By David Ganezer
Observer Staff Writer
LA County Runs Free Needle Distribution Program Across 7th Street From the Luxury Santa Monica Proper Hotel
The City of Santa Monica and the County along with Venice Family Clinic have been operating the only open-air, publicly funded needle, condom and synthetic distribution program in the country
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May 30, 2023
Poverty and affluence: The Proper hotel across 7th Street from a 7-Eleven where addicts hang out during the day.
A recent petition states that LA County is conducting a free needle distribution program in the 7 Eleven parking lot, across the street from the Santa Monica Proper Hotel. A luxury hotel, the Proper's rooms start at about $1,000 a night.
A petition to rid Santa Monica of the County of LA's distribution program has the signatures of at least one Santa Monica City councilmember, Phil Brock.
"The City of Santa Monica and the County along with Venice Family Clinic have been operating the only open-air, publicly funded needle, condom and synthetic distribution program in the country," says the Petition. "They make their distributions at Reed Park (across from a K-12 Catholic School with over 650 students), Tonvga Park, Palisades Park, the California Incline, 3rd Street Promenade and at the privately owned 7 Eleven parking lot on 7th and Wilshire. This program is attracting addicts to settle in our parks and public spaces and publicly use drugs causing a major safety concern with more needles being discarded in all areas where they are being distributed."
"California Governor Newsom vetoed a bill last year by Senator Scott Weiner (D-San Francisco) that would have set up pilot programs using public funds, citing worries about "unintended consequences".
"Please sign this Petition Letter and request that the City of Santa Monica force the County to move their distribution program indoors under medical supervision with support services. The program should be moved from our Parks, the Promenade and the 7 Eleven in our Downtown.
A free needle exchange program
"Santa Monica Proper introduces a looser kind of luxury to Santa Monica," boasts the Proper Hotel's website. "Here, along sun-drenched Wilshire Boulevard, within walking distance to the beach, each of the 267 rooms, suites and spaces successfully optimize the city's abundant ocean breezes and natural light, while the interior design finds inspiration in the organic tones and textures of the local coastline. Santa Monica Proper beckons guests with the only rooftop pool deck on the Westside, a one-of-a-kind setting that includes a Balearic outdoor restaurant, bar, and cabanas, where guests are front-row for sunsets over the Pacific. With an emphasis on Eastern inspired wellness, the hotel's Surya Spa, presided over by internationally renowned Ayurvedic guru Martha Soffer, offers custom-designed programs supporting physical, mental and spiritual health. Our Santa Monica Proper resort offers a true local experience in the heart of the city, walking distance from the beach, boutique shopping, health-conscious cafes, the world-class farmers market, and indulgent fine dining. Anything less just wouldn't be Proper."
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