Sunday, August 14, 2016

Hemet Homelessness: Which Solutions Can We ALL Get Behind?


First, some background on LA. Remember when Los Angeles declared homelessness a state of emergency about a year ago and said they were dedicating $100million to a solution?  Well, a year later with no solution has left residents very irritated.  Los Angeles leadership waited and waited for years, taking no action.  The problem continued to grow rapidly and continues to grow daily.  Guess what?  This empty promise of dedicating funds and a solution came during campaign time.  Shocking, huh?  They have not come up with a plan and do not have the funds.  So what is Los Angeles doing because their citizens are irritated? LA’s elected officials have petitioned Governor Brown to declare a State of Emergency, so that LA can get the funds.  As of now, Governor Brown refuses to declare it a State of Emergency.  Los Angeles is asking for funds but what is their plan?  This is what happens when you sit back and do not do anything once a problem starts.

Hemet: So, what do we, the residents of Hemet, do about the homelessness here in our city?  There have been a multitude of solutions that seem to be working and making progress in other cities across the country.  This requires the public servants working with the community. I will discuss some solutions and post the article(s)/websites associated with each one.  As some of you know, Save Hemet teamed up with Project Hope II to form Hemet/San Jacinto United for Change, a homeless solutions advocacy group.  We have partnered with other local groups, have held an education/solutions forum, spoken with elected officials from the city level to the congressional level, and we are working with very successful organizations that are transforming lives to get a good understanding in how we can move forward and take action.  Please check out the solutions below and see if there are any you can get behind, then comment on what you think would work here in our city.  If there is an article/website to a positive solution that you have seen and like, please post that in your comment as well.  I am requesting your thoughtful, positive and intelligent feedback.  If there is an idea you think might work but see some obstacles in our community that would halt progress, please address that as well.  Please note: Pan handling is something with which we do not agree.  If someone is in fact committing a crime, they should be arrested.  A human being simply being homeless is not a crime, nor should it ever be.

If we all pull our voices together, chances are, we will not have to be in the same situation as Los Angeles, even though it may already feel like it for some. I encourage people to speak at city council meetings during the Communications from The Public.  I will also post the link to the council agendas, so that you have access to that information and bookmark it for reference. Save Hemet will also be posting the council meetings in segments on the Save Hemet YouTube and posting them on the Save Hemet FB page.  

IDEAS FOR SOLUTIONS

The Empowerment Plan: www.empowermentplan.org

Veronika Scott created a non-profit that produces a combo sleeping bag/coat for Detroit’s homeless.  The non-profit employs women who are homeless themselves, assisting in the women successfully transitioning out of homelessness.  How did this start? The founder was doing a school project and one of the women she approached to try a prototype started yelling at her saying they need jobs, not coats.  The founder agreed.  This led to the creation of The Empowerment Plan.

Solutions for Change, Vista, Ca: www.solutionsforchange.org

This is a 1000-day program known as Solutions University.  Not only do they work on transforming the individual so they are never back on the streets, they educate and empower the children, so they never end up on the streets. In addition to housing and providing transitional skills, they have a business component that is very impressive.

Corona Norco Rescue Mission: http://www.inlandempirerescuemission.org/

Our Mission: To minister the love of Jesus Christ to the Least, the Last, and the Lost of our Community through the provision of assistance in the areas of guidance, counseling, education, job training, shelter, food, clothing, health care and independent living communities.

Albequeque, NM: Homeless work for the City

The brainchild of Mayor Berry, this program sends a van around twice a week looking for anyone (homeless, panhandlers) who might be interested in a job. They get them to a city job site, where they pull weeds, pick up trash, etc. The city pays them $9/hour which is a little more than minimum wage for 5 hours per day.  Mayor Berry said that if they are holding a sign that says “will work”, then we should take them up on their offer.  Instead of giving someone a ticket, they are giving them a better opportunity. 


Orange County

The county received $17.6million from HUD to assist with permanent housing. “Local nonprofits and governments apply collaboratively for HUD’s homeless grants, meeting together to determine the region’s needs and then submitting a unified proposal to request funds”.  Most public restrooms are closed at night, leaving the homeless with one option, publicly using the restroom.  Santa Ana is having three bathrooms installed near the civic center (the location of several hundred homeless individuals) so that the homeless have a proper place to use the restroom at night. 



Tiny homes in Tennessee

This was a collaborative effort.  Initially, six homes were built and Green Street Church of Christ stepped up to take these tiny homes onto their property creating, Infinity Village. The property is able to take up to 25 of the tiny homes.  The people utilizing the tiny homes will also be able to use the church’s showers and restrooms.  This is not meant to be permanent housing but to assist in situations where there are long waiting periods, such as Section 8. 


