- Killing
of
George
Floyd
« Following the Looting
in Santa Monica
"Our
hope
is
that
by
coming
together
to
paint
images
of
hope, equality, and
change, we can help share meaningful messages
surrounding racial injustice and inequality as well as give individuals the opportunity to use their voice in a safe & supportive space."
surrounding racial injustice and inequality as well as give individuals the opportunity to use their voice in a safe & supportive space."
On May 31, 2020 several days after the
horrific killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, there was widespread
looting
in Santa Monica.
According to the city there were "292 reports of damage to retail businesses, of which 155 indicated significant damage." Many business windows on Wilshire and Santa Monica Blvds. in downtown were boarded up with plywood. Paint the City Peaceful, a grassroots effort, coordinated muralists and members of the community to decorate some of these on June 6. Three weeks later, some businesses have returned to normal. For example, people, maintaining distance, were lined up outside the Apple store on Third Street Promenade. However, plywood is still up on dozens of businesses, ranging from Hayk's Smoke Shop at 16th and Wilshire to the popular REI store at 4th and Santa Monica. This damage comes on top of the downturn due to the pandemic, which has hit Santa Monica hard.
Some businesses may not reopen. The plywood on Sur La Table, at 301 Wilshire, had a "Five (5) Day Notice to Pay Rent or Quit" dated June 11 showing total rent due for April, May and June of $178,584.72 (over $59,000 per month) and additional rent due of $22,475.29 for a total of $201,060.01.
According to the city there were "292 reports of damage to retail businesses, of which 155 indicated significant damage." Many business windows on Wilshire and Santa Monica Blvds. in downtown were boarded up with plywood. Paint the City Peaceful, a grassroots effort, coordinated muralists and members of the community to decorate some of these on June 6. Three weeks later, some businesses have returned to normal. For example, people, maintaining distance, were lined up outside the Apple store on Third Street Promenade. However, plywood is still up on dozens of businesses, ranging from Hayk's Smoke Shop at 16th and Wilshire to the popular REI store at 4th and Santa Monica. This damage comes on top of the downturn due to the pandemic, which has hit Santa Monica hard.
Some businesses may not reopen. The plywood on Sur La Table, at 301 Wilshire, had a "Five (5) Day Notice to Pay Rent or Quit" dated June 11 showing total rent due for April, May and June of $178,584.72 (over $59,000 per month) and additional rent due of $22,475.29 for a total of $201,060.01.
Copyright ©
2020 Eric M. Appleman/Democracy in
Action.
All rights reserved.