My name is Tim Waag. For more than 10 years, I have put in thousands of hours volunteering at Prado Day Center, the Homeless Shelter Overflow, and assisting homeless people that I have met in SLO that are not in the CAPSLO system.
SPP = Safe Parking Program
SPP42 = The 42 page PDF file on SloCity.org titled “SAFE PARKING PILOT PROGRAM AT PRADO DAY CENTER & DIRECTION REGARDING PUBLIC STREET PARKING RESTRICTIONS”.
Below is my analysis of SPP42 that is posted at www.CitySLO.org (http://slocity.org/cityclerk/agendas/2012/032012/b1safeparkingpradodaycenterpublicparking.pdf). This eLetter will be sent to the 5 SLO City Council Members, plus Police Chief Gesell. The so-called Pilot Safe Parking Area at Prado Road Day Center will be discussed on Tuesday, March 20, 2012 at the SLO City Council Meeting (The City Council holds regular meetings at 7:00 p.m. on the first, second and third Tuesdays of each month in the Council Chamber of City Hall, 990 Palm Street).
In order to be brief, I will summarize my comments and address them in order from most to least important. My apologies that this my letter is not more polished and brief.
SUMMARY:
In reviewing SPP42, I found numerous areas that I find disturbing. It appears that we are allowing 5 lucky family groups to park on asphault overnight in exchange for onerous and expensive new restrictions on parking throughout the entire city of SLO. I support increasing the vehicles in the SPP from 5 to 6 - we need provide safe parking for as many people as possible within the safety criteria suggested.
IT COULD BE US:
Those who are homeless in our city need a place to sleep TONIGHT - keep that in mind. Put yourself in their shoes; most of us who support the transient population in finding permanent homes often utter “There but for the Grace of God go I” - you should too.
SUPPORT ALTERNATIVE 1 ON PAGE B1-16:
[Page B1-16 ALTERNATIVES] I strongly encourage the adoption of the SPP as soon as possible; therefore, I support Alternative 1. I OPPOSE the addition of new, costly and more restrictive parking ordinances that SPP42 proposes. Keep in mind that Pilot SPP does NOT reduce the homeless problem in any statistically significant way. However, it does provide a temporary place to sleep for 5 lucky homeless family groups.
NEW PROHIBITIONS ON RVS PARKING ON SLO CITY STREETS - PART 1:
I STRONGLY oppose a city ordinance “that prohibits parking of RVS on city streets” [page B1-12, section 1) at top of page]. As an RV owner, I occasionally park my RV on the street, and strongly object to this provision. Also, a permitting process is an UNNECESSARY CITY AND TAXPAYER EXPENSE, and creates one more bureaucracy. I also STRONGLY oppose the other two provisions [2) and 3)] on the same page. Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo are NOT the same city! I own a Dodge Diesel truck (a standard cab truck - seating for 2 - with an 8 foot bed - it looks like a regular pickup truck) that I park on the street in front of my house that is a 3/4 ton, and I could no longer park it in front of my house (or at a friend’s house) overnight? Really? Also on the same page: “Prohibits the parking of RVs within 500 feet of schools, churches, shelters and parks”. Not allowing detached trailers to park on city streets? Many contractors leave their utility trailers on the street overnight at a job site - do we really want to outlaw this? I OPPOSE a new parking permit system for oversized vehicles! $400 per sign expense for the city - can we afford this? The massive bureaucracy proposed by SPP42 is jaw-dropping. Please do NOT direct staff to address street parking regulations. This is just an easy way for the police to ticket every RV in the city parked on the street that does not have the magic and hard-to-get PERMIT.
NEW PROHIBITIONS ON RVS PARKING ON SLO CITY STREETS - PART 2:
I STRONGLY oppose efforts to “improve parking enforcement to address person sleeping in vehicles...” [page B1-1, Recommendation 3)]; [page B1-2, 2nd paragraph, last sentence]. The SPP should NOT result in more restrictive laws for those who are not one of the 5 lucky ones that get a spot in the SPP. Keep in mind that the Pilot SPP will not make even a SMALL dent in the problem. Witness the 30+ RVs referrenced by the SLO Police Department in SPP42 that are parking on Prado Road alone. The Pilot program should be done, but the SPP solution is but a tiny drop in the bucket. SPP42 continues in this vein on page B1-14, where it seems to encourage new laws to restrict RV parking on public streets. SPP42 never comes right out and says why this is needed, except as a tool to remove people sleeping RVs from their vehicles permanently. It implies that there would be a reduced need for 72 hour tagging, since the city could now drive through the city, writing RV citations. Visitors staying in our city would need to get permits in order to park in San Luis Obispo; note that these permits would not automatically be granted, but would be given out based on an evaluation of the visitor! What kind of evaluation? This sounds ominous and unfriendly to me. The number of permits and times would be LIMITED. It also says that the reason for this restriction is to remove long term RV parking on city streets and homeless people sleeping in their RVs. Most of the homeless that I know sleep in their CARS (if not the creeks) and do not own an RV. Yes, it says all this and more! Please read the bottom of page B1-14 carefully.
NEW ABILITY TO CLOSE ENTIRE SLO CITY STREETS TO ALL PARKING WHEN THE HOMELESS MOVE IN:
I oppose the proposal on page B1-15 item 2) that proposes to give the Police Chief unchecked power to close select city streets to all parking under extreme circumstances. I assume that the “extreme circumstances” he is referring to is the recent situation on Prado where numerous homeless parked overnight when they had nowhere else to go? Again, allowing 5 lucky homeless lottery winners to park at Prado will be justification for clamping down on all the other homeless who have nowhere else to go. Paragraph 3) on the same page warns the SLO City Council to be prepared for “objections from residents who believe that stricter regulations are unnecessary” - I am one such resident.
INCREASE THE PARKING FROM 5 VEHICLES TO 6:
The site map clearly shows room for 6 vehicles in the Pilot SPP, yet only 5 will be allowed. Also, page B1-10 at the top of the page in section a) indicates that the parking lot can SAFELY accommodate up to 6 total vehicles. This will make a big difference for the 1 person who gets the 6th spot, but will not materially affect the success of the Pilot SPP, in my opinion [page B1-1, Report-in-Brief section at bottom of page]. CAPSLO had originally proposed 25 vehicles, and the program has been whittled down to 5! How about 1 more? Make it 6 please.
