Sunday, December 15, 2013

Redding California Homeless - Keep um moving...



It appears this Christmas season the holiday sentiments  "peace on earth goodwill towards men" we wish to one another does not include our everyday neighbors the poor and homeless we see languishing up and down our streets as if trapped in some kind of modern day World War 2 Bataan "forced" death march.

Of course the American Indians and how we "forced" them down far more than one trail of tears as well also comes to mind, a form of torture to be sure.

Keep um moving...


What a shame on the streets of Redding their poor and homeless are treated just shy of how we treat captured enemy combatants on the streets of Fallujah Iraq.

Indeed the Iraqi combatants would receive food and water and shelter. As for Redding and that matter California's growing homeless Families, Veterans, Men, Women and Children...?

Keep um moving...


We have another phrase Americans hold dear, "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

Unfortunately forced marchers weary of torture and sub freezing temperatures, and loss of necessary survival gear die.  From Redding City Council communications to Redding Police and its Army Reserve Police Chief Robert Paoletti , orders appear and seem abundantly clear and to be carried out at no matter what the cost.


Keep um moving...






 

Saturday, December 7, 2013

PHOTOS: Redding California Homeless - Subfreezing December



3 young girls said they were staying in the Good News Rescue Mission
Woman's section and that Washington was much colder that Redding.
 

Redding Homeless Man, 23 degrees, 8 a.m.
 
Snowstorm Homeless Shelter, South City Park Bleachers

Frozen homeless camp downtown Redding.
 
Subfreezing morning behind old Wells Fargo depot for John
St George Greek Orthodox Church 23 degrees, 8 a.m.

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Redding California - Neglected past - neglected people


This is the Wells Fargo Depot that still stands on Yuba St. in downtown Redding near the railroad tracks across the street from the Redding California Veterans "Memorial Building" and the downtown Post Office. This photo was taken in approximately 1913.


The Wells Fargo Depot today stands in jeopardy of being demolished by Union Pacific which owns the property and wants to demolish it.  The City of Redding seems to have no interest  in saving it and seem interested in maintaining a "history" as well.

A history of destruction concerning dozens of historic buildings during the downtown mall construction, as well as the destruction of hundreds of homeless camps, and their irreplaceable personal possessions.

In a world where it is against the law for certain folks to sit or lay down or sleep or keep warm by a campfire it is quite natural for the City of Redding to strongly desire to tear down this monument to a compassionless Tea Party majority Redding City Council who's mayor defines one of their major duties to the community they serve and care for is to "sell services".

Tony, a homeless man who has spent day and night during Redding's exceptionally cold winter outdoors outside the depot.


With brush and low hanging branches of homeless shelter refuges being cut from one end of town to the other homeless have no other alternative than to be driven out into the streets to find shelter anyway possible.

Redding and Shasta Counties only night time homeless shelter, the Good News Rescue Mission is often full.

"As the county's only shelter, the mission is scarcely equipped to handle its homeless population, said Community Relations Director Ken White.

"We're feeling extraordinarily overwhelmed by the amount of services needed by people in the community," he said. "If the economy worsens, or even stays as it's been, that could be a very at-risk population as a community I don't feel like we're very prepared to service at this point."

Driven to desperation with their back against the wall many homeless including veterans took refuge here in the Wells Fargo Depot over the years. Over the last 2 years it was locked  as 3 homeless who took refuge here have passed away.

Here is the story of one...


Redding California Homeless Veterans "Memorial Building"



Redding California - Neglected past - neglected people





Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Anonymous Help the Homeless 2013 #OpXmas #Ophelpthehomeless - Redding







 
As part of a global Anonymous Event to donate a charity donation care package to the homeless this Christmas holiday, please join Anonymous Help the Homeless 2013 #OpXmas   Redding California Page.


Every winter, in cities all over the world, people die from exposure to the elements.
All month of December Anonymous will take to the streets bringing help to those who need it most providing blankets, clothing, coats, gloves, sleeping bags, tents, tarps , canned food and other essential's for the homeless and needy.

Drop off locations~

 NVCSS Second Home

1250 California St, Redding CA 96001

(530) 247-3321

Shasta Trinity Tehama HIV Food Bank

925 Wall St, Redding, CA 96002

(530) 223-2118






"The homeless need our help. They can not depend on government assistance. It is up to each and every one of us to help our fellow man.

