Visitors Query Policy of Ticketing Jaywalkers
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On the morning of July 19, we wrapped up our Los Angeles vacation by spending close to $200 at retailers along Santa Monica’s Third Street Promenade, followed by an enjoyable lunch at the Broadway Deli. As we walked to our car, we discussed how the only negative was being repeatedly and aggressively panhandled in full sight of the police, who did nothing.
Imagine our surprise when these same police stopped us and ticketed us for jaywalking!
Our explanation that we were visitors, who had no idea that (unique among our travels in the Western world) Santa Monica enforces and tickets jaywalking, fell upon deaf ears. If the Los Angeles area wishes to stop its decline in tourism and the accompanying revenue loss, it needs a more intelligent method than treating unsuspecting visitors as criminals while leaving alone those who harass these visitors.
We hope Santa Monica spends our $15 fine wisely, since we will no longer visit and fill the city’s coffers via retail, restaurant and hotel spending.
KEN ZANKEL and KRYSTEN THOMPSON
San Francisco
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