A weekend brawl near the Santa Monica Pier ended with one person stabbed and another injured.
Five people were under arrest as a result, but this is not the only violence hitting the beach city recently.
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T hree assaults , two attempted murders , and one murder - all since the beginning of May - are among the violent crimes that have residents of Santa Monica concerned about public safety.
Mayor Phil Brock is pushing to tap into a city reserve fund for over a million dollars to boost police patrols. Additionally, he's requesting assistance from Governor Gavin Newsom, seeking state funding for an issue he believes goes far beyond Santa Monica's sole responsibility.
The City Council is still debating the mayor's proposal.
KNX News' Pete Demetriou spoke with residents who have mixed reactions. Longtime local Chris Crisa, see increased patrols as a positive step, he also emphasizes the need for long-term solutions. "It's a great idea," he said. "Let's just see if they're willing to spend the money on the public."
He believes policing is one thing, but the city lacks the resources for crucial additional interventions for things like mental health services and rehabilitation.
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Others, like resident Kim, believe increased police presence is crucial, especially during peak tourist seasons. "Protecting the Pier is very important," Kim stated.
However, some residents say addressing the root causes of crime, such as homelessness and substance abuse, is vital. One woman said she thinks those elements of the overall issue need to be addressed and funded - by the state.
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