We need this outreach to become worldwide. We need you. Even if you can just afford to feed a couple of people, or there may be some clothes in your closets that you no longer can wear. If you have a phone, call some of your local hotels/motels/extended stay lodges and ask them if they have any blankets, toiletries, etc. that they would be willing to donate to the local homeless population.

Who knows, we could have made one choice differently that we did in our lives and be where they are today.

We are ANONYMOUS. It is up to each and every one of us as human beings to realize that life is precious and we are going to show our nations that WE WILL stand together!"

Anonymous  #Opsafewinter World Event Map

 

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Chico - Northern California Homeless Hatred





 


"Chico City Council Fueled Hate Crimes And Bigotry"

R-Town armed private guards roaming downtown removing homeless and giving them tickets for the crime of sitting or laying down ? Sub standard law enforcement hired for a perceived sub standard lower class of homeless American citizenry somehow devoid of the civil and constitutional rights and freedoms we all enjoy ?

Chico California has a homeless shelter crisis, and the local chapter of the ACLU agrees.

Downtown merchants allegedly threatening to "hose " homeless off the streets and sidewalks returning to the days of Birmingham and Martin Luther King with what seems like a stamp of approval from the City Council granting what can only be described as spiritual oppression, and a clear message of homeless having no right to exist.

And in of all places Chico California ?



Life on the Streets of Chico

"There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men."

Proverbs 30:14



Please meet Arturo, 96 years old, homeless.
"Life on the streets of Chico and Beyond"


"Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?"

James 2:5


Chico Peace and Justice Center


"On armed guards and impoverished citizens"


“Is this not the fast that I have chosen:
To loose the bonds of wickedness,
To undo the heavy burdens,
To let the oppressed go free,
And that you break every yoke?
  Is it not to share your bread with the hungry,
And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out;
When you see the naked, that you cover him,
And not hide yourself from your own flesh?"


Isaiah 58:6-7



"Chico Community is Everyone - Right to Exist"


Sunday, October 13, 2013

Redding California Homeless Advocacy Hatred



California and Hill Street

Does the answer to Redding California's homeless problem require that we cut down beautiful mature trees in creeks and greenbelts all over town where homeless take refuge within the city ?

While filming this Redding California Homeless blog I was harassed and accosted.

Nothing new...

Is Spiritual Warfare a part of following Jesus Christ and a desire to help the homeless and poor of Redding and Shasta County ?

An example from a recent Record Searchlight Editorial


"I chose to work, retire, buy a home and pay taxes. I for one am very tired of homeless advocates like Chris Solberg — whom I’ve personally confronted when the police were removing a huge homeless camp on the corner of Court Street and Riverside Drive — who say being homeless isn’t a crime. I disagree. When these folks abuse city land and beautiful areas with their garbage, it is a crime — a crime upon the good hard-working people without addictions. When I questioned Mr. Solberg as to just how many homeless he has taken in, he replied “none.” I asked how many homeless has your church taken in, again the reply was “none.” I asked if Mr. Solberg owns a home or rents. He replied rents. Well, Mr. Solberg, you’re not paying property taxes like I am to live in Redding. I have to pay for water, sewer and garbage pickup."

Interestingly through the advent of social media,  I am not alone in experiencing hatred and animosity for my homeless advocacy endeavors. From Eureka to Red Bluff, Sacramento to Fresno and beyond , other homeless advocates experience the same hatred and attacks. 



It seems like this fellow was talking about my video documented incident printed in the Record Searchlight





Recently to my delight I discovered while reviewing American civil and constitutional pioneers in the early struggle of civil rights and equality a rather now video favorite of mine.

"One person can change the World, and everybody SHOULD try."




Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?   But you have dishonored the poor man. Do not the rich oppress you and drag you into the courts?   Do they not blaspheme that noble name by which you are called?"




Monday, October 7, 2013

Sheraton Hotel Redding - 4 Star Homeless Hatred ?





A noticeable war on the poor and homeless of Redding California has been declared, with brush and tree pockets of known homeless camps being destroyed from one end of town to the other.

