A recent article in local news labels proposed Senate Bill 31 as “criminalizing homelessness” by making it a misdemeanor to take up residence on sidewalks and streets 1,000 ft. from “sensitive areas.” Past SJ councilmember Johnny Khamis clarifies why effective law enforcement, substance abuse/mental health, and housing solutions must be blended to keep our community’s families safe. An Opp Now exclusive.

The article only shows one side of the argument. It does not show why people might want such a law to pass.

When I was a councilmember, I heard from many people who were afraid of walking their kids to the playground or library because of the potential of being accosted by a homeless person. And the most frequent concern I’d hear was the need for more safety near the local schools. So the law didn’t come from nowhere. There’s got to be rights for these people, people who just want to bring their children to school or the library safely.

Nobody wants to actually criminalize homelessness as some SB 31 critics are unfairly suggesting. The law would simply address and strengthen rights for parents who want their children to be safe in public.

The criticisms in this article, that this law doesn’t address underlying causes of homelessness, are right. The law doesn’t address those causes and doesn’t purport to do so. Much more needs to be done in the areas of addressing drug addiction and mental health and creating ample and affordable housing. The county and state needs to step up in this area.

Ultimately, though, it doesn’t matter if you pass a law; you have to have it enforced. If the SJPD doesn’t enforce SB 31, the law won’t really matter.

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