PLEASE ANSWER THIS QUESTION: WHERE SHOULD I GO IF I AM HOMELESS AND PRADO IS FULL OR WILL NOT TAKE ME?
The city still needs to answer the question: Where should I go if I am homeless? The answer is NOT Prado DAY Center (its a day center). Maxine Lewis fills up and the Overflow does not accept single men; a large number of our homeless are men. The City’s answer cannot be: you are breaking the law and you should leave and go back to wherever you came from. Since the city controls every aspect of our lives, it must answer this question. Despite Chief Gesell’s protests to the contrary, SLO has outlawed being homeless. Humans have to sleep to survive (ie, if you don’t sleep, you will die - just like breathing), and if every spot the homeless sleep in (ie, creek bed, car, RV) is against the law, you have essentially outlawed homelessness. To argue otherwise is disengenuous. Its not that different from outlawing breathing: you can’t stop people from breathing, but you can ticket them for it.
STOP KNOCKING ON THE VEHICLES OF HOMELESS PEOPLE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT:
The policy by the SLO Police Department of banging on doors and if nobody answers, then they tag it with a notice to move 500 feet within 72 hours. Alternatively, if they answer the knock, they receive an “Overnight Camping” violation. This policy encourages people to not open their doors to police when they knock. In my opinion, knocking on the doors of vehicles in the middle of the night without probably cause of a crime (except for sleeping) should stop; instead, knock on their doors in the morning (say 7am or 8am) instead. Scaring potentially unstable citizens in the middle of the night is NOT wise. Also, ticketing RVs creates fines that the homeless cannot pay, causing them to lose their RV to fines, and causing them to move into the creek camps.
ILL-DEFINED ISSUES STILL OUT THERE (PETS, VIDEO CAMERAS, OVERNIGHT SUPERVISION, RV BATHROOMS):
There are a number of ill-defined issues that are not addressed in SPP42. Among the most glaring are that there will not be a supervisor there during the time of the program, so what is to prevent unauthorized campers from entering the facility or the authorized vehicles? etc. In my experience, parking without full-time supervision may be problematic. When acting as overnight host at the Overflow, I have called CAPSLO and the Police on numerous occasions. Without this support, bad things may have happened. The incident are too numerous to detail here, but it would appear that the Prado parking lot is a less controlled environment than the inside of a Church, yet we REQUIRE somebody to be awake all night at the Church. A possible solution would be to use volunteers overnight in much the same way that they are used at the overflow, but I believe that a supervisor (volunteer or CAPSLO) must be onsite during the active hours of the SPP. Video cameras hooked to the internet and monitored at Maxine Lewis should be MANDATORY, especially if there is no overnight supervision. Also, I believe that having pets may be a bad idea as well. At the homeless shelter overflow, pets in vehicles on Church property are not allowed due to liability issues. Also, Prado Day Center itself does not allow pets on its facility during operating hours. I personally assisted with giving birth to a litter of pups during one of the Prado’s “Warming Station” nights. Being an RVer, I know that poorly maintained RV bathroom facilities can be a problem (think leaking pipes or an overflowing tank), so clean-up facilities need to be ready in the event of RV spillage. I agree that the 5 lucky SPP family groups need valid driver’s license, registration and insurance; however, the current SLO Police Department ticketing for overnight sleeping effort puts severe financial pressure on the ability of the homeless to pay for insurance and registration. It is expensive to register RVs due to the weight fee included with California state registration, and I have no idea how they find an insurance company to insurance their vehicle without an address or a job. Obtaining and keeping insurance my be a difficult hurdle, and I did not see it addressed in SPP42.
YOU CALL IT 40 TONS OF TRASH - HOW MUCH OF IT WAS THE PERSONAL PROPERTY OF SOME HOMELESS PERSON (WHO COULDN’T CARRY IT AROUND ON THEIR BACK?)
The report notes repeatedly that 40 tons of refuse was disposed of by the city along creeks in 2011. I wonder how much of that material were personal posessions of the homeless? The homeless cannot carry all their personal posessions on their back all day, so they must leave them in their camp homes while looking for work or seeking food. I am skeptical about the scape-goating that comes from this 40 ton figure. I personally know several homeless people that had their personal posessions (know as refuse to the City of SLO) taken in this manner. I wonder where the 40 ton figure came from - did the Parks Department weigh all of it, or was it an estimate. Police Chief Gesell wields that figure like a sword, and uses it as an indictment of all homeless people in SLO. I believe that the homeless do need to properly dispose of their garbage, and if they don’t, the litter laws should be enforced.
ITS THE ECONOMY, STUPID!
Attachment 5 on page B1-25 shows that calls for service with “Transient” increased when the Great Recession hit the California economy. Yet Police Chief Gesell told me personally that none of our local homelessness was caused by the weak economy, but instead was a lifestyle choice on the part of the homeless. I guess the rise in complaints was just coincidence? Come on, Police Chief! Also, he claimed that CAPSLO Director Dee Torres confirmed this statistic. I put a call in to Ms. Torres, but I have not been able to confirm this with her yet.
I’M CONFUSED: HOW CAN CAPSLO GUARANTEE SPOTS FOR THE WILLING? AREN’T WE LIMITED TO 5 SPOTS?
On page B1-9 of the Pilot SPP under “Target Clients”, it states under item 2. that “those who are willing to actively participate in the case management program will receive a GUARANTEED PARKING SPACE until they are housed”. How can this be guaranteed with only 5 spaces?
I'M NOT BUYING THE 100% SUCCESS RATE:
Sorry, but the statistic on page B1-10 that “CAPSLO has a 100% success rate transitioning people who remain in case management into permanent housing.” is misleading, self-serving, or both. The “100% success rate” will always be 100%, since a client either drops out, stay in, or gets housing - voila! 100% success rate every time - by definition. Logically (and as a mathematician!), statistically significant results that are always the same (i.e., 100%) just never occur in nature or the real world. Nowhere in the real world is there ever a 100% success rate in a dynamic environment (Steve Nash making 100% of his free throws for his career; Lawyers having a 100% conviction rate when they take all cases; Doctors having a 100% hear transplant rate when they take all cases, etc.). How about a better statistic, such as percent of those in case management that drop out, percent of those in case management that obtain permanent housing, and among those who get permanent housing are once again returned to homelessness and CAPSLO case management?
