The Santa Monica City Council will meet Tuesday night to discuss proposed amendments to its anti-camping ordinance. The changes aim to remove a provision that currently permits homeless individuals to use pillows and blankets while sleeping on public property.
Under the existing ordinance, tents and makeshift shelters are banned in public spaces. However, blankets and pillows are allowed in certain situations. The proposed amendments would maintain the distinction between camping and simply sleeping in public areas but would add sleeping bags and bedrolls to the list of prohibited items.
The most debated change would eliminate the allowance for pillows, blankets, and bedrolls on public property. This provision was originally included in 2022 to comply with a court ruling. City officials argue that the amendments are intended to clarify what constitutes “camping” rather than to ban sleeping in public places or the use of blankets.
Mayor Phil Brock, who did not respond to requests for comment, has stated that the proposed changes are part of an effort to improve street cleanliness. In an interview with KTLA, Brock emphasized that the goal is not to impose harsh measures but to encourage those offered help multiple times to accept services and move off the streets.
Councilmember Jesse Zwick expressed concern that the proposed changes might not effectively address homelessness. He believes that simply making more rules does not solve the problem and advocates for increased affordable housing and supportive housing instead.
City staff have recommended approving the amendments but have also suggested two alternative options: taking no action or waiting to see how other cities address similar issues. The council’s discussion of the amendments was delayed from the August 27 meeting, which saw numerous residents expressing their views on the ordinance and a proposed supportive housing project.
Homelessness in Santa Monica is a longstanding issue, exacerbated by recent violent incidents involving homeless individuals. Last summer, a homeless man assaulted Mayor Brock, and there have been other attacks on the Third Street Promenade and the city’s beaches. The city’s recent homeless count estimates 774 people experiencing homelessness, a decrease from 826 in 2023, with 62% living outdoors.
Santa Monica has implemented programs to prevent homelessness, including STEP Court, which helps individuals clear misdemeanor records in exchange for housing and treatment services. The city has also partnered with Los Angeles County to provide behavioral health crisis support through the Therapeutic Van Transport Team. Despite these efforts, there is still a shortfall of about 100 shelter beds.
The proposed ordinance changes follow a July City Council meeting where Mayor Pro Tem Lana Negrete and Councilmember Oscar de la Torre requested a review of the municipal code. This review is influenced by a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that allows cities to ban sleeping and camping on public property if no shelter is available.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has encouraged cities to clear homeless encampments and warned of potential funding cuts for those that do not make progress. In response, Long Beach has begun enforcing its anti-camping laws more strictly, issuing citations only after outreach efforts have failed.
The Santa Monica City Council meeting is set to start at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday.