Informed Opinions on Today’s Topics : Legal, Moral Questions on Homelessness

Arguments about the constitutionality of a Santa Ana ordinance aimed at controlling the city’s homeless population began Thursday before the state Supreme Court.

Supported by more than 90 city attorneys, Santa Ana is attempting to overturn a 1992 state appellate court decision that disallowed a city law prohibiting camping, the use of camping equipment--including sleeping bags or blankets--and the storage of personal items on public property.

Opponents of the ordinance call it a “punishment for poverty,” saying the law is an example of local government attempts to rid communities of their homeless without addressing the root of the problem.

Those who support the legislation argue that cities are right to guard against the use of public property for private purposes. Certain uses should be prevented, they say, because it would exclude others in the community from enjoying that property.

What role should local governments play in dealing with the homeless?

Cynthia Caughey, executive director, Women’s Care Cottage, Van Nuys

“I can understand the need for some kind of law to be imposed against panhandling. I don’t like being harassed at night by some stranger in a park. But governments should not put those laws into effect without dealing with the issue. They should present solutions alongside those ordinances. There’s a lot of mean legislation out there. People are reacting to their frustrations with the problem.”

Nat Hutton, executive director, Valley Shelter Inc., North Hollywood

“Other things can be done besides forcing them out of the community. But it should be a concerted effort. We need to give the homeless an alternative. There are no suitable centers for the homeless in the Valley. We are looking into establishing some kind of soup kitchen where they could come in, take a shower, have a nice meal and relax. We would include counseling and assistance to get them the things they need to survive. To resolve the problem, local governments should be involved in those efforts.”

Jave McWilliams, president, Studio City Chamber of Commerce

“We’ve received complaints from business owners about panhandlers who were harassing their customers. One woman was followed into a supermarket and knocked down by a guy she didn’t give money to. We thought the best solution would be to educate the community through posters and booklets that listed L.A. organizations who helped the homeless. Instead of giving money to panhandlers, they have a list of places they could help. If we all gave money to those organizations, they could build bigger shelters and the truly needy people would have a place to stay.”

Robin Toma, staff attorney, American Civil Liberties Union

“Local governments should be both intelligent and humane in dealing with the homeless. They should not look for quick-fix solutions that force them to move from one area to another. They should work to create real regional solutions to the problem, which would include getting all resources together and using their political clout to effect solutions.”

Kent Scheidegger, legal director, Criminal Justice Legal Foundation

“Local governments should play a leading role in this issue because it’s primarily a local problem. The biggest complaint people have about the homeless is that some are intimidating people out of their money. A local government should crack down on those cases. . . . Homelessness is often a problem that includes mental illness and substance abuse. . . . People who give cash to panhandlers are largely subsidizing substance abuse.”