HOW DID OCCUPY SLO SEEM TO GET A PASS (POLITICIANS), AND THE HOMELESS NEVER DO?
How many days did Occupy SLO get to sleep downtown on public property without getting cited for “Overnight Camping”? I recall reading that the last of the encamping just packed up and left recently.
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
LOCAL: Homeless Harassed in the Middle of the Night
*****
LOCAL: SLO Homeless Harassed in the Middle of the Night
WEDS. MARCH 7, 2012
The letter below was addressed to the San Luis Obispo City Council. Out of the 5 council members, I got a response back from only 2: Jan Marx (Mayor) and John Ashbaugh (City Council). Here is the original letter below:
I am writing regarding the recent controversy surrounding local law enforcement and their middle-of-the-night raids on our local homeless population who are sleeping in their vehicles. The actions of local authorities must halt until they can answer the big question of the homeless: “Where do you want me to go?” Unless you have experienced homelessness (I have not), its hard to understand the stress that being homeless puts on the majority of that population. If you add to that situation uniformed patrolmen driving up in armed vehicles who somehow feel the need bang on these peoples vehicles in the middle of the night, something bad is bound to happen, sooner or later. When the government takes complete control of our lives, they are no longer in the position to avoid the question of where the homeless are allowed to go.
Don’t believe me? I’ll give examples that I have experienced personally. When I wanted to add an electrical wall outlet in my home, I was required to get a permit and then let strangers into my home to inspect the work. When I wanted to remove a tree in my front yard that was a nuisance (a Eucalyptus tree that drops acorns and kills my lawn), I had to apply for a permit that may not have been granted - then I’m stuck with that awful tree. If I leave my trashcans in my driveway, I am subject to a fine from my local government, who apparently knows best where I should store my stuff. The local, state and federal government legislate every aspect of our lives, and thus must take responsibility for giving the homeless options that are better than “just move on down the road - anywhere but here”.
Back in the days before the government strangled our freedom (see previous 3 examples of no-doubt well-meaning government control), a homeless person could perhaps park on a lot at the edge of town (with the permission of the owners), and manage to survive. Those options are no longer available. Time for our comfortable law enforcement personnel (who no doubt know where they are going to sleep each night) to stop treating homelessness as a crime, and come up with some solutions immediately. The person sleeping in their car (or in a creekbed) doesn’t have time for endless bureaucratic machinations (like the 10 year plan) - they need solutions now. Those in power in our government have the authority to create a solution - but will they? Powerless private citizens, like Dan DeVaul, don’t stand a chance.
I understand that the homeless that are living in their vehicles are alleged to be causing various nuisance type problems. These include discarding trash alongside the road, as well as human waste. To me, this is a law enforcement issue, where the law enforcers must go out and catch the law breakers in the act, and then prosecute them under the law. I suspect that only some of the homeless are guilty of these violations, but are all being lumped together as scofflaws. Remember that you are innocent until proven guilty. I favor prosecution and citation for those who break the litter laws, but not a blanket accusation that all are guilty, without collecting actual evidence valid in a court of law.
In addition, the homeless are being cited for sleeping in their vehicles. Once again, I wonder how often law enforcement is actually collecting real evidence for use in their citations? The California Drivers License Handbook put out by the California DMV (English 2009 Version) states on Page 73: “If you are sleepy, the only safe cure is to get off the road and get some sleep.” Perhaps the homeless have pulled off the road to get some sleep because they are too drowsy to drive? Perhaps they are given citations without proof of illegal sleeping in vehicles? Homeless vehicle owners receiving citations often have no ability to pay those citations, and thus lose their vehicles and become homeless and living in our creeks and underpasses. This is not a solution - it on exacerbates the problem.
I have numerous homeless friends, and they currently feel like war is being declared on them (none of them live in their vehicles - they all live in tents along creeksides and under overpasses, etc.). I have personally helped several of them move their tents on a weekly basis for the last month due to increased level of scrutiny by the SLO PD. They are too afraid to do anything but comply. I suggested that they ask the law enforcement personnel where they should go, but they are too afraid of authority to ask. They feel more like hunted animals. You have to ask yourself what you would do in their situation? No, it is NOT a valid answer to say that you would never get in that situation. We all are subject to injury, mental illness, layoffs, the bad economy, poor judgment, etc. It could happen to you. So answer the question, please - what would you do? I have asked that question of myself many times.
Additionally, many men (and its mostly men who are homeless, in my experience - despite the statistics that may say otherwise) will not do intake at Prado for a variety of reasons that are too lengthy to get into here. That is reality. Chasing the homeless to another town is NOT a solution. Scaring the hell out of them in the middle of the night is NOT a solution. I'd be happy to suggest numerous solutions, were I to believe that any authorities out there like yourself have the inner fortitude to stand up and address the problem - not just write reports.
*****
WEDS. MARCH 7, 2012 - Response from John B. Ashbaugh, SLO City Council
Thanks for sharing your views, Tim. We're working as hard and as fast as we can, and we will begin to implement solutions in the very near future. That's as close to "immediately" as we can get.
John B. Ashbaugh
San Luis Obispo City Council
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THURS MARCH 8, 2012 - Response 1 from SLO Mayor Jan Marx
Hi Tim,
Thank you for your email on this important and complex issue. It is a long time personal concern of mine, and definitely on my radar screen as Mayor. My husband and I have volunteered at the Presbyterian Church overflow project, and I work with my Rotary Club to provide dinner at the homeless shelter on a regular basis.
On March 20, the council will consider a pilot program for overnight car camping at Prado Day Center's parking lot. The agenda report will be out March 13 on the city website, slocity.org, if you would like to look at it. I would appreciate your input on this proposal.
