Carlsbad Considering Tough Homeless Nuisance Ordinance

(Carlsbad, CA) — The City of Carlsbad in Northern San Diego County could soon be taking up some tough measures to combat the aggressive behavior of homeless persons. The council will look at a proposal to make aggressive panhandling and solicitation a misdemeanor. But the proposal goes further, making it illegal to camp on private property or open space, and cook or start fires on public property. It would also outlaw open containers of alcohol at two of the city’s parks, and prohibit the storing or leaving of personal property unattended during certain times of the day. Carlsbad Police are reporting an average of 497 homeless-related calls each month, mostly to do with drugs, alcohol, assault and property crime. But homeless advocates say the proposal focuses too much on punishment instead of solutions like housing-which has repeatedly failed to reduce homelessness. The city will consider the ordinance at a meeting next week.