Wonderful homeless advocates protested the destruction of Redding California homeless camps on the Sacramento River Trail Community Clean Up Day near the proposed Sheraton Hotel during the worst economic recession since the Great Depression .

Many homeless live in the Turtle Bay , Sundial Bridge, and proposed future rather decadent certainly opulent future Redding Sheraton Hotel area.

Homeless displaced during the
Sacramento River Community Clean Up Day.
Tammy from Redding: On Rape, Murder, Parkview "Clean Up"
and Her Life on the Streets

And certainly the City of Redding and others are keenly interested in accelerated anticipation and  perceived feverish actions to remove those things necessary to beautify and somehow attract these purveyors of luxury and lavishness only a select few in our community can scarcely afford.

Turtle Bay Homeless - Redding Sacramento Community
Trail Clean Up 2013 This ain't no Sheraton."


Redding Coalition for the Homeless
 is against practices and laws that unfairly single out homeless people and criminalize them for everyday living and life-sustaining activities.

Families, Children, Veterans, everyone in this poor economy should have a safe place where they can go at night and sleep without fear and their civil and constitutional rights violated. That’s why we need "safe ground ". Redding California needs a safe “legalized” campground where homeless folks can have clean water, bathrooms, and trash services until Redding, Shasta County, and the State of California is willing and able to provide adequate shelters and affordable housing for the growing numbers of homeless folks free of homeless camping tickets, criminalization and evictions.




From the Turtle Bay /  Sheraton Hotel at the Sundial Bridge website we learn " The Sheraton brand is part of the Starwood family of exemplary hotels that also include Westin, Aloft, and Le Méridien."

I am sure hardly comforting to the fury of homeless being displaced with nowhere to go, we would like to remind the Sheraton Hotel folks and the City of Redding folks there is another "family" well worth your consideration literally dying with the bones of  intolerance found scattered across our city limits.

It is the family of man.

Saturday, October 5, 2013

Homeless in Redding - Sacramento River Trail Community Clean Up 2013 World Homeless Action Day

 
One of many Sacramento River Trail homeless campers displaced today.

Tammy from Redding: On Rape, Murder, Parkview "Clean Up"
and Her Life on the Streets


Wonderful homeless advocates protested the destruction of Redding California homeless camps today during the worst economic recession since the Great Depression .
 
 

The protest was a World Homeless Action Day 2013 event.

A curiously small group of individuals attended the Community Creek Cleanup 2013 at the Sacramento River Trail, most of the work I am sure left undone.
 
 


Students from Bethel Church, Shasta and Foothill High Schools and others, the McConnell foundation, California Conservation Core, Redding Rotary, Redding Electric Utilities , R.E.U. and others destroyed homeless river trail survival camp and beautiful fishing areas during the Redding Shasta Community River Trail Clean Up 2013.

Sadly at least one of these was parked there today, and Monsanto's Round Up will most likely be applied in the next several days. Does City of Redding Monsanto herbicide spraying causing chaos with our local eagle population ?





What happens to homeless camping possessions confiscated by Redding Police Officer Bob Brannon ? Where does the City of Redding store their personal possessions ?

It looks like this particular Redding Sacramento "Community Creek Clean-up" now and in the future is going through Indian camping archaeological sites as well as a VERY sensitive turtle ponds. Just like the Henderson Open Space project heartlessly driving away the homeless, destroying important vegetative cover for riparian wildlife, City of Redding / Rotary Randy Smith spraying Monsanto's Round Up and contributing to global warming.

Ask Community Services Director for the City of Redding if consideration was given to the displaced homeless during the 2013 Sacramento River Trail Community Creek Clean up day.

 


Saturday, September 28, 2013

Missing in Redding more than James Randolph Olsen





Last seen in Redding California Police Dept. on September 1, 2010, James Randolph Olsen from Gresham Oregon walked in said he was homeless and needed help. Bi - polar and diabetic , a quote from James North American Missing Persons Network  page states :

" They directed him to the Good News Rescue Mission. For unknown reasons, James was asked to leave the Mission and was suspended from returning for 30 days. He did not return. His illness causes him to appear intoxicated but he does not drink. James is quite ill both mentally and physically." The Redding California Police had contact 2 other times  with James. The last one was on September 3, 2010. James, in the area of the Good News Rescue Mission flagged down an officer and asked for directions.  The officer found the missing person report on James and contracted Gresham Police. The officer said that James appeared to be living a "transient lifestyle".   The police officer asked James where he was staying and he pointed to a van. He said he was looking for the man in the wheel chair. James may have befriended a handicapped man who had a van and possibly got into the van with this man. This was the last time anyone has reported seeing James. 