Our police chief, Steve Gesell, was responding to complaints when he decided to enforce the city ordinance prohibiting overnight car camping on city streets. Here is an excerpt from an email he sent council, below. Of course, not every homeless person is a criminal, but neither is homelessness an excuse for criminal behavior, as I am sure you would agree. To me, the question is, how do we help them help themselves out of their situation?
All the best,
Jan
"A query of our records system suggests that calls for service involving the transient population have nearly doubled in the last five years. PD Staff believes the actual numbers to be significantly higher due to limitations in the search field.
· There have been two recent assaults on Prado. At least one involving a customer at J.B. Dewer.
· Prado staff reports significant increase in illegal campers within the last six months. They estimate 2/3 of these campers have substance abuse issues, mental illness, behavioral problems or are registered sex offenders which would make them ineligible for services such as a traditional safe parking program.
· Prado Day Center staff report being threatened/harassed by campers on Prado Lane.
· City of SLO employees working at the Corporation Yard have expressed safety concerns.
· The suspect (at large) in the most recent stabbing at Monterey and Broad is believed to be a transient with the moniker “Nobody”.
· The stabbing at Globe Park last year was committed by a transient.
· I personally witnessed a group of ten transients drinking at the circle/tribute to former City Councilman Bill Roalman adjacent to the Bob Jones trail and new pedestrian bridge. At the same time I observed two small boys near the bridge deliberating whether they should continue down the trail. They ultimately walked West on Prado Lane instead.
· The Globe is frequently closed by the Parks and Rec Director to suppress criminal activity at the PD’s request due to drug use/sales, alcohol consumption, smoking, dogs off leash, and physical altercations. The same issues surround Mission Plaza.
· The Chamber and business owners frequently report incidents of littering, urination/defecation, trespassing, camping, disorderly conduct, and aggressive panhandling. I personally met with Chamber leadership last week for a prescheduled meeting. Transient impacts were the only concern brought forward by Chamber leadership during that discussion.
· We’re currently working with other stakeholders to enhance penalties for repeat offenders (primarily for alcohol related offenses).
· I was informed by Parks and Rec staff that approximately 40 tons of refuse was removed from abandoned transient camps last year -primarily in our creeks.
· SLOPD currently tracks 25 registered sex offenders that are transients. Most are believed to camp south of Prado Road. The 2005 homicide/rape in the creek adjacent to the Mission was committed by a registered sex offender transient that was staying at “Duvall Ranch” at the time of the homicide."
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THURS. MARCH 8, 2012 - My Response 1 to Mayor Marx
Hi Jan, As always, thanks for your prompt response. I appreciate your concern. I will look at the 3/13 agenda report when it comes out. The powers-that-be, in the cases that I am familiar with, is the city of SLO. What is the answer TODAY to the homeless when they ask the authorities: Where do you want me to go? As far as I can tell, that answer is still "Go Away". That's not acceptable to me. These people need to have somewhere to sleep TONIGHT - not next week, next month, or next year. I know you understand what I am saying.
I've been spending a lot of my evenings in the last month helping homeless people move their camps after being threatened by what they describe (I am not an eye witness) as the SLO PD. Maybe you should join me some night and see what fun these people are having when they have nowhere to go. Their fear, stress and anxiety are at high levels in these situations. They often break down and cry. Grown, hardened men. One of them is in jail because he could not pay a citation.
Not sure what to make of your list below. I approve of citing and arresting lawbreakers. I approve of collecting legal evidence against them and prosecuting them. I do not approve of citation and arrest of those whose only crime is they cannot find a job and cannot find a place to sleep. The list below appears to be a list of crimes that the police should be pursuing - I agree. IIRC, sex offenders must be registered with the city, including where they live. Since SLO PD knows they are sex offenders, isn't it a crime not to register? You would know better than I would. Much of what is below is opinion ("believed to be a transient"). How about we provide solutions to law-abiding transients, and prosecute law breaking transients? Did every vehicle that had their door pounded on in the wees hours of the morning contain a person with whom the police had evidence of criminal behavior (other than wanting to sleep?). I doubt it. I understand that this type of law enforcement is hard work, but isn't that what the SLO PD gets paid their 6 figures salaries to do?
Did Police Chief Steve Gesell decide that knocking on doors at 2 or 3 am was the best time to enforce the city ordinance prohibiting overnight car camping on city streets? Maybe it would have been best to do surveillance of the area, determine when the transients tended to emerge from their vehicles, and talk to them then, while they and their children are awake? What is served by scaring people so badly? You only invite trouble, IMO. If so many of them are mentally ill, as is alleged, is it good judgment to take the middle-of-the-night get-em-out-of-bed and scare 'em approach?
*****
THURS MARCH 8, 2012 - Response 2 from SLO Mayor Jan Marx
Thanks for getting back to me Tim. I agree the situation is very serious and complex. The individuals who have ended up in this situation each have their own, often moving, story. Often substance abuse, mental illness and/or anti-social behavior are factors in their inability to garner support from their friends and family. Often, they simply do not want to accept medical treatment or assistance from social services.
Our city does more than any other city in the county, or the county itself, to address homelessness. But, obviously, the problem is not easily solved. However, we can make progress. Please feel free to share your insights and concerns with our new Police Chief Steve Gesell and to discuss his “take” on this difficult problem. His contact information is below.
All the best,
Jan
Stephen Gesell
San Luis Obispo Police Chief
1042 Walnut Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
(805) 781-7020
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THURS. MARCH 8, 2012 - My Response 2 to Mayor Marx
Hi Jan, I know that you have better things to do than correspond with me, so I do appreciate your attention to this issue. I would love to have a BRIEF 10 minute conversation about this issue with Police Chief Gesell, if he is willing to talk with me. I manage the homeless shelter overflow at the United Congregational Church (Los Osos Valley Road) for the entire month of July (up to 32 clients from CAPSLO every night), plus volunteer at all the other church overflows (including your Presbyterian Church), plus volunteer at Prado, plus I always have 2 or 3 homeless people outside of the CAPSLO system that I provide assistance as best I can, plus I've employed homeless people over the years to help out as best I can. Believe me, I'm no expert on any of this, of course, but I do have some potentially useful ideas. I am easily accessible via the phone numbers below (cell phone first, work phone 2nd, home phone 3rd). I'd love to have that conversation with the Police Chief, if there's even a slight possibility that some good would come of it. Thanks again.
