Councilor recalls words that went unheeded

Sometimes things you say go unheard, or are intentionally misrepresented.

The CDC guidelines on homeless encampments state “… allow people who are living unsheltered or in encampments to remain where they are. Clearing encampments … increases the potential for infectious disease spread.” In response (April 7, 2020 meeting transcripts) I proposed that the city “allow encampments up to nine, and over that point the Police Department has the authority to disallow the growth of the camp over nine.” On April 21, 2020 (from transcripts) I asked that a motion (that passed) be amended with “during the public health emergency new encampments are to be discouraged.” Why were these directives never followed?

In an E-R commentary on August 11, 2019, I proposed that “If we don’t want ragged tents and tarps strewn around town then an organized, regulated tent campground … is the pragmatic alternative.” If we had done this two years ago we could have avoided the proliferation of camps in our parks and greenways.

I also proposed that we take action on the two most debilitating challenges keeping unhoused people on the streets: “mental health (illness) and addiction.” Recently I requested to be on the Local Government Committee to facilitate City/County solutions to this issue. Regrettably my request was denied. I am not aware if that committee has taken on these issues, they should.

Finally I proposed that we “enforce laws against criminals camouflaging themselves among the homeless.”

While I’ve been busy proposing solutions, some “have ears and hear not” — Jeremiah 5:21.

— Scott Huber, Chico