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Homeless Impact on Business
Arcadia Weekly Jun 06, 2016
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Steve Delgadillo with Chairman Jack Orswell. – Courtesy photo
Arcadia, a city most providentially known as a “community of homes,” continues to build upon an understanding regarding the homeless impact on business. Steve Delgadillo, community affairs liaison for the Arcadia Police Department, briefed attendees at the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce’s last Government Affairs Forum before the summer intermission (June 2) about the challenges surrounding the non-addressed population residing within the San Gabriel Valley.
Steve, a retired police officer with approximately 25 years of combined service between the Arcadia Police Department and West Covina Police Department, is actively monitoring and responding to the various encounters between citizens and their unsettled neighbors. He informed that the Arcadia Police Department is responsive to concerns and is consistently seeking greater welfare for residents of all socioeconomic statuses. Constructing a more safeguarded community despite the steady challenges is the priority.
Forum attendees consisting of city officials, legislative representatives, and citizens delivered current reports and insights on developments concerning their respective areas. Shared within the conference room were reports surrounding recently amended bills by Assemblymember Ed Chau and upcoming city events in the summer.
Who are the homeless? With a great variation in statistical evidence defining the criteria for homelessness, it is difficult to identify. Those with no set address for over 90 days, is the most obvious norm. Known for certain however, is that California has the most homeless of any state in the nation due to the favorable climate, making it feasible to merely survive.
Citizens most often become homeless due to a multitude of combinations: lack of job, a criminal background, mental health issues, and substance abuse. The problems these people face can include an even longer list ranging from cognitive impairment, substance addiction, poor nutrition, poor access to healthcare, greater incidence of infection, high stress, and lack of access to technology. They are often the unfortunate victims of crime and even refuse shelter. Steve narrated that a man on a frigid night in December would not accept a ride to a local YMCA because he did not want to refrain from partaking in addictive substances. This is common occurrence; opportunity is presented and refused because rules are fiercely disliked.
Steve Delgadillo briefing forum attendees. – Courtesy photo
Common crimes of loitering/trespassing, panhandling/begging, littering, theft, vandalism, public indecency, and prostitution are committed by the homeless community. Businesses are impacted when customers are frightened or annoyed as a result of these actions. Blocked entrances and walkways, an abuse of restroom usage, teeming trash, and water robbery can havoc the normal operations of business owners and affect unfavorable reviews. Calling the police is the standard protocol in these situations. Officers may request cooperation, offer help, or enforce the various laws such as the Arcadia Municipal Code, Penal Code, Health and Safety Code, Welfare and Institutions Code, and Vehicle Code. Regardless of these concerted efforts, infractions and misdemeanors go unobserved and there are limits to housing in county jails.
Business owners can take steps to protect their property and safety by eliminating overgrown bushes, installing fencing, and just being aware of surroundings. The Arcadia Police Department will always respond to any homeless concerns. Remember to “See Something, Say Something” when securing overall community welfare.
Reports from legislators and their representatives:
– Adam Hsu, representing Assemblymember Ed Chau, provided the online resource www.leginfo.legislature.ca.gov for any inquiries regarding current legislation; prominent amended bills discussed included AB 2536-pupil discipline and safety pertaining to sexual bullying; AB 2864-the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882; AB 1662-accident reporting for unmanned aircraft systems; AB 2307-reporting fraud of violated weights and measures; AB 2609-prohibition for advertisements distributed to students; AB 2720-cybersecurity vulnerability reporting; AB 2828-personal information privacy breach; AB 1972-state park passes for disabled veterans.
– Tim Schwehr, Arcadia’s economic development analyst, recapped his valuable three-day experience at the ICSC RECon in Las Vegas; June 26 is the 626 Golden Streets event that will include a multitude of food trucks and bike services; July 2 is the Patriotic Festival organized by the Downtown Arcadia Improvement Association that has a projected attendance of over 500 people; in regards to inquiries about the Downtown Arcadia Street Fair on Saturday – there are no plans to continue with the weekly event.
MAD Town Council representative Linda Sells. – Courtesy photo
– Monrovia/Arcadia/Duarte (MAD) Town Council, represented by Linda Sells, reminded the room that the council meets every third Wednesday of the month; Linda also encouraged attendees to take notice of the MAD greeting signs on Eighth Avenue and Myrtle Avenue by presenting an image after the ribbon-cutting celebrated last week.
– Air Quality Management District (AQMD), represented by Rainbow Yeung, informed about the leaf blower exchange program-trade in a current backpack blower and replace it with a new STIHL BGA 100 kit or BGA 85 kit for a subsidized price.
– Mike Vercillo, community services officer at the Arcadia Police Department, remarked that Steve Delgadillo is a great addition to the department and will continue to bridge the business community
The public is invited at 8 a.m. on the first Thursday of each month (except July and August) to hear informative presentations at the monthly Government Affairs Forum led by Chairman Jack Orswell from Orswell & Kasman, Inc. Environmental Assessments & Consulting. The forums are held at the Chamber office at 388 W. Huntington Drive in Arcadia in the Chamber’s conference room sponsored by Foothill Credit Union. RSVPs to the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce office are appreciated – (626) 447-2159 or info@ArcadiaCaChamber.org.