--Tim
*****
FRIDAY MARCH 9, 2012
CONVERSATION WITH POLICE CHIEF GESELL
On Friday, March 9, 2012, I spoke for over an hour with San Luis Obispo Police Chief Steve Gesell. This was facilitated by Mayor Marx (thank-you). Chief Gesell was polite and respectful, and so was I. He insisted on going over information that I already knew. Clearly, this was a PR thing, and it would APPEAR that he was instructed to talk to all the people like me that were complaining about the SLO PD's gestapo tactics in knocking on RVs with people sleeping in them in the middle of the night.
He was skillful and polite, but the bottom line is that he believes that homelessness in the SLO-area (I'm PARAPHRASING here) is almost entirely due to the lifestyle choice of our local homelessness, and has NOTHING to do with the current weak economy in California. Moreover, he claimed that CAPSLO Director Dee Torres told him as much. I phoned Dee to discuss this and other items brought up by the Chief, but she had her assistant call me back (as she was on jury duty). No, I don't expect a call back from her either, though I asked for one. I don't believe this is true, though it would not change much if it was.
I do believe that our current weak California economy has caused additional citizens to go from having a home to homelessness - to believe otherwise defies logic, in my opinion.
In addition, Chief Gesell would not directly address the question of where should the homeless go. He INDIRECTLY indicated 2 things he would tell them: 1) sleeping in your vehicle is illegal 2) you came from somewhere else - I took this to mean that they should go back to whereever they came from.
In addition, the Chief appeared to believe that since they have inadequate police resources, they are free to assume that those parked near the trash and human waste on Prado were the ones that put it there, and that they do not need to witness such acts. Guilty based on circumstantial evidence.
*****
SATURDAY, MARCH 17, 2012
Response 1 from Police Chief Gesell
Finally, I did not tell you or imply that all homelessness was rooted in choice, nor did I say Dee agreed with this. Apologies if I wasn't as clear as I could have been. We discussed mental illness, addiction, and the poor economy and I did say some will and continue to make lifestyle choices at the community's expense.
I did reference the reality that many of those transients who currently generate up to 28 percent of our total calls for service during daytime hours have substance abuse problems that will preclude them from programs such as the safe parking proposal. This statistic (which I didn't mention to you) should concern you as it does me. Help us find solutions that bring this number down.
Thanks again for you input and involvement.
Sent from my iPhone
*****
SATURDAY, MARCH 17, 2012
Response 2 from Police Chief Gesell
Tim, thanks for the reply. Please remember the police are often at the center of deep issues that have a public safety component. My role is a small but highly visible one which is underscored by your reference to me in your email to Council. I'm hoping you will consider this as I am anything but a crusader against the homeless. I completely support the programs we have and the parking proposal. It goes without saying I have a duty to address real public safety issues knowing some will choose to frame me in a negative light.
Wouldn't be able to speak to the correlation other recession and spike in our numbers. I would think its a contributor, just not sure how much. Social service providers would have a better idea.
The greater question in my mind is what is attracting what seems to be a disproportionate number of homeless folks to SLO. Im sure you would agree other communities should share the same compassion you and many others do. If not, our capacity will be exceeded as it has in other cities. A tight job market and social service programs is not a place set up for getting people back on their feet and out of homelessness.
As far as a correction, I'm not concerned. These things happen all the time, particularly when people are passionate about the subject matter. I appreciate the offer though! Enjoy your weekend.
LOCAL: SLO Homeless Harassed in the Middle of the Night
WEDS. MARCH 7, 2012
The letter below was addressed to the San Luis Obispo City Council. Out of the 5 council members, I got a response back from only 2: Jan Marx (Mayor) and John Ashbaugh (City Council). Here is the original letter below:
I am writing regarding the recent controversy surrounding local law enforcement and their middle-of-the-night raids on our local homeless population who are sleeping in their vehicles. The actions of local authorities must halt until they can answer the big question of the homeless: “Where do you want me to go?” Unless you have experienced homelessness (I have not), its hard to understand the stress that being homeless puts on the majority of that population. If you add to that situation uniformed patrolmen driving up in armed vehicles who somehow feel the need bang on these peoples vehicles in the middle of the night, something bad is bound to happen, sooner or later. When the government takes complete control of our lives, they are no longer in the position to avoid the question of where the homeless are allowed to go.
Don’t believe me? I’ll give examples that I have experienced personally. When I wanted to add an electrical wall outlet in my home, I was required to get a permit and then let strangers into my home to inspect the work. When I wanted to remove a tree in my front yard that was a nuisance (a Eucalyptus tree that drops acorns and kills my lawn), I had to apply for a permit that may not have been granted - then I’m stuck with that awful tree. If I leave my trashcans in my driveway, I am subject to a fine from my local government, who apparently knows best where I should store my stuff. The local, state and federal government legislate every aspect of our lives, and thus must take responsibility for giving the homeless options that are better than “just move on down the road - anywhere but here”.
Back in the days before the government strangled our freedom (see previous 3 examples of no-doubt well-meaning government control), a homeless person could perhaps park on a lot at the edge of town (with the permission of the owners), and manage to survive. Those options are no longer available. Time for our comfortable law enforcement personnel (who no doubt know where they are going to sleep each night) to stop treating homelessness as a crime, and come up with some solutions immediately. The person sleeping in their car (or in a creekbed) doesn’t have time for endless bureaucratic machinations (like the 10 year plan) - they need solutions now. Those in power in our government have the authority to create a solution - but will they? Powerless private citizens, like Dan DeVaul, don’t stand a chance.
I understand that the homeless that are living in their vehicles are alleged to be causing various nuisance type problems. These include discarding trash alongside the road, as well as human waste. To me, this is a law enforcement issue, where the law enforcers must go out and catch the law breakers in the act, and then prosecute them under the law. I suspect that only some of the homeless are guilty of these violations, but are all being lumped together as scofflaws. Remember that you are innocent until proven guilty. I favor prosecution and citation for those who break the litter laws, but not a blanket accusation that all are guilty, without collecting actual evidence valid in a court of law.
