The Safe Parking Site on Oklahoma Avenue for housing the homeless has predictably failed, and the county is now wondering what to do about the squalid encampment and its residents. As SLO County Homeless Services Manager Joe Dzvonik admitted to New Times (“No more vacancy,” March 9), “It isn’t working.”
The program is “no longer accepting new participants.” Translated: The lot is full because the current residents won’t leave.
The original objective was doomed from the start. Dzvonik and now former SLO County Administrative Officer Wade Horton told New Times that it “failed to meet its goal of being a temporary solution for its unhoused participants.” Janna Nichols of the 5Cities Homeless Coalition said, “I envisioned people coming in, parking at night, and leaving.” But, in an outcome that shouldn’t have surprised anyone, the lot quickly filled as the residents arrived, settled in, and never left, despite a “contract” in which they promised to leave within 90 days. As Supervisor Bruce Gibson observed, this was “a learning curve” for the county.
Nobody was happy with the outcome. To the residents, the program failed to provide them with the supportive services they wanted. A few months ago, they even formed a “union” to represent them against the county, although this seems to be a misinterpretation of the function of a union. While a typical union uses the threat of work or rent stoppages to extract concessions, it is unclear just how residents who are residing for free could “strike.” But it sounds militant, which may be the point.
Service providers like SLO Homeless Services and the Community Action Partnership of SLO found failure in their inability to effectively organize, utilize, and deliver services. Instead of judging the program by whether or not it turned the homeless into sober and self-reliant people, they seemed to measure the success of the “process” of providing services, over the desired end result of changing the life trajectories of the homeless.
Still, the residents of Los Osos and other areas where the homeless had previously camped at least enjoyed some temporary relief.
The failure is quite visible. Not only does the encampment now consist of a collection of usually derelict RVs and other vehicles, tarps, and bountiful debris, but the presence of the camp has apparently created security concerns nearby. Cyclone fencing has also been recently added to nearby county facilities to address what appears to be new problems of theft near the camp. It does not appear to be a good neighbor.
This outcome was sadly predictable. When you have individuals, most of whom are suffering a downward spiral of addiction or mental illness, and who are driving a collection of older RVs and other vehicles at the end of their useful lifespans, how else could it have possibly played out? If you are homeless and your decrepit vehicle becomes inoperable, how could you leave? If you find yourself in a desirable place like SLO, why would you want to leave? Regardless of rules or any “contract” that you may have signed, you’re going to stay. It was never realistic to expect otherwise, and the residents understood that the county wasn’t likely to do anything as harsh as evict them.
In a beautiful place like SLO, where people are willing to pay $160 per night to camp at Flying Flags in Avila, it is no surprise that free camping would quickly fill up.
I sympathize with county government and its difficult situation. The foolish Martin v. Boise decision effectively requires government to provide housing or a camping location for however many homeless may find their way here, or they won’t be able to keep the homeless from camping in residential areas.
We can’t “fix” homelessness, which is caused by far more intractable problems than just a lack of affordable housing. As long as the Boise decision stands, we are stuck with the homeless, so the best that we can do is to manage the problem so as to minimize the impact on the rest of us.
How do we replace the Oklahoma Avenue facility? We should at least realistically anticipate and plan for how things will play out at the replacement. Many residents will arrive, and few will be able or willing to leave, and it will quickly reach full capacity. The camp will accumulate plentiful junk and dead vehicles. There will be crime in the camp and nearby, as well as the random craziness that accompanies addiction and mental illness. Fires and injuries will be a threat. The placement of the new facility should keep these problems in mind.
Instead, why not just increase the number of shelter spaces so that there will always be space available? This would satisfy the Boise requirements so that the government could again enforce parking and public camping laws, and would eliminate the problem of a camp full of dead vehicles and squalor. Rules prohibiting intoxicants could be enforced. The facility should be located far from any residential area. Δ
John Donegan is a retired attorney in Pismo Beach who wishes he had all the answers. Respond with a commentary submitted to letters@newtimesslo.com.
This article appears in May 11-21, 2023.
Homelessness will only increase with providing additional “programs” like safe housing. We are throwing good money after bad. New laws need to be passed that will stand the scrutiny in court and existing laws need to be enforced. If they’re violating their “agreement” move them out. If they posses drugs, arrest them. If they have outstanding warrants do the same. Enough negative attention will make them move voluntarily. It’s human nature.
People in RVs often don’t prefer shelter so not a valid solution. It sounds like the lot was not well managed–and that was the failure.
Wow, Mr. Donegan steps away from the culture wars to address a local problem. I’ll admit, I’m not that versed in the plight of the homeless (I just know there are too many of them) but his op-ed is excellent in the fact that it states a problem, gives details of that problem and then provides potential solutions. In the past, he has simply attacked a group and then blamed the problem on “looney liberals.” Kudos to him for providing a meaningful column to the New Times.
