Reardon wrote on Jan 2, 2007 10:31 PM:Terrific news! Perhaps “The Rev. Meg Decker, of Trinity Episcopal Church in Escondido” who worte that long, long letter blasting the Escondido City Council will offer her HUGE church to house the homeless this next year! If you Google Trinity Episcopal Church in Escondido and follow the links you will find LOTS of great photos of large facilities other than the consecrated spaces. HUGE spaces! Bathrooms? Plenty! And of course Jesus DIRECTED his followers to help the poor. Jesus didn’t tell the good Reverend Meg to get the Escondido City Council to get the job done…Jesus told the Rev. Meg to do it! The City Council should call her bluff! (I would!)

Frida wrote on Jan 2, 2007 11:07 PM:Let's support human rights this time. Our city council must realize that homelessness is a community issue and it's our local government and citizen's responsibility to take action and help those in need.

No!No! I quit on that one! wrote on Jan 3, 2007 12:30 AM: The city council of Escondido seems to be operating within a sphere, and can not break through to where the answers are outside the perimeter. Maybe it takes strength of mind and caring to come up with the answers. It is for sure they have a lot of experience at quitting, and practice it often. Coming up with the answers to problems, along with handling the business of the city in a formal setting, is why they were elected to their positions. Have they forgotten that, and sit around jawing in an informal bull session and doing what they see is easy - quitting?

Hmmmm wrote on Jan 3, 2007 12:46 AM:"25 and 28 people for the last few nights" Have all those nights been below 40? Weather Service data seems to indicate "no".

Press 1 for English, Press 2 for Deportation wrote on Jan 3, 2007 12:52 AM:Hey Reardon, Excellent points, thanks for the Biblical interpretation. Note to Illegals, you now have a free place to live, just call Meg Decker! You and the homeless can share Meg's church.

Randy wrote on Jan 3, 2007 4:02 AM:This is a huge waste of everyone's time. The Escondido City Council is not open to rational discussion; their only concern is polishing their "tough guy" image. They do everything to appease their supporters. They turn a cold shoulder to everyone else.

Shelter the Homeless wrote on Jan 3, 2007 5:28 AM:Reardon, You don't get the basic concept and rationale for community and for government. To Serve The Needs Of the Community with priority given to the most vulnerable and least powerful. I don't want to have to rely on the churches to address community problems. That is what they do in Afganistan, Iran and Iraq. Its called theocracy and its not our system of government. Why don't you go there and see how you like it?

Three Stooges wrote on Jan 3, 2007 5:37 AM: Waldron says most of the e-mails she received were from outside of Escondido - How come she and the other council members didn't state that fact about the e-mails they received supporting the rental ban? Gallo thinks this issue only comes up just before the holidays every year. Open your eyes, take a walk in the park, stand outside almost any grocery store in the county - any time of year! It is a shame we keep paying you to address the same issues year after year.

gimmeabreak wrote on Jan 3, 2007 5:37 AM:Ya know, viewpoints like Reardon's here really miss the point - perhaps intentionally so. The comeback by the (thankfully) few souls willing to defend the callousness of the Council 4-flushers continuously use the "well why don't YOU house the homeless line," a retort fresh from its oh-so-successful stint ( in slightly different make-up) as "why don't you Leave this country if you don't like it" as a comeback to those who criticized the White House back in '02 for frothing over the Iraq invasion. To set the record straight, and I'll type it slowly, nobody was asking the Council for money, or for the esteemed representatives to borrow space on their dais to set up cots, got it? All they wanted was permission to open up their own space to commit a humanitarian act. The anti-humanitarians among us love to twist the argument, and then self-righteously justify themselves by pointing out that some people "cheat the system" and take advantage of social programs, therefore government (and everyone else) should get out of the business. Well, true enough. Some people never drive the speed limit on freeways. Shall we privatize them all, or just dynamite 'em? Since the greater good is served by making sure that people don't die and rot on the streets, how about we don't block those who do wish to step up and provide some floor level of basic needs to those who lack it? Who has a problem with that?

2 Reardon wrote on Jan 3, 2007 5:44 AM:Couldn't have said it better, Reardon. Jesus never told anyone to strongarm others. Forced charity is just theft, actually. This council had good reasons for their decision and hopefully won't back down from this insidious pressure.

