It is not illegal to be homeless. That is a regular refrain from those who advocate for the homeless. And it’s true. But certain elements of the common homeless experience can be illegal.
And there is lots of pressure on public officials to do whatever they can to push out the homeless from certain areas. In a new story, VOSD staff writer Lisa Halverstadt talks to attorneys, police officers, experts and activists about what the law allows cities to do – and doesn’t – and how those laws work in practice on San Diego streets.
For example, homeless people can be cited for encroachment if they have their tents or belongings on a sidewalk, alley or other public property. They could also get in trouble for illegal lodging, which bans people from settling somewhere without permission.
It’s a Bananas Ballot
On this week’s podcast, Scott Lewis and Andrew Keatts talk about the overwhelming list of ballot measures coming at us, the big news about Balboa Park. They also discussed the state Supreme Court’s decision to put a major ruling on the shelf for now and why that matters for a new stadium.
Jeff Marston of the Independent Voter Project joined the podcast for the second half of the show to explain what the Independent Voter Project is and why he’s pushing for a ballot measure that would ensure city elections can’t be won outright during primaries.
Last month, Marston made the case for the change in an op-ed. It is now going in front of the full City Council for a hearing July 11. If they put it on the ballot, it will be among the many others.
Adult Film Star: Ballot Measure ‘Degrades Our Work’
Add one more to the long list of ballots voters will see in November: A proposal that could have a major impact on California’s huge porn industry.
In this week’s Sacramento Report, VOSD managing editor looks Sara Libby looks at The Safer Sex in Adult Film Act, submitted by Michael Weinstein, president of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation. It would allow any state resident to file a complaint with the state’s workplace safety watchdog if they don’t see a condom in a porn production. If the agency doesn’t pursue the complaint, that person can sue anyone with a financial stake in the production, including performers, explains Libby.
Libby talked to Mia Lia, an adult film performer and activist who lives in Hillcrest, who calls the reform effort a Trojan Horse that could drive the industry underground.
“The reason I got into adult film was to create amazing content and document human sexuality in a way that is entertainment but in some ways is very true to form, and is honest and represents the diversity that I want to see. But now with this measure, it degrades our work,” said Li.
• Just in case it wasn’t clear, there are a lot of ballot measures! Here’s the LA Times on which ones got which numbers and why.
On the flip side, one proposed initiative that would have capped the pay of hospital executives in California will not be on the ballot.
“SEIU United Healthcare Workers West was forced to pull the measure after an arbitrator this week ruled it violated an agreement the union had with the California Hospital Association,” writes KPBS.
• California Gov. Jerry Brown signed six stringent gun-control measures, including a requirement for people to turn in high-capacity magazines and another on background checks for ammunition sales.
“Brown’s action is consistent with his mixed record on gun control in a state that already has some of the most stringent laws in the nation. Some of the bills enacted duplicate provisions of a ballot measure by Democratic Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom that will appear on the November ballot,” reports Associated Press.
Minimum Wage Crunch
Voters approved the city’s June referendum to increase the city of San Diego’s minimum wage a bit faster than the state has planned (and with some added, required, paid sick days.
KPBS has a report on how the city is scrambling to inform businesses and create an enforcement mechanism.
The Week’s Most-Read VOSD Stories
Here is the list of the Top 10 VOSD stories of the week and the Top 5 are listed below:
1. Parents Want San Diego Unified to Reverse Field on Turf Installations
There isn’t much in the way of conclusive evidence of negative health impacts as a result of exposure to crumb rubber in turf playing fields, though several state and federal studies are under way. Still, parents at various San Diego Unified schools slated for new fields want the district to hit pause on those plans. (Ashly McGlone)
2. With Doomsday in Mind, California Officials Are Ceding Water to Arizona, Nevada
California representatives have offered to forgo up to 8 percent of the state’s Colorado River water, if things get bad enough. The worry is cuts would be worse later if California doesn’t play ball with Arizona now. (Ry Rivard)
3. Why San Diego Isn’t at the Table for Doomsday Colorado River Water Talks
The issue of the San Diego County Water Authority’s “negativity” makes clear the tensions within the California water world. (Ry Rivard)
4. Opinion: Enough Excuses — San Diego’s Homeless Problem Is Solvable
Here’s what San Diego needs to do if it wants to make a difference on homelessness. (Iain De Jong)
5. The Big Questions on Balboa Park’s Big Day
Here’s a look at the questions that still remain about the plans Mayor Kevin Faulconer announced Thursday. (Lisa Halverstadt)