@Maureen Ewing: Accommodating the preferences of the homeless is not the objective, but satisfying the legal requirements to once again enforce public camping and parking laws is. Caring for the homeless, and attending to the problems that they cause, is a burden we did not seek, and it would be foolish to try and keep them “comfortable”. While the homeless might prefer to stay in their vehicles and consume their intoxicant of choice, a stay in a supervised shelter won’t hurt them a bit, and might even help them focus on fixing their addiction. And if they find it intolerable, it will offer them the choice of either getting sober so that they can exercise more autonomy over where they live, or moving on. In either case, problem solved.
@Michael Smith: Space constraints prevented me from adding that “looney liberals” were the cause of the whole problem.
Yes..looney liberals is right
Fascinating insight from one of SLO’s brightest minds. We should simply expel anyone without a permanent home. Looking forward to John’s next follow up where he can lay out the final solution.
@Neighborhood: Another great idea from SLO’s most dazzling intellect. How about we house the homeless at YOUR home?
Hahahaha. Either forcibly expel people or house them in your literal home with you. These are the two options. Embarrassing, John.
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Good Morning John! Tracy Lukehart Here. I want to use this image of you in my “show”? Is this OK. And here’s an eFlyer! So we’re posting it at 4AM the morning of Saturday September 19th. It is without permission and “all that jazz” and the images will wheat pasted up. They are large and thin papered so the texture of the surface below will be part of the “art.” People may not like some so they might tear or mark something, becoming part of the art too! The weather could effect them. The harbor patrol (though in the show) could be ordered to take them down. Some images could last awhile or the whole thing vanished. It’s all part of the act. Anyway, hope you like this image and hope you get out to the end of Harford Pier for the “outdoor museum”!
Hope you are well. Tracy Lukehart 707-372-8546
This guy says hes me at calpoly
JOHN P. LEFFLER, PE
EDUCATION
FORCON
INTERNATIONAL
Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 1993 – emphasis: mechanical design Pi Tau Sigma – Honorary Mechanical Engineering Fraternity
REGISTRATIONS & CERTIFICATIONS
Licensed Professional Engineer (Mechanical) in GA, FL, AL, NC, SC, PA, VA, MS, HI, TN, TX, AR, LA
Board Certified Diplomate in Forensic Engineering through NAFE, a CESB Member Board
Certified Automobile Technician – ASE
Powered Access Licensed-Registration: Operator, Mobile Vertical & Mobile Boom personnel lifts – IPAF / AWPT Certified Forklift Operator – OSHA
FAA Part 107 Airman Certificate for commercial drone operation
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
Member, ANSI A112.19.1 Project Team on Enameled Cast Iron and Enameled Steel Plumbing Fixtures American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP)
Member, ANSI A1264 Accredited Standards Committee on Slip and Trip Prevention
Vice-Chair, Subcommittee A1264.2
ASTM International (formerly American Society for Testing and Materials)
Vice-Chair, Technical Committee F13 – Pedestrian/Walkway Safety & Footwear
Chair, Subcommittee F13.10 – Traction
Primary author: ASTM F2948 – Standard Guide to Walkway Auditor Qualifications
Chair, Subcommittee F15.03 – Safety Standards for Bathtubs & Shower Structures
Former Chair, Technical Committee E58 – Forensic Engineering
Primary author: ASTM E2713 – Standard Guide to Forensic Engineering International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials
Slip Resistance Task Group – ANSI Swimming Pool, Spa & Hot Tub Technical Standards Committee National Academy of Forensic Engineers (NAFE) – Senior Member
Past President, Board of Directors
Former Technical Editor – Journal of the NAFE
National Council of Examiners for Engineering & Surveying (NCEES)
Member, Mechanical PE test preparation Committee
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
Member, NFPA 101 Life Safety Code Means of Egress Committee
CAREER HISTORY – ENGINEERING
FORCON International, Atlanta GA: Forensic Mechanical Engineer (2/03-present). Conduct forensic engineering investigations and provide expert witness testimony related to:
Pedestrian walkway safety: analyze slip resistance, fall hazards, other extrinsic factors, and codes/standards
compliance. Researcher in pedestrian safety, bathing surface safety, and walkway tribometer reliability.
Consumer products and mechanical equipment: analysis of design, manufacturing, installation, maintenance,
usage, and codes/standards compliance issues. Specialties: machinery, power tools, furniture, powered lifts.
Vehicle mechanical issues: analysis of brake, driveline, suspension, wheel/hub, steering, and other systems.
Development, administration, and applicability of technical consensus standards.
Workplace accidents: analysis of extrinsic factors & OSHA compliance.
Slip-Test Inc., Atlanta GA: Consultant (8/10-present). Responsible for engineering, R&D, manufacturing coordination, sales, and servicing of Brungraber-designed walkway friction testing devices (“tribometers”).
John Leffler, PE ● 800-390-0980 ● http://www.forcon.com Page 1 of 5 May 2021
CAREER HISTORY – ENGINEERING – continued
Precistems, Incorporated: Owner of product engineering consulting company (9/98-12/06). Conducted PDM implementations for several manufacturers. Lead designer of four Sears Craftsman power tools. Used 3D CAD modeling to design products, including housings, gears & internals. Ensured compliance with applicable standards.