Granddaughter Ashley with James

Well James Randolph Olsen has a loving and concerned granddaughter by the name of Ashley, who has came down from Oregon to search homeless camps and pass out flyers in the chance she may find her beloved Grandfather here in Redding.

Ashley was staying at the Good News Rescue Mission while she conducted her searches through the many many homeless camps of Redding.

Now she is KICKED OUT of the Good News Rescue Mission and will be spending the night HOMELESS on the Streets of Redding as this blog is written !

A Quote from Ashleys Facebook page as the reason why she was asked to leave...

"For checking in late cuz i was searching homeless camps across town, assuming everyone had already taken showers cuz there were multiple showers open-i didnt sign up and took longer than 6 mins and was the only shower whose door got banged on repeatedly so i went to smoke a cig. the smoking area was closed and was yelled at to put my cig out. when told i should leave if i dont play by the rules i pointed out thats what the mission did to my grandpa who has been missing for 3 years. and the purpose for me even being in redding, staying there is to be searching for him!"

Now you may be asking what is "Missing in Redding more than James Randolph Olsen ?

Clearly it is not Ashley's love and burning desire to find her missing grandfather.

Sadly, it's a complete and total lack of local news media attention...


James Randolph Olsen

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

2 suspects brutally beat, strip, Redding California homeless man, ‘Let’s burn him.’




Jeffrey Lee Fecht, 19 and Brandon Eudean Sposito, 26, shown in Shasta County Superior Court.



"2 suspects brutally beat, strip, homeless man ‘Let’s burn him.’"
Duo sentenced for their role in 'deplorable' beating of homeless man
• By Jim Schultz
Record Searchlight
•Posted August 27, 2013 at 4:18 p.m.

"Two Redding men who saw their negotiated plea bargains fall through earlier this month in connection with the near fatal beating of a homeless man were both sentenced Monday to 10 years in prison under a new pact.

Jeffrey Lee Fecht, 19, and Brandon Eudean Sposito, 26, were sentenced after Superior Court Judge Dan Flynn had rejected on Aug. 7 plea bargains that called for only six-year sentences.

Shasta County Deputy District Attorney Toby Powell said today that Flynn accepted the 10-year sentences for both men.

“I think 10 years was the right resolution,” he said, adding that both men pleaded out to attempted murder charges. Fecht also admitted to a separate and unrelated misdemeanor sexual battery charge upon a homeless woman, Powell said.

Fecht and Sposito were both arrested in June and charged with attempted murder and other crimes in connection with the vicious beating of Christopher S. Avery, 48.

Avery was found badly beaten and unconscious early on June 24 behind a building across Cypress Avenue from Redding City Hall.

Powell, who said Fecht and Sposito will be eligible for parole after they complete 85 percent of their sentences, called the savage attack upon Avery “deplorable.”

“It makes your stomach curl,” he said.

A 13-year-old boy also arrested in the attack told investigators Avery was kicked, punched and head-butted before being stripped naked and left for dead, according to a police report filed in Superior Court.

That report says officers later found Sposito near the Redding Library after identifying him from surveillance video from the Safeway store on Pine Street.

The 13-year-old told police that Sposito and Fecht repeatedly punched, kicked and head-butted Avery, even after he was on the ground and eventually they threw his badly beaten body into a nearby trash bin.

“(The boy) told me Sposito used a large boulder to try and break the victim’s knees by dropping it on the victim,” RPD investigator Will Williams wrote in a separate police report. “(The boy) told me after the victim was beaten, the suspects took the victim’s clothes off and then said, ‘Let’s burn him.’”

Powell said he did not know whether the teen is still being prosecuted in Juvenile Court for his role in the crime.

Meanwhile, Avery is continuing to recover from his serious injuries and was set to leave a Redding rehabilitation hospital on Tuesday to stay with relatives in northern Idaho.

Avery’s sister, Laura Woods, said in a telephone conversation today that Fecht and Sposito deserved prison time.

