2015-03-24 PUBLIC SAFETY - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

PUBLIC COMMENTS Massimo Marini, member of Civic Center Roundtable, comments on homeless issue. Marini said he met with the City Manager, his staff and Commander ibarra regarding a storage center. He said the City continues to talk about finding a property, but something needs to be created or sacrifice a property for the homeless. Marini says the City has the political will to get it done or his group has the social capacity to get it done. Marini has proposals from two licensed non- profits. Marini asks that the City keep this in mind as they look at different sites. Smitty, member of Civic Center Roundtable, speaks on the homeless issue. Would like the City to look for, or select, a site. Find a solution without penalizing the homeless, even if it's not a check -in center. They just need somewhere during the day, during working hours, to store property. Tim Houchen, member of Civic Center Roundtable, comments on homeless issue. At Board of Supervisors meeting, Shawn Nelson said in order for government to do anything, they have to have political will and guts. Houchen questions leadership in Santa Ana because he feels nothing has been done to get the check -in center. People need close proximity to the civic center to be able to get to their property. Brizy Mae, member of Civic Center Roundtable, says she hasn't gotten a ticket in six years for sleeping or camping but many others have. Understands there are problems with drugs and alcohol, but a lot of people need help and medical aid. She tries to let others know the City wants to work with them, but the homeless are still getting tickets and having their property taken. Robert Wanamaker, member of Civic Center Roundtable, resident of Santa Ana since 1978, has been homeless for eight years. Homeless problem been going on 25 years and nothing has been done. Homeless get tickets and their property gets taken. These people have no options. Sam Romero, resident, provides the Committee members with a list of quality of life concerns throughout the Logan neighborhood. Some of these problems include traffic issues, crematorium, liquor store selling alcohol to minors, underage drinking, gangs, parents afraid to bring their children to the park, trucks coming through Logan releasing fumes, noise pollution, etc. Romero is asking the City and the police for help to deal with some of these issues. "Q," member of Civic Center Roundtable, comments on homeless issue. "Q" says that the homeless people are only asking for something that is reliable for them, and they are willing to help in any way they can if the City doesn't want to pay somebody else. "Q" says the homeless are only asking for a fair chance and respect from City officials and police.