Frustrated? Yes! wrote on Jan 3, 2007 7:31 AM:A little history is in order. December 2005: Interfaith blindsided the Escondido City Council with the winter shelter matter. "'It wasn't our strategy to go to the city at the last minute,' said Suzanne Stewart Pohlman, Interfaith's executive director. . . . Last year, Escondido set aside over $950,000 in programs and subsidies for the homeless, the highest per resident of all North County cities, according to the task force." http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2005/12/01/news/inland/21_32_2511_30_05.txt Since the last minute strategy worked so well last year, the same crowd tried to do it again this year. This article points out that this issue has been simmering for three years.

gimmeabreak wrote on Jan 3, 2007 7:37 AM:Funny how Willdrone noted that "many of her critics" on her who cares attitude toward the homeless, but failed to recognize how many of the speakers ardently in favor of her idiotic renter ordinance were from as far away as Huntington Beach, and numerous places in Riverside County.

First Stone wrote on Jan 3, 2007 7:41 AM:Interfaith's executive director admits that she might be fed up if she was on the Escondido City Council. Why? Because Interfaith has be trying to find a solution for three years! No one, from all of the critics of the City Council, has come forward with an effective solution. Thus, each December, Escondido is faced with a last minute request. The current mob of critics should ask themselves what they have done over the last three years to find a solution before they criticize the faith and humanity of the City Council!

formal vote? wrote on Jan 3, 2007 8:18 AM:I thought the citizens did vote... we voted for and got a capable council to make decisions for us and they have decided rightfully and thoughtfully for us on this issue. These clamouring "religious" groups turn me off to organized religion and I now donate to other, non-religious charities.

bryan wrote on Jan 3, 2007 8:35 AM:Escondido is a bottom feeder city, we get all the illegals all the homeless all the low income apartments and all the gangs and all the crime. Escondido crime rate and hit and run auto accidents are amont highest in california. This city is sinking and you want it to be homeless sanctuary when other north county cities do nothing. If all the loving christians who write in would open their homes to house 1 homeless person problem would be solved. Next issue.

Marilyn wrote on Jan 3, 2007 9:08 AM:Thank God that Trinity church has been helping the homeless for many years - participating in the rotational shelter, which they helped to establish, with Suzanne Pohlman's leadership. It is now known as Interfaith Community Services. That happened when individual churches kept pantries for people who had lost jobs during a downsizing, and who finally found themselves with families sleeping in cars and vans in various church parking lots. With planning and cooperation, food and neccessities were gathered and stored year 'round, and distributed as needed to people who were in desperate straits. Then, with better organization, Interfaith worked out plans to keep people afloat, provide job counseling, breakfast and some help with directions to where there might be work. If all this is unknown to the reader, then perhaps you are not informed about what goes on with prople who have an ounce of compassion, and recognize that, "there but for the grace of God go I". It was time for a church leader to speak up to remind the council that they are there for ALL the people in Escondido. Good for the Rev. Meg! I also have respect for Palomar Pomerado Hospital leaders who spoke up over the idiocy of 3 of our City Fathers + Marie, and hooray for the Salvation Army, which continues to work within the permits and laws, but knows that shelter must be provided - there can be only one decision here when humans are out in the cold.

Spread the Love wrote on Jan 3, 2007 9:56 AM:Other cities in North county should step up to the plate to take care of their own homeless population. People who don't have a home, usually don't have a car either. There should be several cities offering refuge to the homeless on a regular basis, not just Escondido. It is also a matter of resources, Escondido spends a disporportionate amount of money on the poor, illegal and homeless population. It is time for other cities to address the same problems and share the burden!

gimmeabreak wrote on Jan 3, 2007 10:38 AM:Marilyn, you go girl!

