Councilman Das Williams’ effort to tweak the city’s RV parking ordinance — to allow violators to enroll in an authorized overnight parking program, rather than pay the fine or have their vehicle towed — fell just short of approval on Tuesday night.<\/p>\n
The proposal came about a year after the City Council passed controversial new laws, in an effort to drive RV dwellers off city streets.<\/p>\n
The program has generally been touted as a success. There were an estimated 300- 400 RVs parked on city streets last year. Today Lt. Paul McCaffrey of the Santa Barbara City Police Department projects there are between 20 and 40 vehicles.<\/p>\n
When the law was passed, Catholic Charities stepped in to coordinate a program to allow RV dwellers to park legally overnight in specified lots. New Beginnings, a counseling center that provides assistance with job placement, substance abuse, communication and other life skills, will take over that program in April.<\/p>\n
Recently additional churches and nonprofits have allowed RVs to park in their lots at night, but there is some debate as to whether the remaining people living in their vehicles will take advantage of the legal parking program.<\/p>\n
“People have to know about a program in order to participate in it,” said Councilwoman Helene Schneider, who supported Williams’ proposal. Schneider also serves on the City-County Homeless Advisory Committee.<\/p>\n
” It’s not a lack of information that’s keeping people out of lots. I have the feeling that they are very much aware of the resources that are available to them,” said Lt. McCaffrey. “The shelters are not always filled to capacity and there are people that sleep outdoors. On the surface it’s a hard thing to understand.”<\/p>\n
Williams urged the council to “balance compassion and accountability when dealing with less fortunate members of our community” and support his proposal. However, Mayor Marty Blum pointed out the things the city has done to help the homeless, including funding 5,000 low cost housing units and multiple programs and shelters.<\/p>\n
The vote was 4-3, with Mayor Blum and Councilmen Brian Barnwell, Roger Horton and Dr. Dan Secord voting against Williams’ request to have staff work on the changes. Williams and Councilwomen Iya Falcone and Schneider favored the effort.<\/p>\n