Camper ban on hold

City leaders decided Tuesday that they weren’t ready to set a timer for homeless folks to stop using beaches and parks as campgrounds.

Proposed revisions to a city ordinance that would prohibit people from making public areas their living space were set aside without action. Instead, the council unanimously voted to appoint Council members Kelly Boyd and Toni Iseman to create an oversight committee to deal with recommendations made by the Homeless Task Force on which they served.

“Solutions are within the homeless community,” Iseman said. “Only a small percentage of the homeless are a problem. Maybe meetings with the homeless would be beneficial. I appeal to the homeless alpha males for leadership.”

The homeless were not specified in the proposed revision to the city’s ordinance on “camping” on public property, but they were clearly the target. Camping was defined as residing in or using any public area for living accommodations or lodging purposes. Public area was defined as a place not designated as a campground under federal, state, or local statute or ordinance.

City ordinance revisions included providing violators with a written notice of the violation. Repeat violators would be cited.

The citation would be nullified if they accepted “social services” — defined as temporary or permanent housing residential substance abuse treatment, or admission to a hospital or other facility for medical treatment within 36 hours of being cited.

“If all homeless people were able and willing to access appropriate and effective social services within 36 hours, we likely would not be having this discussion tonight,” said Dawn Price, executive director of Friendship Shelter.

“Attempting to force homeless individuals into temporary placement that is not part of a comprehensive program has, at best, only a very short-term result. At worst, these actions may exacerbate many of the underlying issues like anxiety, isolation, hopelessness, substance abuse and legal problems in those who are having the hardest time navigating their lives.”

Laguna’s homeless are not automatically accepted at Friendship Shelter, which has a waiting list and is open to homeless people recommended by agencies around the county — when beds are available.

Iseman asked Price to consider reserving a couple of beds for Laguna homeless, but was informed that was not how the shelter operated.

“There is a huge continuum of care that needs to be addressed,” said shelter staff member Mark Miller.

Thirteen members of the public spoke against the revised ordinance.

“I have been homeless since I was 16,” Charles Neil said. “I am a drunk. I am an addict. Sometimes I get mouthy. But I think this is the wrong thing today.”

John Velasquez said what the homeless need is good case management and a place to go.

“Where will they go?” asked Andy Siegenfield.

Interfaith Council President Dana Krackowizer said most people can’t get into a facility in 36 hours.

Except a jail, of course.

Assistant City Manager John Pietig said the intent of the ordinance was not to punish.

The 36-hour delay to seek social services reflects the city’s recognition of the difficulties faced by the homeless and the importance of providing information to them about obtaining assistance.

However, some of the speakers disagreed.

“This ordinance is punitive in nature,” said Don Black, who has worked with Laguna’s homeless for more than 10 years. “There are parts of it I don’t even understand and I am opposed to it.

“What are you going to do with 50 or 60 people after you tell them they can’t sleep on the beaches or in the parks? They have no place to go and all it will accomplish is more police action and more court action.”

Pegi Lopez pleaded with the council not to pass the ordinance.

“I am the result of Mr. Black’s efforts,” Lopez said. “I am no longer homeless. I own a business and a home. Homeless people exist all over the world. We have to take care of them.”

Boyd, who initiated the Homeless Task Force, agreed with what was said by the public about the time it takes to get into a shelter.

“It can take weeks or months,” Boyd said.

“My other concern is the economy. We are probably going to see more people on the streets.”

He said the ordinance was a start, but the timing is wrong.

“I’d like to see us table this,” Boyd said.

No objections.

The ordinance revision was recommended by city staff, including Police Chief Michael Sellers, and presented by Pietig.

It included clarifications on the unlawful storing of personal belongings in public areas and provisions to prevent damage to public landscaping by inappropriate conduct.

Awnings and umbrellas more than six feet tall are prohibited and even the shorter ones would be required to keep two sides open at all times.

No date was set for a rehearing of the ordinance.

BARBARA DIAMOND can be reached at (949) 494-4321 or coastlinepilot@latimes.com.