FULLERTON : City Cracks Down on Panhandlers
Panhandling for unsolicited services such as car window washing has been outlawed in the city.
Under the ordinance passed last week, panhandlers who solicit for token services or who are aggressive can be arrested.
Any panhandling at all is outlawed within 50 feet of any business.
Police Chief Patrick E. McKinley said the Fullerton Town Center has had the biggest problem.
Between March 1, 1993, and Sept. 27, 1994, police said they had received 1,155 calls about panhandling. The Price Club even hired an armed security guard to discourage it, city officials said.
The Fullerton Town Center merchants have complained that the people soliciting donations for services such as car window washing without the car owner’s consent were driving customers away.
“Businesses now can make a private person’s arrest and we can cite and release panhandlers,” McKinley said.
The fine for the first offense is $100. That increases with each offense in the same year, up to $1,000 and six months in jail for the fourth offense.
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