Panasonic Wireless / MMCD: (5/98-9/98) Contracted to transition company from one 3D CAD system to another one, and to set up an engineering data management system. Configured new CAD workstations and related peripherals. Created all CAD and data management process infrastructure. Created user guides and trained users.
Motorola Energy Systems Group: (9/97-5/98) Designed AC power supply enclosures for cellphones. Designed an international AC adapter system used on several power supplies. Additional design tasks included extensive research into applicable safety standards (UL, ISO, IEC, BS, AS) for England, Germany, Australia, USA, and the European Union. Designed the power supply housings for the high-volume StarTAC and V-series phones.
Firearms Training Systems: (10/96-9/97, 4/93-4/94) Design of training weapon simulators. Responsible for production release of a military mortar simulator line, with over 80 manufactured components. Designed three firearm simulator conversions. Wrote the mechanical engineering sections of a proposal for an $8M ship simulator.
Decibel Products, Inc.: (3/96-9/96) Responsible mechanical engineer for modular panel antenna production line. Extensively involved with quality troubleshooting. Initiated many process improvements.
Herman Miller, Incorporated: (5/94-3/96) Design of custom office furniture system products. Developed a line of modular bank teller gates, with 20 unique versions. Participated in process improvement teams.
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution: (6/91-9/91) Summer employment during college. Assisted with mechanical and CAD design of the prototype Autonomous Benthic Explorer (ABE), a deep-sea research submarine.
CAREER HISTORY – AUTOMOTIVE
Ohio State University – College of Mechanical Engineering: created a complete & competitive design for the school’s Formula SAE racecar during sophomore year of college (1990), prior to transferring to Georgia Tech. Project leader for the construction of the racecar and its entry in the 1991 intercollegiate competition. Desig
Sheriffs told me get flight checks too since fifteen load bottes wine an my flight instructor david lincoln here too since fifteen secretary real ms pretty playboy My Ralph Lefflers ww2 navy writes checks gives to me hand out to david lincoln not jeff barton ww2 205 airplanes backseat drinkin wine fly around airport slo airport has crows flocks watch out for an my prom date karen hart not hart 89ca an 5clI airport wine vineyards dont help me as Homeless not Other Angel russle 2016 50now shes hawaiin university no money juggle adam hill an gary leffler ididnt have vic card dd214 proof 165.00 msg harris sayin sp4 not avaiable sep30 closings
Bases s://www.smartbackgroundchecks.com › … John Leffler (105) in Toms River, NJ (732)244-5232 – Perfil de fondo … According to our latest records, John H Leffler is 20 years old but … Camp Roberts Sp4 Told756 2727 Carrigan Calpoly Social Experiment Homeless Im John … You visited this page on 2/26/22.
Gold Star or NExt of Kin Lapel Button inquiry
Narrative
Sir, you’re speaking with a public affairs representative for the Rock Island Arsenal. It sounds like you need assistance with a multitude of items and the Garrison is not the office where you need to contact. I’m getting a couple things here… you’re mother Gladys Leffler passed away in 2015 and your father Staff Sergeant Dennis Leffler was never notified. You’re asking if “they” are required to notify (housin on based 8286 insuraneces?) and something to do with $100,000 SGLI — which would be Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance — something about ompf, perhaps you mean OPF which is Official Personnel Folder thus pertaining to your father’s official service record and his SF180 and Social Security Number and those items going to State Farm Insurance. If the service member had SGLI then it is only good for the time the individual is on active duty, unless the service member elected to continue his SGLI passed that point and then it would become VGLI, which isn’t automatic and paperwork would need to have been filled out with the Veterans Administration to make that happen. If you’re here in Scott County the VA representative here would be able to assist you much better with this issue as personnel on Rock Island Arsenal do not have access to service members records or have anything to do with veterans’ VGLI. The Scott County VA Representative is Ben Enlow who can be reached at 563-326-8723 or through email at benjamin.enlow@scottcountyiowa.com
Reverend David lincoln
Type Flight Aircraft Instruction
REGISTRATION CURRENT
License #A1126266
Address
27819 176th Ave W
Illinois City, IL 61259
KY2Z5 cia comments sent too
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On Sep 15, 2020, at 8:55 AM, John L wrote:
Good morning. My name is Jeff Barton and I’m calling for Mr. John lafleur. We had a fax we received here at Elliot Aviation and Moline Illinois. Looking for his old log books or something and I’ve been here for 33 years and I know for a fact that we do not have any. Log books and left anymore. I mean for the past people that it may have left behind we destroyed those a few years ago. So. Unfortunately, I’m sorry, we can’t help you but we do not have any old log books here that may prove that you were a pilot or a student at one point in time phone number here is 309-799-3183. If you should want to call and discuss with me thank you.
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Judgments ( 1 )
# Name
1 Janet Leffler
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Court Phone Number Filling Location
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Janet Leffler
609 Irene Ave Fort Wayne, IN 46808 INALLS1
2194497330
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