West Hollywood : Park Camping Law Studied
In an attempt to get tough with vagrants and homeless who sleep in local parks, the City Council on Monday directed the city attorney to prepare an amendment to the municipal code to treat “camping” as a misdemeanor offense. A violation could result in jail time.
Violation of park rules is currently an infraction, punishable by fines. City officials say, however, that the district attorney has been reluctant to prosecute many cases because violators cannot afford the penalties. Meanwhile, the officials say, residents who use the parks each day continue to be intimidated by the presence of homeless sleeping on tables and benches.
Officials hope the tougher regulations will prompt more homeless to turn to the city’s shelter on La Brea Avenue.
The council is expected to approve the amended city code at its Nov. 4 meeting.
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