Possible Short Term Solution:

If there is a stable place to stay at night, we have a greater chance of getting people to commit to treatment programs for substance abuse and/or mental health, simply moving forward to finding employment or going home to family for support in their path to move forward.  The Hemet Library has amazing resources for adult literacy, GED completion, resume writing, etc. for those ready and in that positon.  The library and outpatient treatment facilities are within blocks of each other.  The ability to shower and look presentable for an interview is crucial, along with interviewing skills.  Please keep in mind that backgrounds checks are done for employment.  The more of a record one has, the more difficult it is to get employment.  Think about this: if you are only arrested and your record has accumulated because you were homeless and breaking city ordinances by simply existing, how is this helping people obtain employment?  I know this is not every case, but it is some cases and we need to think about these cases as well. I have provided the ordinances currently on the books (regarding homelessness) so that you can see what they are for yourselves.  Let’s work together with our street residents and get this moving forward, so that we all can have an improved quality of life here in the city we love so much!

Please Note: This blog is accessible to teens/young people. Please be respectful of the potential audience.  Comments including profanity will not be published!



Link to Agendas: http://www.cityofhemet.org 
Please go to "Government" at the top and select Agendas and Minutes in the drop down. I apologize. The link was not working.

City Ordinances: for more information and all the ordinances, please visit the City Website

Here is an article about San Antonio regarding similar ordinances. 



  • Sec. 46-4. - Obstruction of street or sidewalk.
    It is unlawful for any person to loiter, stand or sit in or upon any public highway, alley, sidewalk or crosswalk so as to in any manner hinder or obstruct the free passage therein or thereon of persons or vehicles passing or attempting to pass along the highway, alley, sidewalk or crosswalk, or so as to in any manner annoy or molest persons passing along the highway, alley, sidewalk or crosswalk.
    (Ord. No. 196; Code 1984, § 10600)
    Cross reference— Streets and sidewalks, ch. 66.

  • Cross reference— Buildings and building regulations, ch. 14; moving buildings, § 14-201 et seq.; obstruction of street or sidewalk, § 46-4; transport of garbage or rubbish, § 62-11; construction or improvement of public parking areas, § 78-130; zoning, ch. 90; walls, fencing, screening and landscaping, § 90-16; signs generally, § 90-1241 et seq.; banners, § 90-1311 et seq.; directional signs for subdivisions, § 90-1341 et seq.

State Law reference— Effective date of ordinances relating to street improvement proceedings, Government Code § 36937(c); municipal authority to establish, alter, improve, etc., streets, sidewalks, alleys, etc., Government Code § 40401.

