1 9C Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council City Hall Torrance, California Members of the Council: Council Meeting of June 22, 2021 SUPPLEMENTAL #1 SUBJECT: City Manager - Item 9C Supplemental Materials - Approve City of Torrance Plan to Prevent and Combat Homelessness. Please find attached correspondence pertaining to item 9C. CONCUR: Aram Chaparyan City Manager .... Respectfully submitted, r<aww~ ¥ Viet Hoang Deputy City Manager {fl SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL
Transcript
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9C
Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
City Hall Torrance, California
Members of the Council:
Council Meeting of June 22, 2021
SUPPLEMENTAL #1
SUBJECT: City Manager - Item 9C Supplemental Materials - Approve City of Torrance Plan to Prevent and Combat Homelessness.
Please find attached correspondence pertaining to item 9C.
CONCUR:
~ Aram Chaparyan City Manager
....
Respectfully submitted,
r<aww~ ¥ Viet Hoang
Deputy City Manager
{fl SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL
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-----0 rigi na I Message----
From: Kathleen Davis [mailto: Sent: Wednesday, June 16, 20214:55 AM To: Council Meeting Public Comment <[email protected]>
Subject: Homeless site
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With respect to the courthouse parking lot temporary homeless housing proposal, my concerns are the location to the soccer field and nearby residential housing. As a resident of Torrance Gardens, I am not
in favor of this proposal.
Would you agree to a homeless shelter within walking distance to your home?
The intention to help the homeless is admirable, and I do appreciate your efforts. May I suggest a
further review at city property areas that would not involve proximity to residential subdivisions? Perhaps vacant commercial structures that could be converted for housing could be considered.
Thank you for your time. Kathleen Davis Torrance Gardens resident
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From: Arcuri, Michael F [mailto:
Sent: Wednesday, June 16, 2021 6:10 PM To: Council Meeting Public Comment <[email protected]> Subject: Public Comment
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Good Evening,
As a homeowner in Torrance on Maple Ave I strongly oppose the the location of the purposed homeless shelter at the Civic center. I have 2 young children who frequent these surrounding areas. I urge you to vote against the shelter at the civic center in Torrance. I have spoken to many of our neighbors who feel the same way and will also be voicing there opinion. Please vote No.
Thank you Micheal Arcuri Get Outlook for iOS
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From: Melanie Gallagher [mailto: Sent: Thursday, June 17, 202110:59 AM To: Council Meeting Public Comment <[email protected]> Subject: Torrance Civic Center
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Re: Torrance Homeless Encampment at Civic Center We purchased a home in Torrance Gardens (directly across from the Library and Plunge) due to the safety of the city and reputation of the schools.
What was once a spot where kids could safely set up lemonade stands for the Armed Forces Parade and 4th of July celebration, I'm afraid, is going to become a place where I don't feel safe even walking outside my front door. Inmates being released from jail and walking down Torrance Blvd to the liquor store or camping out at the bus stops on both corners of my street has already been an ongoing problem. Explaining to my child what's going on when she sees someone smoking crack literally outside her bedroom window, or why a man has set up a tent with 50 shopping bags (full of god knows what) has the legal right to do so, has already been a concern, and this was before a homeless encampment was across the street. But, to transform the parking lot where I teach my child to ride her bike and roller skate into a home for potentially violent drug addicts and people with mental problems is terrifying. The place I take my child for swim lessons, dance and art classes, and TOCA events is about to become a stomping ground for the homeless community. I feel the City of Torrance is failing the residents, especially those who live in close proximity to the Civic Center. I grew up with family members with mental issues and drug addictions, so I have a great deal of empathy for those who cannot help themselves, but I am extremely disappointed in how my once quaint home of Torrance Gardens is handling where this encampment would be located; it is way too close to houses, schools, churches, the library and poolplaces where children could be exposed to unsuitable behavior. I have first-hand experience with this. I absolutely agree that tents at parks are not an option and I'm all for helping those who need/want help, but I ask that you please reconsider the location for this proposed housing and choose a less populated area such as an industrial site or enclosed space in a non-residential area. Thank you, Melanie and Mike Gallagher
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Comment for Agenda Item #9 A - See attached presentation for consideration of expanding the T01i-ance Homeless Shelter tradespace.
Questions for Agenda Item #9A (updated list since ofiicial plan #9A has been published) I) What is the proposed timeline for installation of the Torrance Homeless Shelter?
2) Which Torrance City Councilman represents the area for the proposed Homeless Shelter location?
3) Considering the current proposed location (Torrance Civic Center, see Ref A, below), what are the planned impacts to the Kinecta Soccer Center use? 4) Planned min and max number of homeless for placement in the Torrance Homeless Shelter?
6) Planned size (acres or sq yards or sq meters) for the Torrance Homeless Shelter, including additional needed services adjoining the Homeless shelter (see #7a to #7f)?
7) Planned accommodations (i.e., see list directly below #7a to #7f) for those placed at the Torrance Homeless Shelter?
7a) lavatories
7b) medical
7c) meal preparation and serving
7d) education
7e) therapy
7t) transportation
8) What means will be used to disseminate updates to the residents of the applicable Torrance District (i.e., District 3 residents for placement at the Torrance Civic Center) for Torrance Homeless Shelter placement construction and operation'?
