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The Faces of Laguna Niguel's Homeless

Numerous homeless can be seen panhandling around the city from Costco at Heather Ridge to Crown Valley Parkway.

If you drive around you will most likely see any number of homeless. In the past six months, there have been more than usual. 

Ever wonder if they have the right to beg for money?

A few months ago, before he retired, former City Manager Tim Casey, said the city of Laguna Niguel does not have a local ordinance or policy related to panhandling. 

State law prohibits aggressive panhandling (i.e. accosting persons in any public place for the purpose of begging), he said.  

In addition, he noted, state law also prohibits persons from obstructing the movement of other persons on streets or sidewalks.  

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department enforces these state laws in Laguna Niguel when necessary and applicable. 

The courts have found begging and panhandling to be forms of protected speech that cannot be summarily prohibited in public places (i.e. public sidewalks, shopping center entrances/exits and common areas), Casey said.

"The city does get occasional inquiries from residents about begging/panhandling, as well as door-to-door solicitation," he said. "As a result, the FY 11-12 City Budget included a Work Program item in the City Attorney’s Office to: 'Review law and advise City Council on alternatives to regulate door-to-door peddling, charitable solicitation and begging/panhandling in the city.'"  

The city attorney is in the process of completing this legal review, Casey said.

READ MORE ABOUT HOMELESS HERE.