“We’re glad that they got what they got,” she said, describing them as “pure animals.”
Woods said her brother is recovering from his injuries and is doing well.

“They broke his body, but they didn’t break his spirit,” she said,

Saturday, August 24, 2013

Sacramento State Capital Safe Ground Rally - Non Violent Civil Disobedience


In April of 2006 Loaves & Fishes, Francis House, SHOC, Homeless Advocates, and the homeless rallied at the California State Capital to urge the City, County, and State to create a Safe Ground where the homeless can camp at night.
Homeless Advocates from Modesto to Redding were prepared to be arrested as it is against the law to have a sleeping bag anywhere on State Capital property as homeless advocates block the south state capital entrance  practicing non violent civil disobedience as they dare California State Highway patrol officers to arrest them !


.

"The Rally at the California State Capitol for "Safe Ground," the legalization of homelessness begins at Loaves and Fishes with 300 homeless folks getting on the bus and rallying for their cause. Watch the enthusiasm build as they are dropped off at the Capitol steps!"

(Part 2) Sister Libby of Sacramento Loaves and Fishes at the non violent civil disobedience rally at the California State Capitol for "Safe Ground," the legalization of homelessness heats up on the steps of the Capitol. Watch as powerful speakers make their case to the public, officials and the media.



(Part 3)
The Rally at the California State Capitol for "Safe Ground," the legalization of homelessness develops into an emotional plea for justice and humanity on the steps of the Capitol. Watch as homeless folks and advocates express their heartfelt vision


Sister Libby director of Sacramento Loaves and Fishes calls fellow homeless advocates for a photo opportunity and sleeping bags as they prepare to be arrested for act of non violent civil disobedience!

 (Part 4) The Rally at the California State Capitol for "Safe Ground," the legalization of homelessness moves into a stand-off between advocates and the police. One homeless advocate lays his sleeping bag right out in the middle of the sidewalk ! Watch what transpires as the evening wears on !

Thursday, August 22, 2013

World Homeless Action Day 10/10/13



*UPDATE
PROTEST Destruction of Redding California Homeless Camps - World Homeless Action Day Event

Homeless Advocates ...

PROTEST - BRING YOUR CAMERA - INVITE YOUR FRIENDS !

https://www.facebook.com/events/167654713435278/

___________


Unfortunately it seems like homeless hatred is on the rise in Redding California and abroad.  Homeless folks are rapidly loosing their civil and constitutional rights. Police chase and evict homeless from their camps, some taking and throwing away their necessary survival gear and personal possessions in a cruel and unusual game of cat and mouse. One city has now set up a hotline to remove homeless people from its no homeless allowed downtown business district. Local businesses and residents can report the location and offensive presence of  homeless person to police on sight making homelessness once again a crime.





World Homeless Action Day is a global worldwide collaborative effort that is held on the 10th day of October every year.

• Schools • Churches • Service Clubs • Individuals • Businesses


What are you doing for World Homeless Action Day ?

What should or could be done on this day? The day is there for you and your community to use to create change and make a difference in the lives of people who are experiencing homelessness in your local area.
 




Food Drives ... Fundraisers... Candlelight Vigil ... Awareness Protest March or Rally... Use the day in any way you want

YOU CHOOSE THE EVENT !

Please help get the word out ... benefit homeless people locally and in different countries around the globe and make a difference during World Homeless Action Day !




With the recent persecution and indifference of homeless folks in Redding and Shasta County California by local government officials what better time than now to create an event and support the less fortunate !

What are you doing for World Homeless Action Day 10/10/13 ?


Redding Coalition for the Homeless
 


Sunday, August 18, 2013

Redding California Homeless - Searching for SAFE GROUND



On October 17, 2006 the Redding California Police Chief, the Fire Chief , and Dave Honey of the Good News Rescue Mission all spoke in favor of at the City of Redding Council meeting amending Redding Municipal Code Chapter 10-40 Unlawful Camping making it a possible misdemeanor punishable by up to a 1000 dollar fine and/or 6 months in jail for the homeless crime of sleeping or keeping warm by a campfire anywhere in the city limits effectively criminalizing homelessness.

 Why do homeless need SAFE GROUND ?


