photo: Jason Olson, Deseret News
Again, it's been too far between posts. At this time, I don't think weekly is do-able. I'm shooting for every two weeks for you at this point.
Panhandling is the new hot homeless topic. I've never panhandled myself. I did print up a little booklet of stories and poems and tried to sell them once. I sat in front of the City Weekly office building with a sign reading "Please donate to starving artist." Nobody did, although several people stopped to talk to me.
What I was doing could be classified as "commercial solicitation," because I offered a product. Because I talked to those who were kind enough to address me, it could have been construed as "aggressive." It is also possible that if someone wanted to push the issue, I could be cited for selling without the proper permits or licenses.
After reading the proposed ordinance, I feel it is unnecessary. We already have assault laws to protect from bodily harm.There are very specific street vending ordinances. Fraud laws cover any verbal or written misrepresentation. It is already illegal to obstruct vehicle or pedestrian traffic. These seem to be a major concern. Laws and ordinances covering what it is appropriate for anyone to say to another would be unconstitutional. There are right to lawful assembly and association issues involved as well.
I know a young lady who panhandles every day to get money for a motel room and dinner for herself and her husband. She has a very high traffic spot. Were she forced to move as a result of part of the proposed ordinance from her spot and panhandle somewhere else: let's just say things would not go well for her.
I think parts of the ordinance are a good idea. Other parts will become just another legal way for police to harass homeless people, as they often already do with current along with "jay walking" and "trespassing" tickets.
Go here to read the proposed ordinance, decide for yourself, then take action. Give the mayor's office your feedback at
mayor@slcgov.com . Write a letter to the editor. Be visible. Be vocal.
Those who do nothing get nothing. Those who don't speak lose their voice.
I wanted to clarify a point. I include letters to the editor here because I believe everyone is entitled to their opinion. I also think it gives readers a good idea what public sentiments are regarding current issues.
No article or letter I post here necessarily reflects my opinion or view.
Here are your links:
Neither this blog nor its creator are affiliated with The Salt Lake Tribune.
To submit a letter to Public forum:
Mail:
Public Forum
Salt Lake Tribune
90 S. 400 West
Salt Lake City,
Utah 84101
E-mail:
letters@sltrib.com (NO attachments)
Fax: 801-257-8950
Click for guidelines, tips and how to submit editorials...
Salt Lake City sets sights on "aggressive" panhandling
Draft would limit areas, manner and times for begging
by Derek P. Jensen, Salt Lake Tribune
Panhandling distraction Forum letter
"Efforts to restrain panhandlers are a distraction from a tragic reality..."
Aggressive begging
Proposed S. L. ban goes too far-Tribune editorial
"...now that we're in the Great Recession, Salt Lake City is talking about outlawing aggressive begging."
Pit bull bites homeless man in South Salt Lake
Neither this blog nor its creator are affiliated with The Deseret News
click for Deseret News contact information.
Middle-class poverty Fewer jobs is changing the face of who needs assistance from the state
by Lana Groves
Pioneer Park cameras helping curb crime by Emiley Morgan
S. L. proposing ordinance to restrict panhandling by Aaron Falk
The trouble with panhandlers Deseret News Editorial: "Twenty years ago, then-Mayor Palmer Depaulis killed a plan to outlaw aggressive begging on the streets..."
Help the truly needy letter to the editor
New report analyzes homelessness, crime by Rebecca Palmer-To read the 194-page report in full, visit NLCHP.org.
Neither this blog nor its creator are associated with NLCHP
Generosity abused letter to the editor
Homeless advocates ask Becker to bag begging ban by Rebecca Palmer
Salt Lake City Weekly
Neither this blog nor its creator are affiliated with City Weekly
Change in the air new regulation loom for the city's poor by Jesse Fruhwirth jfuhwirth@ cityweekly.net .
Here's a new approach. It's called cyber-begging or Internet panhandling.
I wish I had more advanced notice on this, but you have a few days to plan for it.
Wasatch United Front and Local Artists Helping Prevent and Assist the Homeless (LAHPAH) announce their 3rd annual fundraising concert. Gallivan Plaza will play host to several rocking bands, food& drink, art, and more on sunday August 30 beginning at 1:00 PM.
Tickets are just $8 - $10 and available at the WUF website, http://www.24tix.com/, or at the gate day of show. Performers include Afro Omega, Colin Robison, Gentri Watson, Debi Graham Band, Andale!, James Shook, Brinton Jones of The Devil Whale, Shaky Trade, Jebu, RuRu, Radio Rhythm Makers, Mad Max & The Wild Ones, Chaz Prymek, The Mandalas, Our Time In Space and Jackie Campbell.
The mission of Wasatch United Front is to inspire the people of Salt Lake City to make a difference in the lives of their neighbors through compassion, education and community support.
WUF seeks to help build a community that works together to strengthen and support each other, to enhance the quality of life in Salt Lake by raising and distributing funds to established and successful programs that are responsive to the needs of individuals, families, and groups seeking assistance, and to educate the public on the issues and challenges facing members within our community.
Keep it real
your editor
Thank you Harmon’s, Ten Thousand Villages, and Indian Walk-in Center.
Thank you 
