The situation involving homeless encampments in Anaheim has spiraled out of control. Now, one councilwoman is proposing a robust plan that would include declaring a state of emergency to cope with the squalor, drug use and other issues affecting public health and safety.
You can read the details of Councilwoman Kris Murray’s Project Home Safe here. It includes shelter assistance combined with stronger enforcement to “reclaim the riverbed” and its surrounding areas.
“It is not compassionate to enable this way of life – we should be working together to find housing and services for those who seek it,” Murray writes. “And it is past time to end the crime and drug-use in our parks and trails. Together, we can practice courageous leadership to serve the vulnerable and give our parks and public spaces back to the people of Anaheim.”
Murray’s proposal was announced as the council was considering the return of portable toilets for homeless people along the Santa Ana River bike trail. That idea was rejected Tuesday night, but the mere possibility infuriated members of the community who say they are fed up with the situation. One resident described it as “anarchy.”