Correspondence - #14 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Orozco, Norma From:David Ball <dballcaus@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, To:eComment Subject:I support Item #14 Arresting people for open drug use is a separate issue from homelessness. The 3 Council Members who do not want to enforce the law and claim this a housing issue so they can push for building more high-rise apartments, in already densely populated Santa Ana, are doing huge dis-service to the families and residents of Santa Ana. Notice that they are saying “no” without offering any solutions. Calling this a coping mechanism without offering solutions, affects the quality of life, safety, and future of our children. Conflating the issues of housing and open drug use harms the users and the public. They are completely separate issues. There are plenty of studies showing people with substance abuse problems prior to losing their homes. To be clear, no person, homeless or not should be arrested for being in public. I agree. Item #39 now Item# 14 was never about arresting homeless people, don't let them fool you. It is about arresting people for open drug use in public, arresting people who are using and leaving bloody syringes in our parks, arresting people who are near death passed out on public sidewalks, and arresting people who are a danger to society or themselves. And yes a person high on drugs in the park regardless of their housing status should be arrested just like anybody else, but most importantly they should be given medical help, offered a drug diversion program, and a ride to their home city wherever that may be, so they have a chance to get off of drugs and off the streets. This is your chance to make a difference in Santa Ana! Push housing another way but don’t use these people. They need help and that may come in the form of an arrest. I support Item #14 and I hope all of you do too. David Ball 1