Sacramento Attorney Mark Merin advocates for "safe ground" and the human right to a safe place to sleep.

Fast forward to 8/17/2013  to a Record Searchlight article "Homeless encampments, natural features create perfect storm for Market Street fires" and we know now that due to the criminalization of homelessness and the dynamics of fear created homeless are camping and hiding   not only deeper in the steep canyons and brush behind Market St.  BUT IN ALL brush and canyons surrounding most of Redding due to short sighted past local government management.





But what is SAFE GROUND ?




Filmmaker Costa Mantis moved into tent city and lived in a tent to give the homeless people of Sacramento California a voice.

We at the Redding Coalition for the Homeless also are against practices and laws that unfairly single out homeless people and criminalize them for everyday living and life-sustaining activities and quite possibly violate their civil and constitutional rights. California needs safe “legalized” campgrounds with clean water, bathrooms, and trash services until Redding, Shasta County, and the State of California is willing and able to provide adequate shelters and affordable housing for the growing numbers of homeless folks free of homeless camping tickets, criminalization and evictions.


Safe Ground Rally California State Capital

April 22, 2009



Loaves & Fishes, Francis House, SHOC, Homeless Advocates, and the homeless rallied at the California State Capital to urge the City, County, and State to create a Safe Ground where the homeless can camp at night.



SEARCHING FOR SAFE GROUND
is ready for it's West Coast World Premiere at the AOF IX International Film Festival on Thursday August 22nd 2013 at 8PM at the Krikorian Theatre on 410 South Myrtle Ave. in Monrovia.

Safe Ground Sacramento - "Protecting the human rights of homeless people."



Sunday, July 28, 2013

Redding Homeless Day Center





In a recent Record Searchlight article "( Homeless ) Day center talks in works" the "Rev" Ann Corrin was quoted as saying " You should not have to presume to take on someone's beliefs to get a bowl of soup." One must ask, in what charitable religious establishment in Redding California does this occur?

Is this a requirement of the Good News Rescue Mission ? .... No... Living Hope Compassion Ministry...No.... Was it a shot across the bow of conservative Christianity ? or spiritually is there even more ??


Do we hear today the same complaints from Ann Corrin as those who came back the next day after Jesus Christ fed the 5000 so long ago who just wanted to be fed again with no regard for the provider or what He had to say?

Of course this project should include and welcome all faith beliefs and NOT exclude Jesus Christ.

Why must Christians give up their autonomy for this future Day Center ? And why does the City of Redding feel it can dictate what the vision of this future homeless day center will be without dedicating any money or resources ?

Although secular is great for receiving government grants and funding, secular also equals government control and will not be in the best interest of the homeless nor the developers civil and constitutional rights.

Is this another Redding City Council dog and pony show for homeless advocates to put in time and effort such as the case recently of a homeless campground only to be shot down again by city staff and council as interest wanes?

Finally one must ask why has Ann Corrin taken the liberty of what this homeless day center can and cannot be without input from the community ? 

It has been said that Redding City Council member Missy McArthur attends "Rev" Ann Corrin's church but as far as constructing a homeless day center...

"Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it."








A Building Donation Needed / Discussion Group Facebook Page

Thursday, April 25, 2013

California Homeless Person's Bill of Rights and Fairness Act

 


4 Redding California police officers surround a
homeless man as he sits in back of city hall.



The eagerly awaited and compassionately long overdue California "Homeless Person's Bill of Rights and Fairness Act"  passed its first hurdle in the Assembly Judiciary Committee on a 7-2 party line vote.

In Los Angeles  the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals  found that a city law prohibiting sleeping, sitting or lying on public byways constituted "cruel and unusual punishment," because the city has so few shelter beds its street people have nowhere else to stay.

The same is true in Redding California.

Many California cities like Redding criminalize homelessness, giving tickets for camping (sleeping) and sitting, often taking their necessary survival gear (tents, sleeping bags ) telling them to leave town and violate them for what you and I may very well take for granted...  everyday living and life-sustaining activities.

"The solution to homelessness is not citations or jail time, Democratic Assemblyman Tom  Ammiano  said.  He called it a narrow bill to provide "a few basic protections" that would ensure California does not criminalize homelessness. Proponents compare current laws targeting the behavior of homeless people to past Jim Crow and "Anti-Okie" laws that were designed to segregate or remove people deemed undesirable."

