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Council considers panhandling ordinance language and asks staff to develop giving alternatives
Summary
Council Member Jim O'Hara introduced a dual approach to panhandling: strengthen enforcement of existing municipal and penal code when behavior is aggressive or unsafe, and develop a city-endorsed alternative donation channel that directs resident contributions to partner agencies.
Council Member Jim O'Hara on Wednesday introduced a council-initiated item asking city attorney, development services, the sheriff and other departments to examine a focused ordinance addressing panhandling and to return with options that include a city-endorsed way for residents to donate to service providers rather than giving cash to people on the street.
O'Hara framed the item as two-pronged: he asked the council to ensure the sheriff has appropriate enforcement tools (including the city's non-charitable solicitation municipal code) while also developing a humane, accountable donation alternative so residents who want to help can direct funds to partner organizations rather than handing cash to individuals. He said the goal is to reduce the harms that can…
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