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Council amends ordinance to allow misdemeanor charges for certain illegal camping and storage on rights‑of‑way
Summary
The council approved an ordinance change to give police authority to charge certain violations as misdemeanors after staff described a framework that pairs outreach and offers of services with enforcement. The measure passed 5‑0 after public comment urging individualized responses.
The El Centro City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved an ordinance amendment that changes rules for illegal camping and storage of property on public rights‑of‑way, enabling officers to charge certain violations as misdemeanors under defined circumstances.
Lieutenant James Thompson, presenting for the police department, said the change follows shifts in federal and state case law and guidance and is intended to give officers a narrowly defined enforcement tool while continuing outreach and referrals to behavioral‑health and social‑service programs. “What we're asking is that we modify the ordinance to allow the officers to be able to charge certain crimes as a misdemeanor,” Thompson said, adding that enforcement will emphasize offers of services and wraparound support before criminal action where possible.
Thompson referenced the Martin v. Boise case as background and told the council that state‑level direction from the governor in May influenced municipalities’ approaches. He cautioned that enforcement carries legal and liability considerations and said the department plans to pair outreach with enforcement to prioritize treatment and support where appropriate.
Pete Rodriguez and other public speakers urged individualized treatment for people who appear to be living outdoors, cautioning against blanket enforcement. Rodriguez said some individuals who camp in public are non‑disruptive and that responses should account for different circumstances.
Councilmembers discussed enforcement balance and support services. Several members emphasized compassion and the need to coordinate with county and nonprofit partners on shelter and treatment options. The council adopted ordinance number 25‑04 by a 5‑0 vote, giving officers an additional enforcement option when outreach and offers of services are refused or when public safety or persistent criminal behavior is present.
Votes at a glance: Motion to adopt ordinance 25‑04 amending city code on illegal camping and storage on public rights‑of‑way — Passed 5‑0.
