Agenda Item No. 10
Correspondence for Ordinance to Regulate
Camping and Vehicle Habitation on Public Rightsof-Way and Public and Private Property (CC Mtg 3/27/2023)
Supplemental Item –
Correspondence for Item 10. Second Reading, by Title Only, Adoption and Public Hearing of an Ordinance Repealing Chapter 14 of Article III (Public Welfare, Morals and Conduct); Adding a New Chapter 14, 14.1 and 14.2; and Repealing Section 5210 of Chapter 2 of Article V (Sanitation and Health) of the Grover Beach Municipal Code to Regulate Camping and Vehicle
Habitation on Public Rights-of-Way and Public and Private Property
1 From: Camille Trinkle <c
Sent: Monday, March 27, 2023 2:49 PM
To: Karen Bright; Robert Robert; Daniel Rushing; Clint Weirick Cc: Matthew Bronson
Subject: Please Read: Item 10 - Homeless Ordinance
Attachments: 20230317114735174_LNRZ842DCFA28E7_L_29_L090317114735.mp4; Screenshot_20211123-083732 _Nest.jpg; Screenshot_20210826-132828_Nest.jpg; Resized_20221007_173143.jpeg; IMG-20230306- WA0002.jpg; Screenshot_20230325-155749_Lorex Home.jpg; 20220427_095215.jpg; Screenshot_ 20230219-171138_Lorex Home.jpg; 20221101172037.jpg; Screenshot_20230325-025051_Lorex Home.jpg
Hello GB City Council,
I'm hoping you guys receive this email before the meeting today to discuss the new "Camping Ordinance" that's being proposed. I've reviewed the draft and 200 feet will LEGALLY put the encampment even closer to our home. PLEASE consider changing this to a minimum of 350 feet, or even better, 400 feet.
My neighbors and I have been begging the City for help/support regarding the homeless activity around us for years. This ordinance is a total slap in the face to those of us that have waited for something, ANYTHING, to be done. These videos and images will give you a very small idea of what goes on around here at all hours day/night.
This encampment has taken over a beautiful open space that my family, and neighbors, were once able to enjoy. It was the reason we bought this home.
My son has found used needles hidden in a tree, they've also been found in the gutter, there's been drug bags that have have blown into my yard. There's also been many property thefts and a few attempted break ins in this neighborhood as well. I have 4 kids here (14, 9, 1, and 3 months) that I have to look out for and if it comes between enabling a group of homeless (mostly young men) use/deal drugs and live for free in our open space I'm going to chose my kids safety. Every time.
They can't even play outside without seeing and dealing with constant activity in front of our home. Imagine being a child and seeing people fighting with the air, talking to themselves, yelling, and getting arrested in a place where you're supposed to feel safe. There's been nights where my son has slept in my closet because he was worried about someone coming in the house. We're in a unique spot that not only has activity out front but it is to the side and back of our home as well.
Elementary age kids walk home from Grover Heights right past this encampment. Just a few weeks ago there was a lady passed out in the bushes when school got out.
These are not people that are willing to help themselves at this time. These are the same group of people that have been offered help by 5CHC and do not want it. Why are we putting the interests of this group of people, who are taking full advantage of the City, above your residents safety!? Many of whom are small children and elderly/retired. Is it only because your worried about getting sued by the homeless? What if something was to happen to us, after years of begging for help, would you not be worried about being sued then too?
I understand wanting to be compassionate, I really do, but these people need to be in a place with access to services. Not left to run wild in a RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD for crying out loud. Would you want this for your kids!? I don't even know what to do at this point. 2 I know there's been talks of a fence as well, with a gate for the residents to use the open space, but what good is a fence if people are still camped back there? No one will feel safe to use the trails. If there was a fire people could also be trapped behind the fence. What if they were to get the code? It may cut down on foot traffic in our neighborhood but you can still pass drugs through a fence and they'll just increase their use of the trail (Nacimiento) behind our home.
PLEASE reconsider the distance you're allowing them to camp from our homes. Please reconsider allowing propane tanks in a place that has already had multiple fires. This is our quality of life that will be affected by the decision you make tonight. Please give us our home back! Thank you,
-Camille & Family )