Sexual Assault in Santa Monica Highlights Growing Homelessness Crisis

A woman sunbathing in Santa Monica, California, was sexually assaulted by a homeless man in broad daylight this week, raising concerns about the city's ongoing homelessness crisis and the safety of its residents.

A brazen sexual assault in broad daylight on Santa Monica beach has brought attention to the city's growing homelessness problem and the safety concerns it raises for residents and visitors alike. The incident has also sparked a debate about how to address the complex issue of homelessness and its impact on the community.

On Tuesday morning, a 20-year-old woman was enjoying the sun near the Santa Monica Pier when she was approached by Alonzo Dickson, a 25-year-old homeless man. According to police, Dickson climbed on top of the woman, pinned her down, and began "grinding" on her. The woman's friends noticed the assault and intervened, prompting Dickson to flee. Police arrested Dickson shortly after and charged him with felony sexual battery with restraint.

Sexual Assault in Santa Monica Highlights Growing Homelessness Crisis

The attack took place near Ocean Front Walk, a popular cycling and running trail near the beach. The area has been plagued by a string of crimes and disruptions related to homeless men and vagrants, including widespread, open-air drug use.

"It's horrible for the community," said Santa Monica Mayor Phil Brock. "I can't stop thinking about that girl and how she must feel."

Sexual Assault in Santa Monica Highlights Growing Homelessness Crisis

Brock has been a vocal critic of the city's handling of the homelessness crisis, arguing that the current approach is not working. Santa Monica has spent millions of dollars on homeless services, but the problem persists.

"We're safe," Brock told local outlet Fox 11. "You or I could take a walk down the Promenade at 11 o'clock at night and feel like we're in good shape."

Sexual Assault in Santa Monica Highlights Growing Homelessness Crisis

However, residents and businesses in the area disagree. They say the presence of homeless encampments and vagrants creating public disturbances has made the area unsafe.

"I'm afraid to walk around here alone at night," said one resident, who wished to remain anonymous. "There are always people sleeping on the sidewalks and in the parks. I've been harassed before."

The alleged Tuesday assault is only the latest incident of homeless men attacking women in the area. In June, a homeless man was arrested for allegedly abducting a 4-year-old girl at a California restaurant. The man was reportedly under the influence of drugs at the time.

The growing number of homeless attacks has raised concerns about the safety of women and children in Santa Monica. Some residents are calling for increased police presence and more stringent enforcement of laws against vagrancy.

Others argue that the focus should be on addressing the root causes of homelessness, such as mental illness, addiction, and poverty. They believe that providing more affordable housing and access to mental health services would help to reduce the number of people living on the streets.

The debate over how to address homelessness in Santa Monica is likely to continue. In the meantime, residents and visitors are left to navigate a city that is increasingly divided between those who want to feel safe and those who need help.