Angela wrote on Jan 3, 2007 12:54 PM:Everyone's invited to a very important Candle light vigil on January 9, 2007 from 7pm to 8pm, in front of Escondido City Hall... As quoted above, "Councilman Sam Abed said he was drafting a letter to all North County city councils and city managers, comparing Escondido's SPENDING on the homeless with other cities' and asking their support for a regional approach to the homeless." The above copied quote is a JOKE! Sam Abed is becoming a "spin doctor"... The Salvation Army and Interfaith Community Services are not asking for financial help from our city. They are offering to generously help the homeless in our community. Our Council Members need to gratefully give them the permit they are requesting and our Council Members need to apologize and to thank them for their generous contribution to our great community. The Escondido Council Members need to realize that our homeless people are also humans beings and that they deserve to be protected from this cold winter. The Salvation Army is not asking for money or any help whatsoever from the city, just a permit. The members of this council first attacked the Hispanic community trying to drive families out our their homes and into the streets. Then, they declined in helping our students to achieve better standards when they refused High Tech High to open their campus in Escondido. Now they are tightening up the hands of compassionate and generous organizations who want to help the homeless; I wonder who's next. I hope they figure out that they work for the whole community, not just for the wealthy. On January 9, 2007 from 7pm to 8pm, I invite everyone who cares for our fellow brothers and sisters in need of compassion and shelter to join us in a candle light vigil scheduled to take place in front of the Escondido City Hall. The purpose of our vigil is to express our beliefs in that every human being deserves to be treated with dignity. On January 10, 2007, the Salvation Army and Interfaith will request AGAIN to keep their shelter open throughout the rest of the bitter cold winter. Remember, the Salvation Army and Interfaith Community Services are not asking for any funds or help from the city... just a simple permit. Come and join us to show your support for these great organizations. I urge the Escondido City Council Members to read their bibles and to Mr. Abed to read his Koran. I'm sure they will find good guidance to make the right decision on January 10th. "If someone knows what is good to do and doesn't exercise it, he/she is passively in agreement with the bad." Angie Escondido

Hopefully wrote on Jan 3, 2007 1:53 PM:Hopefully a large group of Escondido's responsible citizens will show up at Wednesday's Council meeting to say "enough". Enough with parents being unable to take their children to the park. Enough with city crews having to clean up human waste. Enough with the drive-up drug dealers at the park. Enough with an inordinage amount of public funds being spent because of the public safety impact of a small group of transients. Enough with being panhandled downtown. Enough! All of the citizens of Escondido are being inconvenienced every day because of this issue, all so that InterFaith won't have to expend the energy to transport people to the rotating shelter THEY AGREED to provide. Time for some equity. We're being put out every day, let them share the burden. That's what responsible citizens do.

Get REAL wrote on Jan 3, 2007 1:59 PM:The rotational shelter is open and beds are left empty. Why are they still complaining? Oh, yeah, the ICS doesn't get any $$$$$ when they don't do the screening and operation.

Trinity Episcopal wrote on Jan 3, 2007 2:01 PM:is violating separation of Church and State by attacking councilmembers and city policy. Why did Rev. Dekker pick this issue to politicize? Doesn't she know the homeless shelter is operating? I don't understand what the problem is all about.

Marilyn & Angela wrote on Jan 3, 2007 2:08 PM:Maybe you didn't know, but the emergency shelter is OPEN!!!!!!!!! End of discussion.

Realist wrote on Jan 3, 2007 2:14 PM: THE ATTACKS ON OUR ESCONDIDO CITY COUNCIL ARE MIS-PLACED. Here's why: Escondido has 919 homeless beds plus the 50 beds operating currently at the Salvation Army. Solana Beach has 0. San Marcos has 0. Poway, Del Mar and Carlsbad each have a whopping 0 homeless beds. Escondido has more than three times as many homeless beds as Oceanside and twice as many as Vista. Escondido spent $4 million on homeless issues in the past 5 years - well more than any other city in the COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO, except S.D. city! SEEMS TO ME THE ATTACKS ON THE ESCONDIDO CITY COUNCIL ARE MIS-PLACED. How about asking Carlsbad, Encinitas, Del Mar and Poway to open a shelter?

REARDON FAN wrote on Jan 3, 2007 2:23 PM:Hey, Reardon, I like your style!!!!

What the homeless wrote on Jan 3, 2007 3:43 PM:need is long tem care to get back on their feet. What I recommend is the bleeding hearts, house them, feed them and provide medical assistance until a place can come open in our abundant shelters. Oh the Churches would be good also. Time to help your fellow man and stop your whinning and complaining.

I feel we citizens of Escondido wrote on Jan 3, 2007 4:03 PM:should SUE Interfaith. They attract and support a culture of crime, homelessness and cause our neighborhoods to be unsafe because of the types of people they attract. Let these "christian" people take the homeless into their own homes.

Tax Payer wrote on Jan 3, 2007 4:37 PM:Bus the bums to Oceanside, and the illegal ones to National City!

Ditto Taxpayer wrote on Jan 3, 2007 5:53 PM:Imagine a city with no liberals!

Agreed wrote on Jan 3, 2007 5:55 PM:The other cities are sending their transients, including criminals, drug addicts, drunks, and devients to Escondido because that is where all the services are. Just look at Grape Day park and you will know I am right!

To City Council wrote on Jan 3, 2007 6:55 PM:Stick to your guns. I am so sick of all these people trashing you. If your opinion isn't there opinion then watch out.

