‘Lodging’ Law

After reading Jenifer Warren’s article on the “lodging” law and how it’s being used on the homeless of San Diego (“Law Used to Ticket Homeless Draws Challenge,” Sept. 21), a thought ran across my mind: It costs the city of San Diego more in enforcing this law than if shelter was provided for these homeless folk.

When the “lodging” law is enforced, these following events most likely take place:

1. An officer writes the ticket.

2. A clerk processes the paper work to open the case.

3. If the homeless person shows up in court:

a. A judge hears the case.

b. A clerk processes the paper work on the judgment.

4. If the homeless person has no money to pay the fine, if one is given:

a. The homeless person spends a night in jail, or

b. the homeless person is signed up for volunteer work.

c. A clerk processes the paper work.

5. If the homeless person doesn’t show up in court:

a. A clerk processes the paper work for a warrant.

b. An officer serves the warrant if the person is found.

c. The homeless person, being served, may spend a night in jail.

d. A clerk processes the paper work.

For all the manpower, work time and paper this process involves, it would seem to me that it would be simpler and much cheaper to provide shelter for these folks, especially when there is no really effective way to enforce the “lodging” law.

Why not help the homeless get off the streets altogether, and leave our police free to deal with the real criminals of our city who push drugs, rob, maim and kill?

KATHLEEN M. KELLAR

San Diego