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Overbearing Begging
updated: Jan 17, 2012, 4:19 PM

By Edhat Subscriber

Does anyone know what or if there is a policy against begging in Santa Barbara? I've visited several different places today, from Lazy Acres to the post office, and everywhere I went there were people holding cardboard signs asking for money. I am just curious, as I am a new resident. Thanks!

Comments in order of when they were received | (reverse order)

COMMENT 249433	2012-01-17 04:27 PM
No policies, in fact it is encouraged by the likes of Lois Capps and others.
COMMENT 249434	2012-01-17 04:28 PM
Get used to it.
COMMENT 249437	2012-01-17 04:32 PM
Anyone with a cup or a cardboard sign can do it. Sit there and remain silent. Just wait for their money to come in.
COMMENT 249438	2012-01-17 04:32 PM
Everywhere from the gas station to the grocery store (and I have been approached IN THE STORE) to waiting at a stoplight, it's getting old, they are getting braver and rude when you say no... when is it going to stop or at least when is someone going to let these people know that this is not ok! It is getting so out of control!
COMMENT 249440	2012-01-17 04:33 PM
They wouldn't do it if it didn't work. Do them all a favor and give to your local charity.
COMMENT 249441	2012-01-17 04:35 PM
In some cases they are trespassing so if you go into a store with panhandlers out front tell the store workers because they may call the police on them. I am a native and I hate to see how many homeless there are here and how they all have a hand out like they think those of us who choose to work owe them money. Unfortunately some of them are agressive so be careful and don't give your money, it will mostly go to drugs or alcohol anyways, they get free food and housing and medical care already
COMMENT 249442	2012-01-17 04:38 PM
As of Dec '09 abusive panhandling is against the law. Abusive panhandling is: 1. Blocking or impeding the passage or the free movement of the person panhandled; 2. Following the person after the person panhandled declines to make a donation; 3. Threatening, the person panhandled with physical harm or an assault; 4. Abusing the person being panhandled with words which are offensive and inherently likely to provoke an immediate violent reaction; 5. Touching the person being panhandled without that person’s consent; or 6. Active (non-abusize) Panhandling while: a. Waiting at a bus stop; b. In a vehicle on a public street; c. In a City parking lot / structure without regard to whether the person is in a vehicle or not; d. Within an outdoor restaurant dining area; e. Within 25 feet of an ATM; or f. In a queue of persons waiting to gain admission to a place of business or to a vehicle, or waiting to purchase an item or admission ticket.
SBJULES	2012-01-17 04:40 PM
Where did you come from? Just curious.
COMMENT 249445	2012-01-17 04:43 PM
Are you begging for an answer?
COMMENT 249446	2012-01-17 04:44 PM
I was just at Vic Court Post office - 2 - 30 somethings sitting out side - New Clothes - cell phones - better boots than I have on - begging for bus money - while yelling at her mother to come pick her up - as the voice echoed inside - we all had a laugh cause we couldn't see these 2 - just hear the begging and phone contact to Mommy dearest to come get US DUDE -
COMMENT 249454	2012-01-17 04:56 PM
Oh, get over yourselves. Yes, there is a LAW against begging. It's not that hard to look up online. And be glad you don't have to resort to it.
COMMENT 249458	2012-01-17 04:57 PM
When this happens to me I ask them if they have change for a hundred. If they say "do you have 25 cents?" I say "yes" and keep on walking.........
COMMENT 249463	2012-01-17 05:03 PM
When they ask me "spare change?", I tell them "there's no such thing"....
COMMENT 249468	2012-01-17 05:36 PM
I tell them, "I fear change no matter what my therapist says." Always leaves them with a confused look and me a smile.
COMMENT 249475	2012-01-17 05:55 PM
Are you being serious? A guy holding a sign is "overbearing"? What gated community do you crawl out from?
COMMENT 249478	2012-01-17 06:00 PM
Definitely a problem. I've had friends say that they used to spend weekends in Santa Barbara but don't now because they don't feel safe. Good luck trying to change it, though.
ROGER DODGER	2012-01-17 06:23 PM
I got hit up yeasterday by the good looking young boots cells phones saying they needed money to get out of town. I'm an old fart with a cane. What the hell is a cell phone? I wanted to beat them with my cane damn republicans!
COMMENT 249489	2012-01-17 06:43 PM
Welcome to the land of Lois Capps aka "The Ribbon of Shame."