In addition, the homeless are being cited for sleeping in their vehicles. Once again, I wonder how often law enforcement is actually collecting real evidence for use in their citations? The California Drivers License Handbook put out by the California DMV (English 2009 Version) states on Page 73: “If you are sleepy, the only safe cure is to get off the road and get some sleep.” Perhaps the homeless have pulled off the road to get some sleep because they are too drowsy to drive? Perhaps they are given citations without proof of illegal sleeping in vehicles? Homeless vehicle owners receiving citations often have no ability to pay those citations, and thus lose their vehicles and become homeless and living in our creeks and underpasses. This is not a solution - it on exacerbates the problem.
I have numerous homeless friends, and they currently feel like war is being declared on them (none of them live in their vehicles - they all live in tents along creeksides and under overpasses, etc.). I have personally helped several of them move their tents on a weekly basis for the last month due to increased level of scrutiny by the SLO PD. They are too afraid to do anything but comply. I suggested that they ask the law enforcement personnel where they should go, but they are too afraid of authority to ask. They feel more like hunted animals. You have to ask yourself what you would do in their situation? No, it is NOT a valid answer to say that you would never get in that situation. We all are subject to injury, mental illness, layoffs, the bad economy, poor judgment, etc. It could happen to you. So answer the question, please - what would you do? I have asked that question of myself many times.
Additionally, many men (and its mostly men who are homeless, in my experience - despite the statistics that may say otherwise) will not do intake at Prado for a variety of reasons that are too lengthy to get into here. That is reality. Chasing the homeless to another town is NOT a solution. Scaring the hell out of them in the middle of the night is NOT a solution. I'd be happy to suggest numerous solutions, were I to believe that any authorities out there like yourself have the inner fortitude to stand up and address the problem - not just write reports.
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WEDS. MARCH 7, 2012 - Response from John B. Ashbaugh, SLO City Council
Thanks for sharing your views, Tim. We're working as hard and as fast as we can, and we will begin to implement solutions in the very near future. That's as close to "immediately" as we can get.
John B. Ashbaugh
San Luis Obispo City Council
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THURS MARCH 8, 2012 - Response 1 from SLO Mayor Jan Marx
Hi Tim,
Thank you for your email on this important and complex issue. It is a long time personal concern of mine, and definitely on my radar screen as Mayor. My husband and I have volunteered at the Presbyterian Church overflow project, and I work with my Rotary Club to provide dinner at the homeless shelter on a regular basis.
On March 20, the council will consider a pilot program for overnight car camping at Prado Day Center's parking lot. The agenda report will be out March 13 on the city website, slocity.org, if you would like to look at it. I would appreciate your input on this proposal.
Our police chief, Steve Gesell, was responding to complaints when he decided to enforce the city ordinance prohibiting overnight car camping on city streets. Here is an excerpt from an email he sent council, below. Of course, not every homeless person is a criminal, but neither is homelessness an excuse for criminal behavior, as I am sure you would agree. To me, the question is, how do we help them help themselves out of their situation?
All the best,
Jan
"A query of our records system suggests that calls for service involving the transient population have nearly doubled in the last five years. PD Staff believes the actual numbers to be significantly higher due to limitations in the search field.
· There have been two recent assaults on Prado. At least one involving a customer at J.B. Dewer.
· Prado staff reports significant increase in illegal campers within the last six months. They estimate 2/3 of these campers have substance abuse issues, mental illness, behavioral problems or are registered sex offenders which would make them ineligible for services such as a traditional safe parking program.
· Prado Day Center staff report being threatened/harassed by campers on Prado Lane.
· City of SLO employees working at the Corporation Yard have expressed safety concerns.
· The suspect (at large) in the most recent stabbing at Monterey and Broad is believed to be a transient with the moniker “Nobody”.
· The stabbing at Globe Park last year was committed by a transient.
· I personally witnessed a group of ten transients drinking at the circle/tribute to former City Councilman Bill Roalman adjacent to the Bob Jones trail and new pedestrian bridge. At the same time I observed two small boys near the bridge deliberating whether they should continue down the trail. They ultimately walked West on Prado Lane instead.
· The Globe is frequently closed by the Parks and Rec Director to suppress criminal activity at the PD’s request due to drug use/sales, alcohol consumption, smoking, dogs off leash, and physical altercations. The same issues surround Mission Plaza.
· The Chamber and business owners frequently report incidents of littering, urination/defecation, trespassing, camping, disorderly conduct, and aggressive panhandling. I personally met with Chamber leadership last week for a prescheduled meeting. Transient impacts were the only concern brought forward by Chamber leadership during that discussion.
· We’re currently working with other stakeholders to enhance penalties for repeat offenders (primarily for alcohol related offenses).
· I was informed by Parks and Rec staff that approximately 40 tons of refuse was removed from abandoned transient camps last year -primarily in our creeks.
· SLOPD currently tracks 25 registered sex offenders that are transients. Most are believed to camp south of Prado Road. The 2005 homicide/rape in the creek adjacent to the Mission was committed by a registered sex offender transient that was staying at “Duvall Ranch” at the time of the homicide."
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THURS. MARCH 8, 2012 - My Response 1 to Mayor Marx
Hi Jan, As always, thanks for your prompt response. I appreciate your concern. I will look at the 3/13 agenda report when it comes out. The powers-that-be, in the cases that I am familiar with, is the city of SLO. What is the answer TODAY to the homeless when they ask the authorities: Where do you want me to go? As far as I can tell, that answer is still "Go Away". That's not acceptable to me. These people need to have somewhere to sleep TONIGHT - not next week, next month, or next year. I know you understand what I am saying.
I've been spending a lot of my evenings in the last month helping homeless people move their camps after being threatened by what they describe (I am not an eye witness) as the SLO PD. Maybe you should join me some night and see what fun these people are having when they have nowhere to go. Their fear, stress and anxiety are at high levels in these situations. They often break down and cry. Grown, hardened men. One of them is in jail because he could not pay a citation.
