From:
Sent: Friday, January 13, 2023 7:54 PM
To: Distrib- City Clerk <[email protected]> Subject: Public comment for SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL - TUESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2023 Hello,
Comment on agenda item 7b:
I am a commercial property owner and operator of a small business in the canal. The building across the street from our office has a large overhang and a lot of sun. It has been a gathering place for a regular group of homeless men.
I have called the city and the Canal Alliance and was referred to the police as the resource for some form of intervention with the men. I was referred to and received a call from the homeless advocate in the department (forgot her name). It was a good conversation and finished with her going to speak with an officer or try to come out herself. I didn't receive (or expect) a follow-up, but the group of men got larger as the rain came. Today they were dispersed by an officer.
I am very encouraged by item 7b and hope that the group you hire has a mechanism for community follow-through (similar to a tech trouble ticket system?). The community can be part of the solution if there is a feedback within the community.
An officer in a cruiser with a weapon doesn't seem like the right tool for the job. I am encouraged the City is looking at alternatives that has the possibility of being much more targeted and effective while freeing our officers to do safety and crime work they are trained for.
Lastly, I just discovered https://www.cityofsanrafael.org/departments/homelessness/, this is a good resource that could use some community sunshine.
Respectfully,
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Eric Steinberg
Farallon Electronics, San Rafael CA