The Nevada County Civil grand jury is out with a new report that looks at the increasing number of panhandlers, vagrants and transients in western Nevada County which in recent years is becoming highly visible. The report says it is apparent there is a criminal element and behavior within this population that is causing additional expense to local law enforcement and other city and county agencies, as well as negatively impacting local businesses, residents, and visitors to this area. Some have identified this as a blight on our community. Numerous community members are also aware and concerned about this situation, as witnessed by the unusually high number of news articles, Letters to the Editor, and Other Voices columns expressing frustration over this growing problem. After an extensive investigation, the Nevada County Grand Jury found that…
–Existing laws, code and ordinances are not being used to effectively reduce the complaints about panhandlers, vagrants and transients.
–None of the agencies involved accurately track time and costs associated with complaints against the targeted population.
–Well meaning efforts by volunteer groups have unintended negative consequences.
The Grand Jury says increased appearance of “blight” is affecting the quality of life for both residents and visitors to the area. You can read the full report and recommendations from the Grand Jury by clicking on this link. Grand Jury Report
Kevin
Just wait until the new clinic opens behind Safeway. This is already the site for the recent stabbing, and is the nightly camping spot for a large group of shady types that sit in front of Safeway everyday. The clinic expects 60,000 visits a year, and it doesn't take much math to understand what that will do the local population of panhandlers, vagrants and transients.
If you build it they will come.
Brad
It all started with the opening of the Hospitality House homeless shelter. We became a magnet for panhandlers, vagrants and transients. The Grand Jury report is spot on, everyone should read it.
Bev
Brad the homeless were an issue long before Hospitality House. Hospitality House does drug testing on anyone who uses their facility. The people you see wondering all over town are the one's who can't get in because of Drinking or Drug use. If a person can't pass they are told to leave. I realize them being told to leave then becomes a problem for the rest of the community but I'm not sure the blame should be solely on HH. HH can't take them in, we don't want them so the question remains. What do you do with them ?
John Mateo
Hospitality House spokespersons tell us that HH only serves county residents. What they neglect to tell us is that they consider a "resident" to be any person who is in Nevada County. HH has been a magnet for druggies, vagrants, and criminals from throughout the western states.