  • Sec. 50-3. - Permit required for certain activities.
    No person shall conduct, operate, present, manage or take part in any of the following activities unless a permit is obtained prior to the start of the activity:
    (1)
    Any contest, exhibit, dramatic performance, play, motion picture, radio or television broadcast, fair, circus, musical event or similar event.
    (2)
    Any public meeting, assembly or parade, including, but not limited to, drills, maneuvers, ceremonies, addresses or speeches. Political activities are exempt from this requirement.
    (3)
    Any use of any park facility by a certain person or group of persons to the exclusion of others.
    (Ord. No. 895; Code 1984, § 2452)
    Cross reference— Parades and demonstrations, § 66-121 et seq.
  • Sec. 50-4. - Application for use permit.
    A person seeking the issuance of a park use permit shall file a written communication with the city manager. The city manager may require a certificate of compliance. The application shall state:
    (1)
    The name, address and telephone number of the person applying for the permit.
    (2)
    If the activity is to be conducted for, on behalf of or by any person other than the applicant, the name, address and telephone number of that person.
    (3)
    The exact nature of the use or activity for which the permit is being sought.
    (4)
    The day and hours for which the permit is desired.
    (5)
    The park and the portion of the park desired to be used to carry out the proposed use or activity.
    (6)
    An estimate of the anticipated attendance.
    (7)
    Any other information that the city manager finds to be reasonably necessary in order to determine whether a permit is to be issued.
    (Code 1984, § 2453)
  • Sec. 50-5. - Processing of request for use permit.
    Upon the receipt of a request for a park use permit, the city manager shall make a recommendation as to the time, place and manner of the activity and whether to issue or deny the permit. The city manager shall refer the permit request and recommendations to the park commission as soon as reasonably possible.
    (Code 1984, § 2454)
  • Sec. 50-6. - Criteria for approval of use permit.
    The park commission shall approve a request for a park use permit unless the commission finds that:
    (1)
    The proposed activity or use of the park will unreasonably interfere with or detract from the general use and enjoyment of the park;
    (2)
    The proposed activity or use of the park will unreasonably interfere with or detract from the public health, safety or welfare;
    (3)
    The conduct of the proposed activity or use is unreasonably likely to result in violence to persons or property resulting in serious harm to the public;
    (4)
    The proposed activity or use will entail an extraordinary expense or operation by the city;
    (5)
    The facilities desired have been reserved for another activity or use at the day and hour requested in the application; or
    (6)
    The applicant failed to allow city officials sufficient time to consider the permit request.
    (Code 1984, § 2455)
  • Sec. 50-7. - Issuance of use permit.
    The city manager, upon receipt of the approved permit request, shall issue or cause to be issued a park use permit to the applicant.
    (Code 1984, § 2456)
  • Sec. 50-8. - Appeal of denial of use permit.
    Any person aggrieved shall have the right to appeal the denial of a park use permit to the city council by filing a notice of appeal within five days after receipt of denial with the city clerk. The city clerk shall thereupon fix an early time and place for hearing such appeal. The city clerk shall give notice to such person of the time and place by serving such notice personally or by depositing it in the United States post office at the city, addressed to such person at his last known address. The city council shall have the authority to determine all questions raised on such appeal.
    (Code 1984, § 2457)
  • Sec. 50-9. - Holder of use permit to comply with park rules.
    The holder of a park use permit shall be bound by all park rules and regulations and all applicable ordinances fully as though the rules, regulations and ordinances were inserted in the permit.
    (Code 1984, § 2458)
  • Sec. 50-10. - Liability of holder of use permit.
    The person to whom a park use permit is issued shall be liable for any loss, damage or injury sustained by any person whatever by reason of the negligence of the person to whom such permit has been issued.
    (Code 1984, § 2459)
  • Sec. 50-11. - Revocation of use permit.
    The city manager shall have the authority to revoke a park use permit upon a finding of violation of any rule or ordinance, or upon good cause shown.
    (Code 1984, § 2460)
  • Sec. 50-12. - Enforcement of chapter.
    (a)