Redding, with a city council who believes the poor , homeless and marginalized do not fall under their governing jurisdiction along with the middle and upper class of our community, as well as a   "Handouts Don't Help" campaign created by hotelier Ed Rullman and the Redding Business Merchants have noticeably increased homeless hatred in our community as well as a sense of homeless being a second class citizenry and promoting an entitlement mentality for the violation of their constitutional and civil rights.

The bill insures homeless have the right to "move freely, rest, solicit donations, pray, meditate, or practice religion, and to eat, share, accept, or give food and water in public spaces without being subject to criminal or civil sanctions, harassment or arrest.

Homeless people in California would have the right to rest in public spaces, including sidewalks, without the threat of arrest, and local governments would have to provide access to bathrooms and showers."

A.B. 5  is sure to receive a flood of opposition from League of California Cities, the Chamber of Commerce, and other business groups as it heads next to the Assembly Committee on Appropriations.

Here is how YOU can help...!

* For those of you in favor of  Homeless Person's Bill of Rights and Fairness Act we have made it easy to contact Redding's Assembly Member Brian Dahle online, or reach him at (530) 223-6300 to let him know you wish him to support  the California "Homeless Person's Bill of Rights and Fairness Act" and vote YES !

Outside of Redding contacts for California State Assembly can be found here.

* Letters of support needed for the California Homeless Bill of Rights (AB 5).

If you are a California resident, please take a moment to send a letter of support to Assembly Member Ammiano's office. You may fax the letter to (916) 319-2117 or you may mail the letter to: Honorable Tom Ammiano, California State Assembly, State Capitol, Sacramento, CA 95814.  

* Make a difference - Use social media to spread the Word !

Pass and share this page link around on Facebook,  Tweet it , Google + ,  Blogs and Forums, etc...

Please take the time to fight for our less fortunate brothers and sisters and the American concept that the nation founded on the principle that all men are created equal will not tolerate practices and laws that unfairly single out homeless people and criminalize them for everyday living and life-sustaining activities.






Redding Coalition for the Homeless Supports the California Homeless Person's Bill of Rights and Fairness Act.

*******

UPDATE:

"At a meeting in Sacramento last week, we learned that the California State Assembly’s Appropriations Committee has killed all proposed legislations which were heard and then placed onto ‘suspense’ status during the last session. AB5 (Homeless Person’s Bill of Rights and Fairness Act) is one of those legislations. Our bill is officially dead.

More than a 100 social-justice based organizations have worked together to bring this piece of civil rights legislation to where it got.  Over the next six months, we will organize more vigorously and reach out to a broader base.  In 2014, we will be back with our Bill and will work to get it passed by the State’s Assembly, and moved on to the Senate. We will win this fight!

Local ordinances that criminalize sitting or sleeping in public spaces across the country are not the answer to homelessness."

W.R.A.P.


Saturday, March 16, 2013

Redding California Homeless - Handouts Do Help




I knew Robert when he took refuge under the covered entrance to Trinity Lutheran Church on Hilltop until they kicked him off the property several years ago. I have never witnessed him panhandling. Robert told me he was a Vietnam veteran, who often could be seen with a guitar. Apparently Robert spent the last years of his life sitting in front of the Target Department store. It is my understanding somebody ran over Roberts foot, and infection set in.

Folks in Target can tell you more, and they have been nice enough to purchase this memorial stand where this well known and loved homeless man dwelled.




 
Robert died of esophageal cancer which jives with what the folks told me at Target because they were not sure if it was the cancer or the gangrene or both that killed him.

*Folks working at Target gave him things periodically to survive and in the process monitored him.

*Folks working at Target noticed he was starting to fail healthwise and called help for him, so this homeless veteran didn't have to die on the street, but in the relative comfort of a health care facility.

*Folks working at Target bought and placed the thoughful memorial you see now next to the entrance of Target.

*Folks working at Target have proved again by their Love and Compassion that "Handouts Do Help"

No matter what the heartless have to say...


*******



I  came into contact with Robert Moore several times. During conversations around town in his lucid periods he was very soft spoken and at times you could see a sparkle in his eyes. He would always seem to make it to the food bank just about when we were ready to close, so I waived the 2x a month rule for him. He often needed sleeping bags, blankets, and other basic survival gear.

