Pier Business Owners, Residents Take On Safety

By Teresa Rochester

In the wake of the July 4th shootout on the Santa Monica Pier that left six people injured, including three police officers, the Pier Restoration Corporation's public safety committee Tuesday evening formed a working group to tackle safety issues on the pier.

The informal group -- which will consist of pier business owners, PRC board members and neighbors of the massive wooden landmark -- will look for solutions to safety concerns on the 90-year-old pier that attracts 3 million visitors a year, as well as in the surrounding area.

Thursday night marked the first time the public safety committee has met since the Independence Day gunfight inside the pier's Playland Arcade. After several awkward silences, pier business owners and the two residents present began broaching the topic of crime and the perception of safety on the pier.

"Most people agree it's a lot safer than the perception," said Russ Bernard, owner of Rusty's Surf Ranch. "Maybe having the perception that it's not safe makes people work harder at keeping it safe."

Lt. Betsy Stratton of the Santa Monica Police Department said that crimes this year are far below the number of crimes committed on the pier last year, with the exception of aggravated assault. Last year there were four incidents of aggravated assault. Between January and July 24, there have been 6 incidents, one of which included the Fourth of July shootout and taking of 15 hostages.

"I know it doesn't feel like it but we're a lot safer," said Stratton.

Stratton briefed the audience on current public safety personnel working the pier and its surrounding area and tools meant to enhance safety.

The police department plans to install two "blue lights" - phones that connect directly to police dispatch - near the Sea Castle apartments south of the pier, which are set to reopen latter this year. PRC officials also noted that there is strong chance that mechanical arms will be installed at the parking lots nearest the pier.

Once in place the arms will not open after certain hours, blocking entrance into the lots and deterring loitering. Cars will still be able to exit the parking lots, and neighboring residents will be given key cards to access parking.

Despite the increased safety measures, neighboring South Beach residents argued that late night hours on the pier and venues, specifically the Playland Arcade, which is open until 2 a.m., attract a potentially criminal element.

"It seems as though crime is down yet fear is up," said Ellen Brennan, president of South Beach Neighbors. "I have sat at my computer on two different nights and listened to the gun shots. Is there any pattern where these incidents are coming from? What venues on the pier are attracting these people? It seems as though something needs to be addressed."

"The character of the pier definitely changes after 11:00 p.m. It's no longer family night," said resident John Krause. "I'm not against the arcade per se…but the time it closes."

Business owners and PRC board members defended the pier's visitors, arguing that the structure is an easily accessible, free destination and that the beach offers respite from the heat in inland cities.

"If you live on a beach front there is going to be crime," said Dana Picord, who specializes in workplace violence and is a member of the Gordon family that owns the arcade. "No matter what."

The committee also discussed possible solutions to the conflict between cars and pedestrians on the pier. Business owners said they were concerned that cars turning into the parking lot on the pier without the assistance of a turn lane or lights, as well as the high number of pedestrians walking in front of the vehicles, may result in an accident.

Some suggestions for addressing the problem included installing flashing red lights to warn pedestrians of on-coming cars, posting signs about the cost of parking at the top of the pier ramp to discourage U-turns on the pier and having parking attendants direct traffic.