Issue: Should State Let Cities Ban Solicitors at Major Intersections?

Panhandlers at major intersections have been a worry for many cities—not just because of the nuisance factor, but also because of safety.  In La Mesa, Police Chief Ed Aceves went the extra mile, suggesting changes in the state’s Vehicle Code that would allow cities to ban solicitors on certain road medians.

State Sen. Joel Anderson took up the cause with his Senate Bill 604, introduced in February as the Safe Intersections Act and passed May 29 by the Senate 38-1.

The monthly La Mesa Courier reported: “The bill allows local governments the flexibility to adjust the parameters of the law as they see fit. For example, limits could be reduced from 300 feet to 200 feet, said Anderson. The law, should it pass the Assembly, is also an ‘opt in’ measure, meaning governments can simply choose to continue operating under current law if they see fit. The legislation can only be enforced, however, at an intersection, Anderson clarified; local officials cannot simply pick and choose parts of the street to which they want it to apply.”

Is this the cure to the panhandler blues felt countywide? Or is it a hidden assault on the poor and homeless, who sometimes get by with a little from driver handouts?  Share your thoughts in the comments.