COMMENT 249492	2012-01-17 06:50 PM
Why does it bother you? There is a difference between holding a sign and begging. I could care less if someone holds a sign, if they ask more than once for change I retaliate. I have lived here my whole life and aggressive panhandlers usually get picked up by the PD pretty quickly. Something I don't like is people sleeping on benches on State during the day. I would like to sit and people watch or take a break why wifey shops. That type of crap should not be tolerated.
COMMENT 249496	2012-01-17 07:06 PM
I always have to laugh at the idea that people don't feel safe in SB. I think anyone who doesn't feel safe here shouldn't live or visit, frankly. There's a whole, big world out there cities that have REAL issues with homelessness. I'm downtown all the time by myself, as a woman I have no issues and never have. Very rarely people ask for money. Most of the time, there's no interaction whatsoever. And I've never had to step over anyone. I also have a problem with people who lack any kind of empathy whatsoever for their fellow man. It's not "crap" when people are asleep on the street. It's SAD. We don't live in a theme park. This is a real city with real problems and none of us deserve to have a beautiful canvas backdrop with people we don't approve of carted off
COMMENT 249502	2012-01-17 07:16 PM
There's so many SB services that actually help the homeless that it drives me crazy when I see people giving them money. Would EVERYONE just stop - you're not helping them and if you'd stop the panhandling would stop.
COMMENT 249506P	2012-01-17 08:05 PM
If everybody in this city would STOP handing out MONEY the problem would subside drastically. But as long as that person from the off ramp at 101 & Carrillo to the grubby, in-your-face down & outter, in front of Lazy Acres or H & M gets their "fix" of CASH from bleeding hearts, it's here to stay. Why empower them?
COMMENT 249511	2012-01-17 08:21 PM
If you give them money, they will come, and stay. It does go for alcohol or drugs. Give the regular panhandlers money on lower State, and they amble to Mac's Grog N Grog for their high-otcane 16 oz. and then back to State they go. You're not helping when you give them money. You're just enabling them and subsidizing liquor stores. This morning, a pair bought some booze on Milpas, and went off into the neighborhood to consume it, leaving their discarded can for the neighbors to pick up. Give the money to charity if you want to help. Otherwise, you're part of the problem.
COMMENT 249515	2012-01-17 08:30 PM
My response to "got any spare change?" ranges from "no, but thank you for asking" to "funny, I was about to ask you the same thing!"
COMMENT 249518	2012-01-17 08:43 PM
@446 - Victoria Court is terrible, but the woman at the Post Office has a direct line to Security and will get them rousted all the time. The beggars must make a lot of money in that area for them to keep going back there. I will NOT give money to beggars. They can go to the shelter and get EVERYTHING FREE, whereas I have to pay... medical, dental, eyeglasses, clothes, food, hair cuts, etc...
COMMENT 249530P	2012-01-17 10:27 PM
496 speaks a great truth I left SB a few decades ago and was appalled when I lived in Austin. Every intersection, every off ramp, every corner downtown had people stationed. Sometimes you would witness the changing of the guard, one person shows up with a bag of fast food and takes over while the other one walks away. Professional pan handlers. I was stunned when I came back, ten years ago to find the same situation emerging here. It never bothered me, growing up here, while folks tried to make a go of it, living at the Fig Tree (they should have gotten their mailbox!). We had our collection of homeless downtown, we knew most of their names, some of their stories, but this is a whole other animal. Young, perfectly able bodied folk, aggressively asking for money. I just don't get it. A lot of them are not homeless or are so by choice. There was the thread several months ago about the young woman that sits in front of Trader Joe's in Goleta, with her dog - and someone picks her up at the end of every day. Conversely, there is the woman who sits with her belongings in a rolling suitcase, I've never seen her ask anyone for anything. Or the guy with the bike who spends all his money at Kinko's, diligently copying his philosophical ponderings to share with anyone who is willing to accept his gift. You go to any given park during the day and you will find people, cars packed with all of their belongings, using the bbq pits to make a meal. These are not the folk following you in the parking lot - one hand out asking for money and the other clutching a delicous coffee shake from the Goleta Coffee Co. Yes, we have a homeless problem, but those are not the folk that are out panhandling, staked out in front of the store/parking lot/offramp. I don't know what the answer is. I don't think it's an arena for political finger pointing. That doesn't help either situation. I do agree with 511 that if you give them money... they will come.
COMMENT 249545	2012-01-18 06:44 AM
They (out of town bums), KNOW there is food, really good meals by the way, free at Casa Esparanza morning, noon and night. The problem is, the Casa is not serving beer or wine yet and that the waiting list to recieve subidized City Housing is about a year and a half if you are "Chronic homeless" ... The county social services employees and Housing Authority LOVES the homeless that come here from all over the U.S.- Their jobs here in Santa Barbara depend upon it! It is our largest industy.18% of ALL housing in SB is subsidized by taxpayers.
