HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-07-2012 pc galbreathSan Luis Obispo Downtown Business Association &
San Luis Obispo City Counse l
To Whom It May Concern :
As a resident & former business owner of San Luis Obispo I have experienced a
growing number of transients & pan handlers in the downtown area . It has become
a problem with local businesses as well with visitors & residents being harassed &
approached by pan handlers . I was listening to a national radio station a few days
ago & the host mention his visit to San Luis . He mentioned how beautiful San Lui s
Obispo was .
He also mentioned the number of pan handlers holding signs asking for help . He
asked one of the pan handlers if he worked or would be willing to work . The pan
handler answered "No, I don't do that" Quote .
I as resident had a experience from a local transient taking a seat next to me wher e
I was dining outside & grab my food before I could stop him . I told him to leave o r
I would call the police . I also informed the manager of the restaurant what had
happened, & the manager said to me that customers have had their food stole n
while they go back to get drinks or condiments .
I have spoken to a number of business owners, & they would like to see no pa n
handling in the downtown area for a number of reasons. One, Several employees &
business owners have expressed feeling unsafe going home at night . (Women in
particular .) Two,because it interrupts their business & third becauce the pa n
handlers/transients leave their trash behind .
The forth thing is pan handlers & transients occupying public benches for hours a t
a time & smoking, which is prohibited as well .
I am preparing a petition to be signed by the downtown businesses as well as th e
residents alike to prohibit pan handling in the downtown area .
Thank you for taking the time to read this & I hope you address the proble m
before it escalates . Your timely response to this letter is appreciated .
We all want to see the needy taken care of here in San Luis Obispo & I feel tha t
we do that here with the many services we offer .
Sincerely, A concerned resident ,
John D . Galbreath
July 27, 2012