Calexico City Council aims to approve “no camping” law
CALEXICO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) - A new ordinance in Calexico would get unsheltered people off the streets, but some locals disagree and don't want it to be voted into law.
The Calexico City Council says this is one of the issues they promised they would fix when they were elected back in november, however, some locals say this is not the way to do it.
The council voted unanimously for the first reading of the "No Camping Law" last Wednesday.
Some locals disagree, saying they understand the concerns and safety, but the law is inhumane.
Former Calexico Mayor Raul Ureña, who was recalled last year, says the county does not provide enough help for the unsheltered.
In a statement, Ureña says, "It is not that they don't want help. It is that she does not want to own up to the fact that Calexico and especially the city government has nothing to offer."
Meanwhile, Calexico Mayor Diana Nuricumbo says the law will actually help unsheltered individuals to get off the streets and get the right help they need.
"We are not going straight for the citation, the idea is we are going to collaborate with social services and behavior health they are necessary...they're actually going to come out...they're going to talk to them," Mayor Nuricumbo expressed.
Chief Armando Orozco with the Calexico Police Department (CPD), says without owner authorization, it's hard for them to do any enforcement on private property, but the ordinance would change that.
"It's going to allow us to go on private property to advise them of the ordinance...Of course, the primary goal is to help the public. It's always offering services and providing them with the help they need if they choose," Chief Orozco shared.
The ordinance states fines will be $100 for the first offense, $500 for the second offense and three months in jail for the third offense.
The mayor says the final reading will happen next Wednesday during the City Council meeting. If approved, the law would take effect 30 days after it's signed.
