Researchers told the San Diego City Council to decriminalize things like blocking a sidewalk or sleeping where it's not allowed. It only makes homelessness worse. Less than 48 hours later, top city officials doubled down. From our partner inewsource ⬇️
They told councilmembers the study began early in the pandemic with a question — how are people staying healthy and meeting basic needs while living on the streets during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Of the people surveyed, 80% reported experiencing police contact within the past three months, and only 13% of those folks were offered services. None of the Black participants said they were offered help by police.that San Diego police offer shelter prior to enforcing encroachment. Before receiving a citation under this law, someone would have to refuse shelter at least twice — and refuse at least four times before going to jail.
“We must ask ourselves, what are the ethical implications of asking our most vulnerable residents to seek services from individuals and agencies that they often perceive as perpetrators of harm?” Welsh Carroll said. “Particularly if it makes it less likely for people to accept any services at all.” “We could pass something and we could turn it over, and guess what? It will not be implemented,” she said. “I don’t expect this to change to happen overnight, but as long as I’m in a position of power, I’m going to push it.”that stressed the importance of providing basic human needs, such as water, toilets, trash disposal and safe place to wait for housing.
“It is our responsibility to provide those better places for people,” Whitburn said in an interview, “and then also insist that if we have a place for people to go that is better than the sidewalk, that they take advantage of that.” “I believe strongly in civil liberties,” Whitburn said. “I also believe that we need to make sure as a society that we are creating appropriate spaces for the people who are unsheltered.”Martin Vasquez moves a blanket that was hanging to dry into his tent, San Diego, March 30, 2023.
The city has a duty to enforce laws that protect unhoused folks from disease and predators, as well as school children, people with mobility issues and others who are forced into the street to pass encampments. Elo-Rivera said he placed the item on the agenda because he felt it was an important conversation. He said his colleagues are free to take information as they see fit.“It is immoral to see someone who’s experiencing homelessness as a criminal simply for being homeless,” Elo-Rivera said.
The decision ultimately says just because a shelter bed is available, doesn’t mean it’s practically accessible, Tars said. For example, an all-men’s shelter would not be practically accessible for a woman. A congregate, dormitory-style setting might not be practically available to a veteran with post-traumatic stress.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Nathan Fletcher receives backlash for $2 million security detail -SAN DIEGO (KUSI) – San Diego County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher remains under fire from community members and elected leaders in San Diego after admitting to cheating on his wife, but denying the allegations made in a lawsuit filed by a former MTS employee. Nathan Fletcher had a private, armed, personal security detail since September 2021. Fletcher was the only San...
Read more »
San Diego County Supervisors delay vote on sewer rate increase -SAN DIEGO (CNS) – The San Diego County Board of Supervisors heard from the public Wednesday on a proposed sewer system rate increase for eight unincorporated communities, and ultimately delayed a planned vote in light of opposition. The ordinance was originally set for approval Wednesday, but was continued until early May after the county received at last 117 letters, an...
Read more »
San Diego County supervisors delay vote on sewer rate increaseOn May 3, the board will consider a proposed rate increase of 5.75% per year for the next five fiscal years. If approved, the rate hike will be applied to Alpine, Campo, East Otay Mesa, Julian, Lakeside, Pine Valley, Spring Valley and Winter Gardens.
Read more »
San Diego Opera cancels May production of 'The Falling and the Rising,' citing budgetary concernsDavid Bennett, San Diego Opera's general director, said the company 'cut our losses' in response to lower single- and subscription-ticket sales and sharply higher expenses
Read more »
Hershey Felder returns to San Diego with 'Gershwin' farewellThe popular playwright-pianist-performer hasn't done a major public performance in San Diego since before the pandemic
Read more »