LAPD Chief Acknowledges The Need For Services And Housing

For the last year and a half, the Los Angeles Police Department has implemented a controversial clean-up effort in Skid Row called, “Safer Cities Initiative.” Advocates for the homeless have hammered at this program as simple police sweeps in this impoverished neighborhood.

At a recent forum in downtown, Chief Bratton is slowly acknowledging that law enforcement can not fix the problems of Skid Row. Instead, helping people access more services and housing is needed.

It’s the balance between law enforcement and services/housing that is certainly needed, not just in Skid Row, but throughout the region.

Homeless and Carwashes Just Don’t Mix

It looks like local cities are now saying that people who are homeless can not go within 15 feet of a carwash (or any other “common area”) if they are begging for money, or they will be cited.

It’s another example of communities using laws and law enforcement to address homeless. I am all for communities making sure their streets are safe, secure, and sane. But if they use law enforcement, it must be balanced out with services and housing.

(Pic by www.pattersonwoods.com)

"You're Better Off Being Homeless, Than Being Me!"

That's what Britney Spears recently told the paparazzi. "You're better off being homeless, than being me!"

Hmmmmmm... let's see... a multi-million dollar Pop Star with mansions all over the place... or... homeless. Which is better?

Clearly, this girl is on crack or something.