address community concerns and facilitate interactions with homeless individuals.
“The revised policy lowers the threshold for officers to engage with those experiencing homelessness,” Batista said. “It allows officers to start a conversation and offer assistance when they might otherwise see no legal grounds for intervention.”
Jenna Grigsby, Chief of the Criminal Division of the City Attorney’s Office, emphasized that the revised statute provides necessary discretion for officers and ensures that legal actions are defensible in court.
The council voted to reinstate the old rules, with Mayor Phil Brock, Vice Mayor Lana Negrete, Councilman Oscar de la Torre, and Councilwoman Christine Parra supporting the change. De la Torre argued that stronger enforcement is needed to protect public spaces and encourage homeless individuals to seek help.
Brock criticized the city for allowing people to live on the streets, arguing that it has led to deteriorating conditions and increased fear among residents. “Residents are frustrated and fearful, and we need to address these concerns while also considering the safety and sanctity of public spaces,” he said.
Negrete warned that without stricter laws, the number of tents and camps could increase, arguing that anti-camping regulations are necessary to discourage living outside.
In contrast, Councilwoman Gleam Davis opposed the measure, arguing that making life uncomfortable for homeless individuals is troubling. “We should show genuine compassion rather than creating an environment that simply makes it harder for people to stay,” Davis said.
Councilmembers Jesse Zwick and Caroline Torosis also opposed the measure, suggesting that the focus should be on building housing rather than penalizing those who are homeless. Torosis noted that fines and negative interactions with law enforcement can reduce the likelihood of individuals seeking help from outreach teams.