VENTURA : City May Put Curbs on Panhandling

Panhandling would be limited and transients forbidden to sit or lie down on city streets and sidewalks under a proposal that goes before the Ventura City Council today.

The ordinance would prohibit begging within 50 feet of an automated teller machine, near people eating outdoors, standing in line for tickets or waiting at a bus stop, and from anyone in a car. A panhandler could also be arrested for soliciting on private property without consent. Begging itself cannot be outlawed--that would be a violation of civil liberties, city spokeswoman Carol Green said.

Council members first discussed the proposed law in February, but action was tabled to refine the measure, Green said. A provision that would have allowed police to cite or jail people who lie when they panhandle--saying the money will be used for food and then buying beer, for instance--has been dropped because it would be too difficult to enforce, she said. The council meeting begins at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 501 Poli St.