On March 28 the Board of Supervisors heard an update from the Sheriff on the Vehicle Habitation Ordinance prohibiting people from sleeping in vehicles. Over 19 months since this complaint-driven ordinance was passed, there were 210 calls for Sheriff’s assistance. One hundred eleven were in the Russian River area, with 99 calls from the rest of the county, 20 citations issued, and 9 arrests. About 85% of calls did not result in ticketing or arrest. The Sheriff’s office found that this ordinance makes it easier to resolve problems that could not be resolved under traffic laws, and suggested there is decreased human habitation in vehicles. The Board of Supervisors accepted the report, and did not discuss ending the Vehicle Habitation Ordinance.

Several people addressed the Board on the ordinance. Nathan Acuna from California Human Development Corporation said there is fear among vineyard workers. These people have no place to call home, no place to lay down and sleep. Rev. Elizabeth Middleberg, from the River Faith-Based Coalition and the MCC Church in Guerneville reported that a couple of people in her church are homeless and have been arrested. Rev. Middleberg questioned the constitutionality of this ordinance, and noted the solution is a strong commitment to affordable housing. She asked that the Board provide another opportunity to hear the voices of people affected by this ordinance that creates a lot of fear for homeless folks.

Margo Warnecke Merck, Chairperson of Community Housing Development Corporation of Santa Rosa talked about the North County Housing Group working on sites for farmworker and affordable housing. Margo asked that when those sites come to the Board of Supervisors for approval, they be aware of the great need. Margo asked that the Sheriff continue to be lenient with enforcement of the ordinance.

David Grabill, an attorney with the Housing Advocacy Group, reported that since the city closed the Armory shelter, the number of homeless beds has gone down. More people have to live on the streets. Many homeless are disabled. People are in difficult straights. There have been court cases in other areas challenging these ordinances. Mr. Grabill asked that the Supervisors look for ways to provide safe parking areas. Susan Lowry from the Russian River Faith-Based Coalition noted there are no shelters or service centers west of Santa Rosa to serve the many homeless people in West County. Families sleep outdoors and in cars. She asked for services for homeless people in underserved areas.

This article’s author pointed out there’s been no affordable housing development at the River in over 20 years. When housing is lacking, there is a social justice issue with this ordinance. Mental Health funding may help some homeless people, but not all are mentally ill. Working poor, farmworkers, and a range of disabilities are represented among the homeless. Historically, about 20% of children in the Guerneville School are homeless. Parents priced out of housing are afraid to turn to anyone for help, lest they be arrested and their children taken. The ordinance makes reference to permits for camping. Nancy said locations are needed where homeless people are permitted to camp or park their cars. Homeless people are dealing with basic survival and need compassionate solutions. Turning people into criminals through this ordinance compounds their problems. Nancy requested that the Supervisors designate public land as an alternative location for homeless people to park, and that permitted camping be provided in West and North County until real housing solutions can be created.