Eye on homeless crisis

More homeless people are finding their way to Laguna Beach, and city officials have taken notice.

The City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to direct the Affordable Housing and Human Affairs Committee to explore the issue of homelessness and work with community groups who have expertise in dealing with the homeless.

“I think the population has grown, and I am seeing more aggressive behavior than in the past,” said Councilman Kelly Boyd, who requested the item be put on the agenda. “My goal is to find a solution.”

Don Black, director of outreach to the homeless for the Laguna Beach Relief and Resource Center, recommended the city put together an official committee to meet with people already dedicated and knowledgeable about homeless issues.

“I represent the homeless and about 200 people interested in what you are addressing tonight,” Black said. “The biggest problem is mental health.”

Councilwoman Elizabeth Schneider said she is getting complaints from residents who are beginning to avoid Heisler Park because of the homeless who sleep there. She likened the problem to the congregation of day laborers on North Laguna street corners before the city arranged for the center in Laguna Canyon.

“People are intimidated,” Schneider said.

Resident Arnold Hano said he was inspired to take an active role after reading newspaper articles about the number of homeless people who seek the shelter that local churches provide in cold weather.

“The churches are doing the heavy lifting for the rest of us,” Mayor Toni Iseman said.

Three local churches take turns opening their doors to the homeless on nights when the temperature drops to 40 degrees or 50 degrees and it is raining.

Blankets are provided, and once the doors close, no one is admitted or permitted to leave.

Iseman said the churches are being pushed to their limits.

The Affordable Housing and Human Affairs Committee will be meeting at 4 p.m. Wednesday in Conference Room A at City Hall, 505 Forest Ave.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

What steps should Laguna Beach take to help get homeless people off its streets? Write us at P.O. Box 248, Laguna Beach, CA, 92652, e-mail us at coastlinepilot@latimes.com or fax us at 494-8979. Please give your name and tell us your home address and phone number for verification purposes only.