One-sided editorial feeds stereotypes

The 4/22 “Enough already, just open the shelter” editorial states: it’s all about getting their clients off the streets and into a shelter.

No, the impetus isn’t shelter.

It’s the city of Chico’s unwavering demand to ticket and arrest destitute community members for the dastardly crime of living outdoors when no other alternative exists. The main sticking points mentioned in the Chico E-R’s onesided argument all feed the feckless stereotype that people without homes are dangerous and seedy individuals requiring curfews, warrant checks and waiving civil rights to have a roof over their head.

From the editorial: “The city wants its police department to check for outstanding warrants for unhoused individuals expressing interest in the housing site and the ability to deny admission for outstanding warrants for specific crimes. According to the court filing, the plaintiffs argued warrant checks are in violation of a “low-barrier” requirement; are not necessary to maintain safety; and violate California fair housing law. Really?”

Yes, really on all points. For low-barrier and safety one need only look to Safe Space Chico for the collaborating evidence . As for the California fair housing law — it allows for criminal history checks for applicants convicted of a crime that has a direct bearing on the ability of the applicant to be a tenant in good standing. The law is crystal clear that criminal history = convictions, not outstanding warrants.

As you read this letter the pallet shelter has opened. Bravo, let’s make this work!

— Bill Mash, Chico