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Public speakers and council trade sharp words over homelessness after councilmember remarks
Summary
Multiple speakers at the Feb. 11 Bakersfield City Council meeting criticized recent council remarks that labeled people experiencing homelessness with derogatory language; councilmember who made the comments defended his record, while several colleagues and service providers urged evidence-based, housing-plus-services approaches.
A string of public commenters at the Feb. 11 Bakersfield City Council meeting sharply criticized recent remarks by a councilmember that some attendees said dehumanized people experiencing homelessness.
Noe Garcia (vice president, Kern County Young Democrats) told the council it is "not enough to just lock them up" and urged elected officials to focus on solutions, collaboration with city staff and community organizations, and long-lasting housing strategies. "That's why you're elected. That's why voters trusted in you to make sure that you can represent your community and come up with long lasting sustainable solutions," Garcia said.
Several speakers…
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