He was always so thankful and appreciative, and if he were still alive im sure he would tell you handouts do help.

Another poor soul fallen through the ever expanding cracks in Redding's social safety nets.

A touching personal tribute to an all to common tragic tale...

Marc Beauchamp: Fanfare for a Redding rock star

Two more tributes to Robert Moore


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Please meet Tony, a homeless man who has spent day and night during Redding's exceptionally cold winter outdoors. As hundreds of people a day pass by Tony across the street from the downtown post office, many of them leave love offerings... clothes, food, blankets, .......money.

Usually he can hobble over to the covered Raba bus station when it rains but he could not even get up when Fire and EMS arrived. He was hunched over all day which was very disturbing .
We noticed he was starting to fail healthwise and called help for him. I looked at the paramedic and said he was dying on that bench... He agreed

Redding Police and businesses are very hot to do a "Handouts Dont Help" campaign to try to drive some of the homeless out of town, As a Christian we are very much against as we could gage Tony's condition through out the day as we gave him love offerings

Tony spent over 2 weeks in the hospital.

As you can see, and if you were to ask Tony, handouts do help...


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A homeless senior citizen in her 70's who often panhandles to feed herself and feed her stray animal friends, Barbara or "Catwoman" camps out in the wooded area by the Sacramento River known as the Henderson Open Space. Recently she alleges that Bob Brannon, community work program officer for the Redding California Police Department has threatened to arrest her if she dident leave the Henderson area, and that she would loose her beloved pet dog.

She also alleges, as many homeless folks do, that Officer Brannon has taken her personal possesions and has cost her a great deal of money to replace. She loves to feed and take in unwanted stray dogs and cats, and it is said that she has developed a relationship with wild animals as well, feeding turtles and baby skunks as they rub up against her like baby kittens.

Unfortunatly when Bob Brannon discovers and raids her camp, he throws away any survival homeless camping gear she has managed to obtain.

Many, many homeless folks that live away from the Good News Rescue Mission wish to be self sufficient and panhandle for the most basic of survival needs, ( Tents, Sleeping Bags, Cooking Stoves, etc. ) which Officer Brannon of the Redding Police Department confiscates on a regular basis requiring folks like Barbara to panhandle to continually replace.

In order for many homeless folks in Redding and Shasta County to survive, your generous Handouts Do Help...


Redding Homeless Blog - Meet "Catwoman"


Redding Coalition for the Homeless

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Redding California Homeless - Tony







Please meet Tony, a homeless man who has spent day and night during Redding's exceptionally cold winter outdoors. As hundreds of people a day pass by Tony across the street from the downtown post office, many of them leave love offerings... clothes, food, blankets, .......money.

Tony has severe problems with his feet, and has a very hard time walking. For several months Tony was allowed to sit under cover of the Amtrack station on a bench, until construction has driven him to the spot you see today.

As you can see, and if you were to ask Tony, handouts do help...




Unfortunately homeless "Tony" could not make it through the night...
I looked at the paramedic and said he was dying on that bench... He agreed




Tony spent many months staying under the porch on a bench of the Redding Amtrack depot until construction forced him out on the bench across the street from the downtown Post Office on Yuba St..  Usually he can hobble over to the covered Raba bus station when it rains but he could not even get up when Fire and EMS arrived. He was hunched over all day which was very disturbing . Im sure he was very close to dying.

Redding Police and businesses are very hot to do a "Handouts Don't Help"  campaign to try to drive some of the homeless out of town, As a Christian we are very much against as we could gage Tony's condition through out the day as we gave him love offerings.






Les Kinny member of Redding Coalition for the Homeless offers Tony a hot breakfast on a cold morning
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UPDATE: 1/25/2013

I went to visit Tony at Shasta Regional Medical Center . The nurses said I had to wear a gown, gloves, and a mask.

As I approached his room the sickening smell of gangrene and rotting flesh met me in the hallway. Tony was mercifully asleep. His feet uncovered and unrecognizable at first, shocked me to no end. Although Tony is a black man, it was painfully obvious his feet looked dead, Tony in all probability will loose both legs as well as his feet...