Homeless shelter at ACT V parking lot approved

According to the letter, visitors are checking out of hotels early due to interaction with the homeless; diners have said they will not return to restaurants because they can’t walk in daytime or nighttime without being approached for money and harassed; and residents have moved family weddings out of town.

“We are not debating the issue of homelessness,” Shepherd said.

“Our concern is how this issue has affected the hospitality business and how it will shape the long-term health of Laguna Beach.”

Festival of the Arts President Wayne Baglin, who had vehemently opposed siting the shelter across from the festival grounds, offered his sympathy to the council.

“I do not envy you,” said Baglin, who is a former mayor. “I don’t remember an issue more critical than what you are dealing with. You are the leaders of the community. You have to have stronger backbones than you have ever had to have before.”

But if Baglin were pleased that the shelter was moved from the city parking lot to ACT V, Randy Bader and other Laguna Canyon residents were not.

Bader said the city dumps every problem into the canyon — from housing for landslide victims to unwanted labor solicitation on North Laguna streets to beat-up houses.

One issue that kept cropping up was the fear of fire, stoked by smokers.

“It only takes one little spark to ignite the whole canyon,” Erin Bonsey said.

The council passed a no-smoking ordinance for ACT V, but many felt that it could not be enforced and it would be better to provide a safe area for smokers.

“Smoking will have to be dealt with,” said Iseman, who espouses no smoking in or out of doors on public property in Laguna.

The approved proposals are not seen as a panacea.

Sauls said the advisory committee had run its course, more specific expertise was needed for future steps and announced his resignation. The committee was later officially disbanded.

“Don’t expect the daytime homeless population to be reduced, but the overall impact will be reduced,” Henderson said.

The proposals, photographs of camp sites in the park on the beaches and a summary of the issues are posted at www.lagunabeachcity.net.

Homeless Shelter Rules

The City Council has approved the establishment of a temporary nighttime shelter for 50 of the city’s homeless population at the ACT V parking lot, 1900 Laguna Canyon Road. Proposed rules for the shelter:

 Site opens at 6:30 p.m., when meals will be served, and lunch bags will be distributed in the morning, provided food is no longer served in the park.

 All food and services must be approved by the city.

 Anyone under the influence of alcohol and drugs will not be admitted.

 Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated.

 No pets, weapons, radios, television, excessive lights or noise will be permitted.

 Site to be cleaned daily by users and belongings removed.

 No smoking.