COMMENT 249552P	2012-01-18 07:04 AM
What happens when you feed a stray dog?
COMMENT 249554P	2012-01-18 07:08 AM
Apparently not against the law in this town. There is a begger at every corner prodding our consciences.
COMMENT 249555P	2012-01-18 07:10 AM
2P You feel good. He cannot fend for himself and depends on us humans.
FLICKA	2012-01-18 07:18 AM
Problem is, you can't tell the fakes from the real. I wouldn't mind helping a truly needy person, but seeing them "change the guard" from a nice pick-up w/ camper shell irks me. Give to Rescue Mission, Salvation Army, or anyone who really helps with food, counceling, etc.
COMMENT 249561P	2012-01-18 07:25 AM
Yes, there is a law, as noted by a prior commentor. Lois and others really have nothing to do with it. A study done several years ago, when many cities were more welcoming than they are now, due to economic conditions today, showed that the amount of services, local attitudes, etc,, have nothing to do with why some cities have more homeless than others. The study concluded that the biggest factor is the climate. Where would you rather be in winter - Cleveland or Santa Barbara? I would probably add that the chronically homeless are more likely to be in places that are easier to hide in. Homelessness of all kinds is on the rise due to the economy and the loss of services on all levels. Show some compassion, everyone, please!
COMMENT 249563	2012-01-18 07:26 AM
Something I notest over the years, You will not fined a person of Mexican decent begging for money, They seem to fined work were none exists.
COMMENT 249571	2012-01-18 07:46 AM
@530P: "Or the guy with the bike who spends all his money at Kinko's, diligently copying his philosophical ponderings to share with anyone who is willing to accept his gift." You mean there is a homeless person out there who actually thinks beyond getting the next fix? Does he drink? Does he do drugs? Is he a criminal? If not, maybe he should be at university instead of the streets. Are there any more homeless people who think outside of the dysfunctional box?
SBJULES	2012-01-18 08:18 AM
After reading about the serial killer of the homeless in Orange County, it is disturbing to read about the demonizing of the homeless here.
COMMENT 249594	2012-01-18 08:35 AM
571, I have met several people like that in the area. The are here, among us, and they represent a significant portion of the overall picture of need. However, most of the community doesn't realize that they are here because in order to limit or prevent others' descriminatory and reactive attitudes against them from making their lives in very real ways more difficult, most of these people spend a good amount of their time doing what they must in order to blend in with and survive a society which for the most part is and has traditionally been unforgiving of becoming destitute.
COMMENT 249602	2012-01-18 08:49 AM
Does anybody know about the man who walks around the downtown area in a trench coat holding large quantities of book and papers? What is his deal? One day I said hi and smiled to him, and he got very happy. Also one time I saw him speaking with a business type man, and what little I heard sounded like he was very smart, but obviously it appears he has some serious issues. Just curious if anybody knows more about him?
COMMENT 249609P	2012-01-18 09:25 AM
Most of the homeless in Santa Barbara used to live in the "jungle" which was most of Cabrillo Blvd. between what is now Garden St. and Calle Ceasar Chavez, or at the Fig tree. Many more lived along the railroad tracks and underpasses. A lot of these areas have either been cleared out, fenced off, built upon, or no longer exist. I worked in Public Safety in this town for many years and knew most of the homeless folks by name or face. A lot of the transients in town are just that, transient. They are younger and certainly more aggressive than in days past. The homeless have been forced out of the bushes and are definitely more visible and in greater numbers than I've ever seen. I don't think any of us have the answer to the homeless question, all we can do is be compassionate to those who need it, hope for rehabilitation to those addicted, and consider how lucky we are to have a home and $ in our pockets. Giving $$ directly to beggars only enables their addictions and makes the likelihood of them dying on the streets that much greater. Give to the many great organizations in the community instead, and think about volunteering at one too...
COMMENT 249640	2012-01-18 10:31 AM
What a stream of hatred and misinformation. A few sane and caring people are overwhelmed in this by the anger and vitriol. Why such hostility to the poor and incompetent? What about your religious teachings? Yes there are some folks seeking handouts that could fend for themselves but there are grossly larger number of people who can't compete in this economy and who have no alternatives other than publicly humiliating themselves in seeking alms. If you don't want to help them, don't. But the implication of majority of these comments seems to be that anyone who offends by asking for charity in public should be run out of town or worse. I give money to some and not to others. I support public and private charity as well. I am in denial about the real world that poor people face.