Not sure what to make of your list below. I approve of citing and arresting lawbreakers. I approve of collecting legal evidence against them and prosecuting them. I do not approve of citation and arrest of those whose only crime is they cannot find a job and cannot find a place to sleep. The list below appears to be a list of crimes that the police should be pursuing - I agree. IIRC, sex offenders must be registered with the city, including where they live. Since SLO PD knows they are sex offenders, isn't it a crime not to register? You would know better than I would. Much of what is below is opinion ("believed to be a transient"). How about we provide solutions to law-abiding transients, and prosecute law breaking transients? Did every vehicle that had their door pounded on in the wees hours of the morning contain a person with whom the police had evidence of criminal behavior (other than wanting to sleep?). I doubt it. I understand that this type of law enforcement is hard work, but isn't that what the SLO PD gets paid their 6 figures salaries to do?
Did Police Chief Steve Gesell decide that knocking on doors at 2 or 3 am was the best time to enforce the city ordinance prohibiting overnight car camping on city streets? Maybe it would have been best to do surveillance of the area, determine when the transients tended to emerge from their vehicles, and talk to them then, while they and their children are awake? What is served by scaring people so badly? You only invite trouble, IMO. If so many of them are mentally ill, as is alleged, is it good judgment to take the middle-of-the-night get-em-out-of-bed and scare 'em approach?
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THURS MARCH 8, 2012 - Response 2 from SLO Mayor Jan Marx
Thanks for getting back to me Tim. I agree the situation is very serious and complex. The individuals who have ended up in this situation each have their own, often moving, story. Often substance abuse, mental illness and/or anti-social behavior are factors in their inability to garner support from their friends and family. Often, they simply do not want to accept medical treatment or assistance from social services.
Our city does more than any other city in the county, or the county itself, to address homelessness. But, obviously, the problem is not easily solved. However, we can make progress. Please feel free to share your insights and concerns with our new Police Chief Steve Gesell and to discuss his “take” on this difficult problem. His contact information is below.
All the best,
Jan
Stephen Gesell
San Luis Obispo Police Chief
1042 Walnut Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
(805) 781-7020
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THURS. MARCH 8, 2012 - My Response 2 to Mayor Marx
Hi Jan, I know that you have better things to do than correspond with me, so I do appreciate your attention to this issue. I would love to have a BRIEF 10 minute conversation about this issue with Police Chief Gesell, if he is willing to talk with me. I manage the homeless shelter overflow at the United Congregational Church (Los Osos Valley Road) for the entire month of July (up to 32 clients from CAPSLO every night), plus volunteer at all the other church overflows (including your Presbyterian Church), plus volunteer at Prado, plus I always have 2 or 3 homeless people outside of the CAPSLO system that I provide assistance as best I can, plus I've employed homeless people over the years to help out as best I can. Believe me, I'm no expert on any of this, of course, but I do have some potentially useful ideas. I am easily accessible via the phone numbers below (cell phone first, work phone 2nd, home phone 3rd). I'd love to have that conversation with the Police Chief, if there's even a slight possibility that some good would come of it. Thanks again.
--Tim
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FRIDAY MARCH 9, 2012
CONVERSATION WITH POLICE CHIEF GESELL
On Friday, March 9, 2012, I spoke for over an hour with San Luis Obispo Police Chief Steve Gesell. This was facilitated by Mayor Marx (thank-you). Chief Gesell was polite and respectful, and so was I. He insisted on going over information that I already knew. Clearly, this was a PR thing, and it would APPEAR that he was instructed to talk to all the people like me that were complaining about the SLO PD's gestapo tactics in knocking on RVs with people sleeping in them in the middle of the night.
He was skillful and polite, but the bottom line is that he believes that homelessness in the SLO-area (I'm PARAPHRASING here) is almost entirely due to the lifestyle choice of our local homelessness, and has NOTHING to do with the current weak economy in California. Moreover, he claimed that CAPSLO Director Dee Torres told him as much. I phoned Dee to discuss this and other items brought up by the Chief, but she had her assistant call me back (as she was on jury duty). No, I don't expect a call back from her either, though I asked for one. I don't believe this is true, though it would not change much if it was.
I do believe that our current weak California economy has caused additional citizens to go from having a home to homelessness - to believe otherwise defies logic, in my opinion.
In addition, Chief Gesell would not directly address the question of where should the homeless go. He INDIRECTLY indicated 2 things he would tell them: 1) sleeping in your vehicle is illegal 2) you came from somewhere else - I took this to mean that they should go back to whereever they came from.
In addition, the Chief appeared to believe that since they have inadequate police resources, they are free to assume that those parked near the trash and human waste on Prado were the ones that put it there, and that they do not need to witness such acts. Guilty based on circumstantial evidence.
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SATURDAY, MARCH 17, 2012
Response 1 from Police Chief Gesell
Finally, I did not tell you or imply that all homelessness was rooted in choice, nor did I say Dee agreed with this. Apologies if I wasn't as clear as I could have been. We discussed mental illness, addiction, and the poor economy and I did say some will and continue to make lifestyle choices at the community's expense.
I did reference the reality that many of those transients who currently generate up to 28 percent of our total calls for service during daytime hours have substance abuse problems that will preclude them from programs such as the safe parking proposal. This statistic (which I didn't mention to you) should concern you as it does me. Help us find solutions that bring this number down.
Thanks again for you input and involvement.
Sent from my iPhone
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SATURDAY, MARCH 17, 2012
Response 2 from Police Chief Gesell
Tim, thanks for the reply. Please remember the police are often at the center of deep issues that have a public safety component. My role is a small but highly visible one which is underscored by your reference to me in your email to Council. I'm hoping you will consider this as I am anything but a crusader against the homeless. I completely support the programs we have and the parking proposal. It goes without saying I have a duty to address real public safety issues knowing some will choose to frame me in a negative light.
Wouldn't be able to speak to the correlation other recession and spike in our numbers. I would think its a contributor, just not sure how much. Social service providers would have a better idea.
The greater question in my mind is what is attracting what seems to be a disproportionate number of homeless folks to SLO. Im sure you would agree other communities should share the same compassion you and many others do. If not, our capacity will be exceeded as it has in other cities. A tight job market and social service programs is not a place set up for getting people back on their feet and out of homelessness.
As far as a correction, I'm not concerned. These things happen all the time, particularly when people are passionate about the subject matter. I appreciate the offer though! Enjoy your weekend.
