Fresno eyes fining other cities for dropping off homeless

Fresno, home to the most robust homeless services in the San Joaquin Valley, has faced an issue of serving as a dumping ground for homelessness by other cities.

Fresno city leaders took the first step to fine other cities who drop off homeless people in town. 

The Fresno City Council approved the introduction of an ordinance designed to curb other cities from transporting their homeless to Fresno without approval. 

The big picture: Councilmembers Mike Karbassi and Nick Richardson sponsored the Anti-Human Transportation and Abandonment Ordinance. 

  • Any other municipality or agency that transports the homeless to Fresno without proper coordination or consent will be subject to fines. 
  • Violators would face a misdemeanor penalty and a maximum fine of $1,000, as well as six months in prison. 

State of play: City Attorney Andrew Janz said at a press conference this week that the Pinedale area in Fresno is home to a significant number of homeless who are not from Fresno County. 

What we’re watching: The city council will take the item up for full approval at its next meeting. 

Flashback: Fresno’s problem is reminiscent of the dispute between Hanford and Santa Cruz last year.

  • Santa Cruz officials accused Hanford of dropping off a homeless woman in the city in June. Hanford said the woman asked to be transported to a specific shelter located in Santa Cruz after asking to go to a number of locations that were not feasible, including Hawaii. 
  • In response, the city created an ordinance to penalize other government agencies with a fine up to $1,000 for transporting homeless into Santa Cruz. 

What they’re saying: “We have invested a significant amount of taxpayer dollars working to aid those struggling with  homelessness in our community,” Karbassi said in a statement. “Unfortunately, other regions of the state may see Fresno as having the resources to handle all homeless services in the state and that is simply not the case. Our programs and housing should be dedicated to those that find themselves homeless in Fresno and this legislation will help to do just that.” 

  • Richardson added, “When I’m faced with a choice between an ignorance-is-bliss approach and the safety of my Fresno family, I will pick your safety every time.” 
  • Council member Miguel Arias said during Thursday’s meeting that he saw a Clovis transit van dropping off people at the Ted C. Willis Community Center in Fresno earlier this week. He also said he has evidence of other cities and agencies, including Clovis, Kingsburg, Reedley, Madera and others dropping the homeless off in Fresno. 
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