COMMENT 249650	2012-01-18 10:52 AM
No law against begging but from what I understand they cannot speak to you.
COMMENT 249657	2012-01-18 11:07 AM
My plan,if I run for C-Council... Would ELIMINATE homelessness & the challenges that come with it & provide jobs.. Then,my plan includes a tourism boost like the city has never seen... An end to gangs,gov. corruption[in SB],traffic congestion... And the best part...a return of the "Local" business. I`m no whacko,& I`ve been to the Mayor`s office,but what I present means an end to their "free-ride" so we remain in our current situation. Until then,I sit on a stack of documents that represent "The Cure".
COMMENT 249673	2012-01-18 11:39 AM
249650 - They can speak to you, as long as they don't curse at you. They just can't vocally ask for handouts in certain places (sidewalk cafe, in a movie line, at a bus stop, et al). And after you say "No" they can't follow you up the street saying "C'mon man...just a quarter...". There is a law against it and if you really get harrassed hopefully you have a cell phone handy and call 911. Whether or not you actually dial 911 is immaterial...tell the bum you are calling 911. They usually get the hint and move on.
COMMENT 249682	2012-01-18 11:47 AM
@249489 The shame is that so many people are so detached from reality, confusing the stories about the world that they have in their heads with the actual world. Lois Capps is a member of the House of Representatives, a federal body, and has nothing whatsoever to do with local policies about begging.
EARO65	2012-01-18 01:29 PM
I think Ralph Karlskint is the last Christian in Santa Barbara. He does not judge, and practices his beliefs daily. If we had more Christians like him, we might have fewer desperate people on the streets. The latest governmental figures on poverty have shown that fifty percent of all Americans either live at the poverty line, or below it. We will have more on the streets before long.
COMMENT 249770P	2012-01-18 03:30 PM
Christiananity has absolutely zero to do with homelessness. If you believe in that kind of nonsense, please explain why "god" has allowed so much suffering. It's that kind of smoke and mirrors mentality / logic that is plaguing this great country. The religious zealots have god on their side or blame / credit god for everything...pulleeeze. It's not helping.
COMMENT 249785	2012-01-18 04:35 PM
@249770, we'll be praying for you. speaking of christianity, does anyone know what the next Rapture launch is scheduled? I don't want to miss it.....
COMMENT 249843	2012-01-18 06:36 PM
Anyone old enough or still in SB to recall 1990 opening of Paseo Nuevo? Straight down hill when Mayor ignored Martin Sheen's 'march on SB' in protest to the opening backing pandhandling,homeless, plus accepting one way bus ticket holding pandhandlers from Santa Maria to SB to rid themselves of THEIR homeless, on and on and on. Then mayor, following mayor(s) and Mrs. Capps' liberal views on handouts..etc.. not to ment... Capps getting the FEDS to pay $50,000 to remove tatoos from PRISONERS to help their self esteem?????!!! If you, new resident, do not have to stay because of a job and SERIOUS MONEY, then 'get out' ... while the getting is good. Save yourself an ULCER. Or do what we did, bought second home to escape to every weekend out of the area. North, of course. We have ONE year left to retire out of the insane tolerance of SB (everyone) whether old or new rezzies. When I MUST tell people I live here? I tell them, "IT IS ONLY PRETTY!" ARGHHHHH!
COMMENT 249855	2012-01-18 07:16 PM
@"640..." I would venture to guess you do not live on the Eastside, Westside or State St. corridor... You don't have to deal with the transient population from across the U.S. from your Montecito or Riveria estate... Walk by a business on upper State with your wife and watch a "chronic homeless" (bum"), drop trawow and deficate in an alcove in front of a business, or have to follow an urban camper to the bushy area behind your neighborhood to keep him out so he doesn't camp, litter and leave human waste around where kids would like to play or the bum casing your neighborhood for reycling and open garage door opportunities... Sorry, but after living here for 30 years, I have lost my compassion for 90% of these "bums".
COMMENT 249864P	2012-01-18 07:45 PM
I went down lower State the other night and found it to be full of beggars on both sides of the street. I rarely go there and I'm not sure I want to go back.
COMMENT 249886P	2012-01-18 10:14 PM
864P - That's common nowadays. Sad It's sure a HUGE turnoff for tourists and visitors from elsewhere in the county that don't come to our city too often. My wife is very "gun shy" about State Street now. She'd rather go to SLO or down to the huge mall in Thousand Oaks. I can't blame her, especially when she's alone.

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