Sent from my iPhone
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
SOLD! 1997 Ford F-350 7.3L Powerstroke Diesel 2WD Crewcab Longbed - SOLD!
SOLD! Ford F350 Diesel!
email: TimWaag@gmail.com (general)
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C O N T A C T I N F O R M A T I O N
Tim Waag
home (805) 544-2109
cell (805) 440-9144 (no answering service)
- Everything works and is in excellent shape
- 119k miles (95% highway miles)
- Crew Cab, Long bed, 2 wheel drive, Single Rear Wheel, Automatic, 3.55 gears (came with either 3.55s or 4.10s), attractive two-tone tan and white paint
- XLT trim with Power Windows, Power Door Locks, Cruise Control and two Remote Key Fobs
- This truck will NEVER require a smog check: 1997 is the last year that Diesel pickups do NOT have to be smogged in Calif. (1998's and later require a smog check).
- 20-22 mpg highway (without camper/without towing) at 65 mph; 14-15 mpg with Fleetwood Angler camper on the highway
- 2 fuel tanks holding 58 gallons total: 18 gallons and 40 gallons (40 gallon tank is an after-market Transfer Flow tank); 1,200 mile range on one fill-up! Both gas caps open with the same Gas Key
- The most reliable diesel ever made by Ford: the 7.3L Powerstroke - the engine that everybody wants!
- Interior in excellent shape (seat covers for most of the time, as well as car cover) with Cloth Seats in Excellent shape
- Very comfortably seats 5 or 6; full leg-room in back for full-size adults.
- Banks Powerpack (24psi turbo, engine chip, transmission chip, intercooler, 4" exhaust, intake, replacement downpipe) makes 60% more power than stock 7.3L Powerstroke - installed professionally by a mechanic; Banks EGT and Turbo PSI Gauges
- All maintenance completed & have all records (oil change every 3k, etc.)
- All hook-ups for a Cabover Camper (ready for a camper: ours or you supply your own!): electrical connection in truck bed, and 4 anchor points for attaching a camper
- Factory tow package, plus a front bumper 2" hitch-receiver for a bike-rack and bikes in front, so it won't block the camper door (if you were to put the bikes in back)
- Sony after-market Stereo with iPod Connector, CD player, AM/FM and after-market speakers in doors
- 8-foot Longbed has 12 convenient tie-downs to keep your gear stowed while rolling down the road!
- Michelin All Terrain E-rated tires (best that you can buy) with about half of their life remaining
- Brand new E-rated spare tire
- Two Extra Heavy-Duty 1,000 Amp-Hour Batteries
- Ford E4OD transmission rebuilt at 106k miles with after-market upgrades (torque converter, shift kit, beefed up parts, synthetic trani fluid)
- No Oil Leaks and No Leaks of Any Kind (a few minor dents, dings and scratches - no surprise: the truck's not new anymore!)
- Owner no longer using truck - time for a New Owner to Enjoy my Wonderful Truck! (Needed a 4x4 truck, and this one is 2WD :-(
SOLD! Ford F350 Diesel - SOLD!
SOLD! Ford F350 Diesel - SOLD!
SOLD! Ford F350 Diesel - SOLD!
SOLD! Ford F350 Diesel - SOLD!
SOLD! Ford F350 Diesel - SOLD!
SOLD! Ford F350 Diesel - SOLD!
*****Go Back to HOME PAGE*****
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
SOLD! 1995 Bronco 4x4 with 5.8L V-8 - call for price - SOLD!
SOLD! Click on Photos to Enlarge
Call No. Below for Price - SOLD!
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C O N T A C T I N F O R M A T I O N
Tim Waag
home (805) 544-2109
cell (805) 440-9144 (no answering service)
1995 Ford Bronco 4x4 with 351W V-8 (click photos to enlarge)
- 158,000+ miles - mostly highway
- Hard to find Bronco in great condition and at a great price!
- White with Black Pinstripes - special "White Night" Edition
- XLT trim level with All Power and Cruise Control with Grey Leather Interior
- All maintenance done, and 5.8 liter V-8 runs great - maintenance records available (small oil leak)
- Ford 4-Speed with Overdrive E4OD Transmission (same as in the diesel above) and NP205 Transfer Case
- Heavy Duty Suspension and Towing Package; Rear 2" Hitch Receiver
- 4" ProComp Suspension Lift installed by a Professional Mechanic
- 4x4 with 35" BFG All Terrain Tires with 70% of tread life left (6 tires total: 4 on the truck, plus two new spares with 100% tread life) - great clearance!
- Flowmaster Exhaust and K&N Air Filter
- Aluminum Alloy Wheels - look great!
- Aftermarket Sony Stereo with AM/FM, CD Player and iPod jack in Glove Box
- Hella Offroad Driving Lights
- 32 Gallon Stock Fuel Tank - great range!
- Reliable Warn Hubs on Front Axle
- Shift-on-the-Fly 4x4 with Push Button 4x4 High or 4x4 Low
- Excellent Ground Clearance for Offroad Use (minimal offroading by current owner)
- Previously Owned by Mercedes Benz Mechanic
- New Front Brakes and Rotors
- Large Linex-coated Roof Rack
- Convenient Single-Latch Fold-Up Rear Seat
- Current owner not using anymore - time for a new owner to enjoy!
158,000 miles (click to enlarge)
Sony Aftermarket Stereo with CD, AM/FM and glovebox iPod Jack (click to enlarge)
Leather Fold Down Rear Seat (click to enlarge)
Interior View (click to enlarge)
Dashboard View (click to enlarge)
Rear view (access roof rack while standing on tail gate!) (click to enlarge)
Right rear tire with exhaust view - 35" BFGs - almost new! (click to enlarge)
Tailgate down - rear seat up (see next photo, too) (click to enlarge)
Tailgate down - rear seat folded forward, all in one motion! (click to enlarge)
Center Console (click to enlarge)
Reliable Warn Hubs on front axle - with BFG all-terrains - best all-round tire on the road! (click to enlarge)
C O N T A C T I N F O R M A T I O N
Tim Waag
home (805) 544-2109
cell (805) 440-9144 (no answering service)
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