    The chief of police and members of the police department, under supervision of the city manager, shall, in connection with their duties imposed by law, diligently enforce the provisions of this chapter.
    (b)
    The chief of police and any member of the police department shall have the authority to eject any person in a park in violation of this chapter.
    (Code 1984, § 2461)
  • Sec. 50-13. - Violation of chapter; penalty.
    Any person violating the provisions of any part of this chapter shall be deemed guilty of an infraction, and, upon conviction, shall be punished in accordance with section 1-8.
    (Code 1984, § 2462)
    Sec. 46-6. - Use of public property.
    (a)
    Definition. The term "public property," as used in this section, means all property of the United States or the state, or any political subdivision thereof, including but not limited to parks, public grounds, streets, roadways, alleys, parking places, schools and schoolgrounds and fairgrounds.
    (b)
    Restrictions on usage. It is unlawful for any person to do any of the following on any public property without the consent of the agency owning or controlling such property:
    (1)
    Swim, bathe, wade, wash or otherwise use the waters of any fountain, pond, lake or other water areas for any purpose other than that for which the area has been designed, or in any manner so as to pollute any such waters.
    (2)
    Camp, lodge or tarry overnight.
    (3)
    Cook or make any fire other than in or on facilities provided for that purpose.
    (c)
    Public use closures. When a condition exists or is pending that constitutes a threat to the public health, safety or morals by reason of misuse of public properties, the city may close any public property in the city to public use and exclude all persons therefrom until such condition shall have ceased to exist or shall no longer constitute a threat to the public health, safety or morals. Any such action shall be presented to the city council for confirmation at the earliest practicable time. The city council shall have the authority to rescind any such action at any time. Any person who enters upon public property after having been notified of such action of the city, or remains on public property after having been so notified, shall be in violation of this section.
    (Ord. No. 605; Code 1984, §§ 10700—10702)
    Cross reference— Parks and recreation, ch. 50.
    Sec. 46-7. - Spitting on sidewalk or in public building or vehicle.
    It is unlawful for any person in the city to spit or expectorate on the floor, walls or stairs of any public building, place of worship, place of amusement or public vehicle or upon any public sidewalk within the city.
    (Ord. No. 23; Code 1984, § 10703)
    Cross reference— Health and sanitation, ch. 34.
    Sec. 46-8. - Sweeping trash into the street.
    It is unlawful for any person to sweep into or throw upon any public street, lane or alley in the city any store sweepings, any house sweepings, trash, rubbish, paper or other like substances.
    (Code 1984, § 10704)
    Sec. 46-9. - Release, escape or burning of hazardous substances.
    (a)
    Purpose. The purpose of this section is to provide for the recovery by the city of its expenses associated with an emergency response necessary to protect the public from the release, escape or burning of hazardous substances.
    (b)
    Hazardous substance defined. "Hazardous substance" shall mean any hazardous substance listed in the Health and Safety Code § 25316 or the Labor Code § 6382.
    (c)
    Reimbursement for emergency response expenses. The expenses of an emergency response necessary to protect the public from a real and imminent threat to health and safety by the city to confine, prevent, or mitigate the release, escape, or burning of hazardous substances, are a charge against any person whose negligence causes the incident.
    Expenses reimbursable to the city under this section are a debt of the person or persons liable therefor, and shall be collectible in the same manner as in the case of an obligation under contract, express or implied. The charge created against the person by this section is also a charge against the person's employer if the negligence causing the incident occurs in the course of the person's employment. An action to recover expenses under this section may be joined with any civil action for penalties, fines, injunctive, or other relief brought against the responsible person or persons or employer, or both, arising out of the same incident.
    (Ord. No. 1802, § 3, 8-12-08)
    Sec. 46-10. - Reserved.
    Editor's note— Ord. No. 1888, § 1, adopted May 27, 2014, repealed § 46-10, which pertained to sex offender location restrictions and derived from Ord. No. 1844, § 1(Exh. A), adopted Dec. 13, 2011.
    Secs. 46-11—46-30. - Reserved.

