Tent encampments across California are testing residents’ tolerance and compassion as street conditions deteriorate. By Thomas Fuller, Tim Arango and Louis Keene OAKLAND, Calif. — Insults like “financial parasites” and “bums” have been directed at them, not to mention rocks and pepper spray. Fences, potted plants and other barriers have been erected to keep them off sidewalks. Citizen patrols have been organized, vigilante style, to walk the streets and push them out. California may pride itself on its commitment to tolerance and liberal values,…..
By JULIA WICK STAFF WRITER SEP. 27, 2019 BAKERSFIELD — In the face of an ever-growing homelessness crisis, cities across California have been searching for solutions, from adding shelters and affordable housing to improving mental health and substance abuse services.But in Bakersfield, officials are considering a more radical approach: They want to put homeless people in jail for misdemeanor drug offenses and potentially for trespassing.The tactic would fly in the face of criminal justice reform over the last decade in California,…..
“Do something; do something” the shelter’s amateur boxing team chants from the back of the chapel. Doc Manny is the youngsters’ coach. In tough neighborhoods downtown, a gym changes lives. At the moment, the youngsters are imploring their elders to throw a punch in their own defense. In one week, the President of the United States visited San Diego and accused homeless shelters of causing homelessness. Days later, the sheriff of Bakersfield up north ducked questions about jailing displaced people…..