HomeMy WebLinkAboutAB 5 LTR to Ammiano 20130508city of sAn Luis oBispo
OFFICE OF THE CITY COUNCIL
990 Palm Street ■ San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3249 ■ 805/781-7119
May 8, 2013
VIA FACSIMILE ONLY 916-319-2117
The Honorable Tom Ammiano
California State Assembly
State Capitol Building, Room 3146
Sacramento, CA 95814
RE: AB 5. Homelessness.
NOTICE OF OPPOSITION
Dear Assembly Member Ammiano:
The City of San Luis Obispo opposes your legislation, AB 5, which would create the
Homeless Person's Bill of Rights and Fairness Act.
While we certainly appreciate the concept of this bill, homelessness is a complicated
societal issue that cannot be adequately addressed with a broad program lacking resources and
services to address the causes of homelessness. The bill would make public safety regulations
regarding loitering, sleeping in public areas, soliciting donations, trespassing and other issues
non enforceable. This legislation impedes a city from enforcing any regulations that could be
viewed as "anti -homeless" whether or not they are, in fact, enforced against the homeless. The
bill would require local governments to establish and maintain health and hygiene centers
providing bathroom and showers facilities 24-hours a day without concern for the increased
resources associated with such facilities. California would be better served by providing the
resources to allow cities and counties to address these issues at the local level, with the
engagement of local communities.
For these reasons, the City of San Luis Obispo has an oppose position on AB 5.
Sincerely,
1111�
Jan Marx
Mayor
cc: City Council
Katie Lichtig, City Manager
Senator Bill Morning, fax 916-445-8081
Assembly Member Katcho Achadjian, fax 916-319-2135
David Mullinax, League of California Cities
Kirstin Kolpitcke, League of California Cities, fax 916-658-8240