Costa Mesa : Vote Delayed on Tougher Dayworker Ordinance

After 45 minutes of debate, the City Council late Monday put off a decision on whether to adopt a proposed law that would allow police to arrest anyone who appears to be soliciting employment on city streets. Council members said they need more time to study the plan.

The council voted 3 to 2, with Mayor Peter Buffa and Councilman Orv Amburgey opposed, to continue the issue indefinitely while the language of the proposal is reviewed.

The proposed law would amend the city’s existing dayworker ordinance, which bans soliciting employment from motor vehicles.

The proposed plan would strengthen the ordinance by allowing the arrest of anyone who police judge has the “intent” to solicit employment from a motor vehicle, even if they are not observed committing the act. The proposal identifies three areas in the city where the law would be implemented.

Supporters of the proposal argue that it is needed because other efforts, including establishment of a city-sponsored hiring hall, have failed to eliminate problems allegedly caused by large gatherings of dayworkers.

However, immigrant rights groups have criticized the proposal, saying it would be impossible to enforce and would be selectively used against Latinos.