Panhandling in Arcata

Richard Salzman, right, sits with John Dalkin, a homeless man. Arcata has banned panhandlers from holding up signs asking for handouts. Salzman is challenging that rule in court.   (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

Alex Wyatt, 21, holds a sign in an attempt to raise some cash on a street corner in Arcata.  (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

John Dalkin, 40, smokes a cigarette on a bench in Arcata Plaza despite a rule against smoking in the area.  (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

Arcata Police Park Ranger Dave Miller surveys trash and camping equipment left by the homeless in the Arcata Community Forest. Miller regularly patrols the redwood forest to rout campers.  (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

Homeless couple Star, left, and Bird kiss in front of an Arcata pizza restaurant. A city panhandling law that’s being challenged in court bans any solicitation near many public locations including businesses, intersections and bus shelters.   (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

Homeless and traveling youths hang out in Arcata Plaza. Although the city has passed ordinances to discourage the homeless from gathering in the plaza, one quadrant still serves as an outdoor nap zone.  (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

Big Al sits on a guardrail with his pet mastiff on Highway 101 in Arcata. The homeless man has received a panhandling citation -- one of only two the Police Department says it has issued.   (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

Dusty, a New Orleans native, plays his banjo in front of bars in Arcata to try to raise some cash.  (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

John Shelter, former director of the North Coast Resource Center in Arcata, visits the facility for the first time since it closed last year. The center provided services to the homeless.   (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)