Tom Tews January 17, 2013 at 06:40 pm
bbq--I have seen Iphones and cars several times--those people hurt those who really can use our help
Debbie L. Sklar (Editor) January 17, 2013 at 06:47 pm
Please read more about the homeless here, more than 2 years worth of stories. http://lagunaniguel-danapoint.patch.com/search?keywords=homeless
SideShow Bob January 17, 2013 at 07:52 pm
Homeless? I believe it has been establish throught the words of the people on the corner that they are not homeless. At least has posted here stating she is not homeless, just begging. Sorry I worked 7 days a week on 2 jobs to support a family of 5. When I see someone standing for hours on end it tells me that person is able to work, just not willing to. I work hard for and pay taxes on my income. They stand around and take people's hard earned money and don't pay taxes. They will never get my money or sympathy.
jj January 17, 2013 at 07:58 pm
Thank you Debbie, also for the information on the Episcopal Church . We are together trying to help those who are less fortunate . also there is additional help at :
Coast hills Church in Aliso Veijo there is a Food Pantry. 362-0079 St Timothy s Church on crown Valley PKWY Laguna Niguel open Wednesday . The Vineyard church off La Paz in L.N. by the old city consul building food clothing available personal hygiene items. Meals on wheels brings 3 hot meals for elderly. Donations are needed everywhere . I know of a family who buys food gift cards and hands the homeless person the gift of food with list of contact info for food and assistance in our area, a encouraging note or drawing from a child instead of money . Thank you again for opening this topic up on PATCH. Have a Blessed day Debbie.
Shirley January 17, 2013 at 08:35 pm
OMG, why do you question what we're writing about, as we state what we see? Now let's add something that hasn't been mentioned today...what about the people that come on buses & get dropped off & the buses pick them up later? Anyone ever think about how they get here? Anyone that gives them money is a fool, go get them a gift card from McDonalds or Taco Bell or, or, or...I've also seen them throw the cards back at the person that's giving because they want cash, real moola, the green stuff with lots of numbers on the face of the bills. Hey anyone want to guess their take in a few hours? Try $600.00. Now keep handing it out !!!
Tom W. January 17, 2013 at 10:52 pm
Something should be done. They beg on busy street intersections (more money for them) and they interfere with the traffic flow and divert attention of the drivers that are gawking at them. A woman lives in her trailer behind the 24 hour fitness in Aliso Viejo. I have told her, and called the police, that she is not safe and opens herself up to bodily harm. She said Coast Hills is the place that gave her the idea. Pls don't give them money, it does not help them but encourages them to continue to beg. There are food pantries, social service agencies, and other non profit organization that will help them help themselves. Many people don't want to put in the effort but would rather take the lazy route and beg. Also, what is the world are they doing with animals? If they can't even take care of themselves, how are they caring for animals? Pets need shots and good food. What happens when the animals require care? I hope Laguna Niguel does pass an ordinance that prohibits begging in our community.
bbq January 18, 2013 at 01:15 am
Shirley,
Why are you so upset that I asked if anyone had seen iphones & cars? I see these (alleged) homeless every day and have never seen either - not to say it doesn't exist, but I will keep my eyes open. Maybe Debbie can interview some of them and take a poll as to how many have iphones and cars and how many are really homeless vs. how many are frauds.
bbq January 18, 2013 at 01:22 am
Do these people really bother you that much? Are they harming you in any way, or is it that they are offensive in your (probably Christian) eyes? Until you have walked in their shoes you should not judge. There but for the grace of God, go you (and I). People have problems. Many are mentally ill.
Shirley January 18, 2013 at 02:40 am
bbq
Do you expect these people to tell you the truth, just you off the street asking questions? Good luck! Me upset, yes, when you questioned what I said I saw & what others here are writing they have seen. Not very intelligent to ask what people have actually seen!!!
Shirley January 18, 2013 at 02:47 am
Thanks Bob, many on this thread feel the same way you do. I find it disgusting that these people are bussed in to stand on a corner & beg...so many tricks are pulled having their dog with them or their entire family with them, does anyone have an answer for what that is SUPPOSED to be saying? Whatever it is, I don't fall for it. I've been approached in parking lots & I get very loud...
bbq January 18, 2013 at 03:10 am
Shirley,
I heard a saying many years ago: Believe nothing of what you hear and only half of what you see.
Barbara Kimler January 18, 2013 at 12:34 pm
I coordinate a dinner for homeless at Faith Episcopal Church in Laguna Niguel held every Wednesday night and I can tell you first-hand that many of these individuals are wonderful human beings and are indeed homeless and tyring to improve their circumstances.
ted bradley January 18, 2013 at 05:53 pm
debbie did u delete jake friedmans comment? is something being hidden?
Paul w January 18, 2013 at 07:30 pm
I've become somewhat jaded to many of these individuals because I've seen the reality of their situation, in more than one case. Sometimes they play homeless but in reality drive a car to get there and have a place to stay. I can't stand the people who play on others' emotions so that they can get their drink on and are too lazy to really seek help. My last straw came at the Albertson's in Laguna Niguel, where I bought a lady diapers and baby food because she was begging for money. Her baby had no shirt on and was crying. I took pitty and I was taken. I called the police because I was worried for the mother and was told that I was scammed.
bbq January 18, 2013 at 07:31 pm
Ted,
They did not post two comments I made responding to Shirley. I will try again. Hoping it's not censorship, especially since I said nothing against the terms of service. I basically answered Shirley's telling me it was not intelligent to question that people writing here said they saw the "homeless" with iphones and cars with, it would not be intelligent of me to just take strangers at their word either. Why wouldn't that be posted?
bbq January 18, 2013 at 08:58 pm
Why is my comment still pending after 1 1/2 hours? Would you Email me, Debbie and tell me what the problem is in my postings? thanks.
NJ January 19, 2013 at 06:02 am
Case studies have found that full time pan handlers can make up to 23,000 a year, tax free. Interesting.,,
NJ January 19, 2013 at 06:04 am
You can't expect for them to give up their vehicles or phones. They once were employed as we are/were and need a car for transportation and perhaps to sleep in.
Tom W. January 21, 2013 at 03:56 pm
Now I get why you are whining about your comments not being posted. Attacking Christians is a hate crime. Educate yourself instead of being judgmental and ignorant.
bbq January 22, 2013 at 04:11 pm
Tom W.,
Don't be ridiculous. Who is attacking Christians? Hate crime? Ha, ha! So, so, so many people, claiming to be Christian, are the ones who are completely intolerant of others. I hear the hypocrisy all the time (check out the LGBT comments on another Patch thread whose comments have reached over 700). Not whining, just wondering if there is some censorship going on here.
bbq January 23, 2013 at 12:58 am
Why is my comment still pending after 9 hours??
hernibs January 30, 2013 at 01:15 am
thank you bbq...my mother always told me not to judge someone until I walked in their shoes...obviously by reading these posts, most of these people's mother's didn't teach them compassion...such a sorry statement of so many of the people who live in the OC...
hernibs January 30, 2013 at 01:16 am
thank you for your compassion and the work that you do Barbara. It is refreshing to see someone on here with compassion for fellow humans
hernibs January 30, 2013 at 01:17 am
SO Paul because you had an experience with one bad apple, that makes everyone a bad apple...hmmmmm
Paul w January 31, 2013 at 02:32 am
hernibs, If I were talking about one bad apple, I wouldn't get up here and comment. I've had several "bad apples" and the one I mentioned took the cake. I'll still give money once in a while but I'm much more of a doubter than I was before.
hernibs January 31, 2013 at 02:13 pm
so sorry that you have become so bitter Paul w....I hope you never find yourself down and out and in their position....and remember never say never
hernibs January 31, 2013 at 11:18 pm
I do not understand why these people bother other people so much. How can begging be a crime if there are people willing to give the beggar money and why does that bother people who obviously are not reaching in their pockets?
hernibs January 31, 2013 at 11:22 pm
they also may need to have a phone so that a prospective employer can call them....and FYI you can purchase used phones or even get an IPHONE for 0 dollars with a contract....people, don't judge other people, you don't know their story...
Paul w February 1, 2013 at 03:53 pm
Hernibs, maybe that's because you have your head burried in sand about the nature of some people. If you blindly give money to everyone who asks for it, maybe you meed to re-think it. I volunteer my time to help Laguna Beach homeless and others, how about you? Do you volunteer your time hernibs? Or do you just give your money to all who ask and then other people because they don't do the same? Whatever the case may be herib, maybe it should'nt affect you so much...
Paul w February 1, 2013 at 04:02 pm
Hernibs, you seem to have a deep concern about the "compassion" of others, towards those in need. I wonder if you hold yourself to the same standards that you seem to expect from everyone else? If so, why don't you share?

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