Critics of the law argue that it is merely an attempt to hide the issue of homelessness rather than address it. Naomi Harris, a homeless mother, expressed her concerns, stating, "They're pushing them off the streets so it looks better. They are worried about the looks — they aren't worried about the people," in an interview with ABC 10News.
The number of individuals living on the streets of downtown San Diego reached a record high in May, with over 2,100 people counted, according to the Downtown San Diego Partnership.
The Unsafe Camping Ordinance prohibits tent encampments in all public spaces throughout the city if there are available shelter beds. It also forbids camping within two blocks of schools or shelters, in city parks and open spaces, and near transportation hubs, regardless of shelter capacity.
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The ordinance was passed by city council members with a narrow margin of 5-4. San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria signed the ordinance into law on June 29, but it included an amendment stipulating that it would not take effect until 30 days after the city's first safe sleeping site was opened.
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Mayor Gloria defended the law, stating, "It is right and appropriate for us to set the expectation that people experiencing homelessness must avail themselves of the services we are providing," as reported by the Times of San Diego.
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According to the city, police enforcement will be carried out in a progressive manner. Homeless individuals will receive a warning for the first violation of the ordinance. A second encounter with the police could result in a misdemeanor citation, while a third could lead to arrest.
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Outreach teams have been informing individuals in encampments near schools and parks about the ordinance for several weeks, according to city officials.
As of Sunday afternoon, one corner of downtown San Diego that was previously filled with tents was already empty, as reported by ABC 10News.
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Some individuals, like Josue Santa Cruz, the manager of a San Diego eatery, expressed uncertainty about the effectiveness of enforcement. Santa Cruz questioned, "If they arrest 'em, what's gonna happen? The jails are going to pack, and then they're going to stink."
Under the new law, the city council will receive regular reports on the number of people contacted, cited, and arrested as a result of the ordinance.
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