A recent video by YouTuber Jeremiah Babe, featuring guest Jack Morgan, paints a stark picture of the current state of Santa Monica. The two explore the once-bustling Third Street Promenade, now riddled with vacant storefronts and signs of economic decline. According to the video, half of the stores along the promenade are out of business, with many windows boarded up and a general sense of lifelessness taking over the area.
Jack Morgan, who lived in the area five years ago, remarked on the stark contrast from his earlier experiences, noting how vibrant the area once was. Now, he observes a sharp downturn, with a growing homeless population and frequent police presence, indicating a rise in crime. Enrique, another guest on the video, commented on how this decline had been occurring for years, predating the COVID-19 pandemic.
The group walks through the promenade, observing the once-thriving retail scene now reduced to a shell of itself, with only large corporate stores like Adidas and Zumiez managing to survive. Meanwhile, many small businesses have been forced to shut their doors. Sid, another guest and a security expert, commented on the visible presence of private security and police, a response to increasing crime and mental health issues in the area.
The video concludes with reflections on the broader impacts of the decline, from the loss of tax revenue to the potential for a regional banking crisis as more businesses close. Morgan, who now lives in Florida, notes the contrasting economic boom in his new home state, where businesses are thriving, and the homeless issue is less pronounced.
The video offers a sobering glimpse into the challenges facing Santa Monica, highlighting the ongoing struggles of small businesses and the uncertain future of one of California’s iconic shopping destinations.
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