Officer kept on homeless duty

Of all the recommendations to assist Laguna’s homeless population, none has been more successful than the appointment of a community outreach police officer, according to an update presented Tuesday to the City Council.

Officer Jason Farris began his duties in February, an interim appointment recommended by the Homeless Task Force. The City Council voted unanimously to keep Farris on duty for at least another year.

“His ability to get to know the homeless folks is outstanding,” Assistant City Manager John Pietig told the council.

Pietig’s remarks were part of a six month-review on the implementation of 14 task force recommendations.

Highlights included using the Homeless Court system that finds help for the homeless who brush up against the law.

“The Homeless Court has offered to officiate part time in Laguna Beach, and I think it is a good idea,” said Councilman Kelly Boyd, who sponsored the city’s Homeless Task Force.

He recalled from younger days that court used to be in the Council Chambers at City Hall.

Other task force objectives that have been implemented:

 Holding a community forum to address the problems and inform the public how to help

 A collaborative program with the Chamber of Commerce and the Visitors Bureau to produce educational fliers to be distributed to downtown businesses and a new website to instruct people on how to donate to organizations that provide services to the homeless rather than a direct handout.

Obsolete parking meters are being painted and will be installed as an alternative to panhandlers.

Police Chief Michael Sellers said the department had completed assessments of the number of homeless in Laguna, estimated at 65, and the effectiveness of police contacts and assistance and Homeless Court options

Staff also is working with Laguna Beach Resource Center Chairman Ed Sauls to find a site for a multiservice center for the homeless, as recommended by the task force.

“We are in negotiation for a new location for the center,” Sauls said. “Assuming it succeeds, we will ask for a conditional use permit for the new location, which will not be unlike what we are doing now, except maybe some emergency housing.”

BARBARA DIAMOND can be reached at (949) 494-4321 or [email protected].