Lisa wrote on Jan 3, 2007 6:57 PM:After reading these blogs, I am once again left with the feeling that there are too many people out there with cold hearts and big mouths. Have any of these "better than thou" persons ever been homeless? Have they known any homeless? Have they researched homelessness and the reasons thereof? I seriously doubt it. No, these "people" have deemed themselves "Judge, Jury & Executioner". They know everything and anyone that is "different" is either a criminal, illegal, a druggie or mentally unstable. It's sad to read these cold hearted blogs with their "so-called words of wisdom" (i.e. "bus the bums to Oceanside..." and "Note to Illegals, you now have a free place to live..."). What do these persons hope to accomplish with their negative attitudes? If Interfaith & the Salvation Army want to shelter the homeless (at no cost to the City or taxpayers), then what is the problem? Don't forget...Escondido is the fourth largest city in SD county. When I see others that are less fortunate than myself, I thank God for my blessings. I do not judge them - I just thank God for my blessings. And when I can, I try to help those less fortunate. I am blessed to be strong, healthy, employed and to have shelter. I am thankful for organizations like Interfaith and the Salvation Army for trying to make our community better and for lending a hand to those who need the most help. I hope that these cold hearted people will think about their blessings and not begrudge others who receive a helping hand.

Wow wrote on Jan 3, 2007 8:22 PM:Yes, Lisa, there is a Santa Claus. And the experts agree that most homeless are mentally ill. That is a direct cost on our city, our community services and our police department. Isn't the Escondido community doing enough? Why don't you call Poway Mayor Cafagna or Mayor Bud Lewis in Carlsbad?

bryan wrote on Jan 3, 2007 9:12 PM:Read above "Realist" jan 03 214pm.

Reardon wrote on Jan 3, 2007 9:21 PM:Actually, I have researched it...and published on the subject. An analysis of homeless I did 20 years ago on 7 major cities showed that the ratio of homeless to churches was seven to one. churches are uniquely suited to help the homeless -- not only are they directed by their Leader to help the homeless, their congregations have Doctors, Lawyers, Nurses, Social Workers, and Employers -- all of whom are directed by their Leader to help. It is a great benefit that churches have huge facilities, numerous bathrooms, and are blessed with great heating systems. These facilities are seldom used during daylight hours and almost never at night. You could not start from scratch and design a better support system for the poor and homeless.

Regarding Marilyn & Angela wrote on Jan 3, 2007 10:37 PM:Regarding your above comment to us... "Maybe you didn't know, but the emergency shelter is OPEN!!!!!!!!! End of discussion."... Yes, the emergency shelter is OPEN but only until January 7th. The reason for the candlelight vigil on the 9th from 7pm-8pm in front of Escondido City Hall is to show our City Council that we would like to see the shelter to remain open during these cold months. So, this obviously isn't "end of discussion" as you had mistakenly commented. This is only the beginning. The City Council works for us, the people... by representing our wishes and beliefs... They seem to be running our council on their own beliefs. I love Escondido and truly believe most of us have compassion and concern for others who need help. Let's show them that we, as a great community do care about all those with and without money... Remember, keeping the shelter open will not cost our community one dime... unlike the costs our city council has been ringing up on their own agendas (which many of us didn't agree with) and had failed and had hurt our community's faith in the system and unfortunately our reputation... not just locally but nationwide. I have faith in our community to show up at the candlelight vigil to support those of us who don't have a voice, shelter and need a helping hand. God Bless Escondido. Angie

Angela wrote on Jan 3, 2007 11:36 PM:Just a reminder... The Candlelight Vigil on Tuesday, January 9th from 7pm to 8pm at the Escondido City Hall will be with the purpose of praying that our Elected City Council Members will support the Salvation Armys request for a permit to continue serving our underpriviledged residents and to ask God to enlighten and soften their hearts... at the same time, we will pray that if they don't allow the shelter to continue servicing our community then another door will open to help them without any fatal consequences for overexposure to our winter climate. Most of us including family members, friends, coworkers, etc. are one payment away from homelessness. Angie

John wrote on Jan 7, 2007 10:12 AM:Temporary shelters could be placed in Grape Day Park, Pitch a couple tents,put in some propane heaters,Keep an eye on things. That should work. Another idea would be to use the hallways in city hall for shelters, Line some pads along the walkways,maby provide some food and shower facilities, and let the city council and mayor and his cronies walk over the problem day by day.Or do like Phoenix AZ did a fiew years back. Give them a bus ticket to Phoenix for the winter.one way.