  • CHAPTER 53 - PERSONAL CONDUCT
    FOOTNOTE(S):
    --- (1) ---
    Editor's note—Ord. No. 1687, § 2, adopted July 8, 2003, pertained to personal conduct and these provisions were designated as Ch. 43, §§ 43-1—43-30. For purpose of classification and to maintain alphabetization and style, the editor has redesignated Ch. 43, §§ 43-1—43-30, as Ch. 53, §§ 53-1—53-30.
  • ARTICLE I. - DISORDERLY CONDUCT

  • Sec. 53-1. - Definitions.
    For purposes of this chapter the following definitions shall apply:
    Camp means in light of all the circumstances, residing in or using a public place for nighttime living accommodation purposes such as sleeping activities; making preparations to sleep overnight, including the laying down of bedding for the purpose of sleeping and storing personal belongings; pitching a tent or occupying camp facilities; setting up or using any camp paraphernalia.
    Camp facilities include, but are not limited to, tents, huts, or temporary shelters of any make or kind.
    Camp paraphernalia includes, but is not limited to, tarpaulins, cots, beds, sleeping bags, hammocks, or non-city designated cooking facilities and similar equipment.
    City building means any building that is owned or occupied by the City of Hemet or any of its agencies and which is used for public purposes.
    County building means any building that is owned or occupied by the County of Riverside or any of its agencies and which is used for public purposes.
    Enclosed area means an area that is substantially surrounded by a fence, ditch, wall or other barrier so as to limit access to a relatively few points around the area.
    Federal building means any building that is owned or occupied by the United States government or any of its agencies and which is used for public purposes.
    Obstruction of entrance means to stand, sit, lie, or place an object in such a manner that blocks the entrance to any building, parking lot or public place.
    Park means land owned by the city or other governmental entity and dedicated for use as a park.
    Public place includes any of the following:
    (1)
    Any area inside a city, county, state, federal or school district building;
    (2)
    Any enclosed area outdoors which is owned or occupied or managed by the city, county, state or federal government and used for public purposes, or which is owned or occupied by a public school district;
    (3)
    Any unenclosed area outdoors, whether such area is publicly or privately owned or occupied, to which the general public has access and to which, by right or by express or implied invitation, the general public may resort for business, pleasure, or other lawful purpose; this category includes, but is not limited to, publicly owned open areas such as streets, sidewalks, parks, bicycle paths, and open areas that may be either publicly or privately owned, such as entrance ways, alcoves, yards, and parking lots;
    (4)
    Any privately owned walkway, whether enclosed or unenclosed, which is open to the general public and which, among its principal purposes, serves to allow pedestrians to pass through or over the premises, without regard to the pedestrian's destination;
    (5)
    Outdoor parking lots, whether publicly or privately owned, which are adjacent to streets, sidewalks or other public places open to the general public.
    (6)
    All city streets, alleys, sidewalks and public parks.
    School district building means any building which is owned or occupied by a public school district and which is used for public purposes.
    State building means any building that is owned or occupied by the State of California or any of its agencies and which is used for public purposes.
    Store means to put aside or accumulate for use when needed, to put aside for safekeeping, to place or leave in a location.
    (Ord. No. 1687 § 2, 7-8-03)
  • Sec. 53-2. - Sleeping in public places.
    Unless authorized by law, no person shall lie down or sleep in any public place within the city so as to impede access to that public place, or that public place's interior, if applicable.
    No person may block access to any entrance or exit of any public building or structure by sleeping or lying down in a manner so as to obstruct or hinder passage through any such entrance or exit.
    No person shall lie down for the purpose of sleeping on, or under, any publicly-owned structure not intended for human occupancy, whether with or without bedding, tent, hammock or other similar protection or equipment.
    Exemptions.
    (1)
    Any conduct which is in conformity with the terms of any permit granted pursuant to this Code;
    (2)
    Any conduct in public places that are privately owned where such conduct is in conformity with permission granted by the owner of said premises or by the person entitled to the possession of said premises unless otherwise prohibited by law;
    (3)
    Persons lying down due to a medical emergency;
    (4)
    Any conduct that is authorized by federal or state law.
    (Ord. No. 1687 § 2, 7-8-03; Ord. No. 1780, § 4(Exh. C), 5-22-07)
  • Sec. 53-3. - Use of vehicle for human habitation.
    No person shall use or occupy or permit the use or occupancy of any vehicle as defined by California Vehicle Code § 670 for human habitation, including but not limited to sleeping, eating or resting in any public place within the city. For purposes of this section, "habitation" shall mean the use of a vehicle for a dwelling place, and shall not mean the use of a vehicle for amelioration of sickness or other temporary physical inabilities causing an inability to operate such a vehicle.
    Exception: Vehicle habitation is permissible as provided for in section H(2)(b)-(c).
    (Ord. No. 1687 § 2, 7-8-03)
  • Sec. 53-4. - Noise.
    No person shall willfully make or continue, or cause to be made or continued, any loud, unnecessary, and unusual noise which is greater than the level permissible for the applicable zone or which unreasonably disturbs the peace or quiet of any neighborhood or which would cause discomfort or annoyance to any reasonable person of normal sensitiveness residing in the area.
    The word "unreasonably" as used herein shall include but not be limited to, consideration of the hour, place, nature, and circumstances of any loud, unnecessary, and unusual noise.
    (Ord. No. 1687 § 2, 7-8-03)
  • Sec. 53-5. - Public intoxication.
    No person shall be drunk or intoxicated in any public place within the city.
    (Ord. No. 1687 § 2, 7-8-03)
  • Sec. 53-6. - Obstruction of entrances to public places.
    It is unlawful for any person to obstruct the entrance or exit to any building, facility, property, or public place.
    Exemptions.
    (1)
    Any conduct which is in conformity with the terms of any permit granted pursuant to this Code;
    (2)
    Any conduct in public places that are privately owned where such conduct is in conformity with permission granted by the owner of said premises or by the person entitled to the possession of said premises;
    (3)
    Persons lying down due to a medical emergency.
    (Ord. No. 1687 § 2, 7-8-03)
  • Sec. 53-7. - Urination and defecation in public.
    No person shall urinate or defecate in a public place or in an area on private property exposed to viewing by the public from said public places, provided that this section shall not be applicable to the act of urinating or defecating in a proper human waste disposal receptacle that is located within an enclosed and permitted restroom or bathroom.
    (Ord. No. 1687 § 2, 7-8-03)
  • Sec. 53-8. - Camping.
    No person shall camp anywhere in the city whether it is on public property or private property except where otherwise permitted by the City Code or other relevant law.
    Exceptions.
    (1)
    Camping in the yard of a residence with the consent of the owner or occupant of the residence, where the camping is in the rear yard, or in an area of a side yard that is separated from view from the street by a fence, hedge or screen. In no case shall camping under this provision be permitted for more than three days during any one calendar month;
    (2)
    Inside of a licensed and registered vehicle in a residential off-street driveway with written consent of the business owner or the owner of the residence, where the driver/occupant of such vehicle is in possession of a valid driver's license, provided that no more than two vehicles shall be permitted at any one location. In no case shall camping under this provision be permitted for more than three days during any one calendar month;
    (3)
    Camping shall not be permitted under this subsection where it violates state, county or city health, building, electrical, plumbing, fire or other codes or relevant law.
    (Ord. No. 1687 § 2, 7-8-03)
  • Sec. 53-9. - Storage of personal property in public places.
    It is unlawful for any person to store personal property, including camp facilities and camp paraphernalia, in any public place.
    (Ord. No. 1687 § 2, 7-8-03)


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