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9) If homeless to be placed at the Torrance Homeless Shelter include those where Megan's Law* may apply, by which means will local residents be notified?
I 0) Who is the City of Torrance point of contact for additional questions?
*See attached screenshot of current Megan's Law offenders in the 90503 zip code as of 7 June 2021. Note that while IO "offender" pins are present on the map, the website mentions "postable offenders: 1044" (see top of screen in the attached image).
You have my pennission to use this email message during your discussions on the topic of the Torrance Homeless Shelter.
Ref B :https://classschedule. torranceca.gov /wbwsc/webtrac. wsc/
Thank you,
James Lake
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Expanded Tradespace for Torrance Homeless Shelter
By: James Lake
18 June 2021
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Introduction
• The City of Torrance can leverage commercial properties to expand the tradespace of available locations for the new Homeless Shelter
• Minimum Requirements: (based on Redondo Beach example) • Land: Min Area 0.2 acres (30 person) • Shelters: 15 (2-person each) • Facilities: 5 PortaJohns, 5 PortaSinks, 1 Shower Trailer, 1 Meeting Tent • Power: 1 Generator • Parking: 3 spaces • NOTE: Redondo Beach shelter located on Commercial Property across from 1400
Kingsdale Ave, Redondo Beach, CA
• City of Los Angeles1,2 also considering Commercial Property for Homeless Shelter locations
1 https: //sign a lscv .co m/20 21/0 2 /1-a-cou nty-to-1 oo k-a t-vaca nt -com merci a I-pro pe rty-f o r-affo rda b le-and-home le ss-hou sing/ 2 https://www.esseltek.com/blog/la-vacant-commercial-space-for-affordable-housing/
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Example: Redondo Beach Homeless Shelter
• Located on Commercial Property
• Spacing from Nearby Properties: • Retail: 80' from wall to wall (nearest distance)
• City Park: 550' (El Nido Park, Note that green area to west of shelter is Pacific Crest Cemetary, not a park)
• Residential: 570' (18225 Kingsdale Ave, Redondo Beach, CA)
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Torrance: Potential Civic Center Locations
• RB Example • #1 Courthouse1
• Spacing from Nearby • Spacing from Nearby Properties : Properties:
• Retail: 80'
• City Park: 550'
• Residential: 570'
• Retail: 420' (Kaiser Permanente)
• City Park: 340' (Toyota Sports Complex)
• Residential: 420' (804 Maple Ave, Torrance, CA)
• #2 Civic Center
• Spacing from Nearby Properties:
• Retail: O' (Considering Pool, Library and other Public Services)
Proposed Location Spacing to Nearby Residents Very Low
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Torrance: Potential Civic Center Locations • Courthouse
• Civic Center
• NOTE: If proximity to police department is required1, then colocation with park and residences should not be allowed
• Factual Report2 indicates 56% increase in crime< 100m (328') from shelter with crime increasing to 400m (1,312') from shelter
1 Redondo Beach Homeless Shelter not co-located with police department 1 https://cri m .sas. upen n.ed u/sites/def au It/files/Ridgeway Effect%20of%20Emergency%20Shelters-v5 1.2.2018. pdf
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Expanding the Homeless Shelter Tradespace
• Given the established minimum spacing with the current proposed locations, we can add several more locations using Commercial Property
• Use of Commercial Property Cost: • Can incentivize property owner be selecting those areas currently not in use,
and therefore are not generating revenue for the owner • Further incentive can be 50% reduction in property tax for the participating
owner(s) • NOTE: Using Google Maps 1, the City of Torrance has> 2,500 acres of
Commercial Property • Given the Homeless Shelter will use < 2.5 acres, the total "lost property tax
income" will be< {2.5/2500}*0.50 = 0.0005 or less than 0.05% of the total Commercial Property tax income
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10nly areas within the 6 Districts of Torrance Cost to use Commercial Property is Negligible
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10 Potential Commercial Property Locations (acres) Distan~~>to Park (ft)
To: Council Meeting Public Comment <[email protected]> Subject: Public Comment
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Dear City Council I am writing to provide Public Comment on item 98 Modifying the Anti-camping ordinance for the June 22, 2021 city council meeting. Please maintain the anti-camping ordinance for the Torrance Beaches and add prohibition of camping, tent living, and sleeping on streets, sidewalks, parks, and public spaces. This will help reduce the number of homeless and prevent the increase of new homeless individuals in Torrance.
The city government has an obligation to protect its citizens, including the homeless on drugs and alcohol. Allowing people to live on the streets, habitually under the influence of drugs and alcohol, is cruel because their lives are significantly shortened due to the unhealthy lifestyle. Allowing homeless the option ofliving and sleeping in the public places encourages more people to choose homelessness rather than trying to get help for their addiction.
People have commented on the news and the Next Door App that they have relatives with addictions who are homeless and although they want to help them, they are not able to because living on the streets and not being bothered is the easier path for the addicted. Prior to becoming homeless the best choice and the more difficult choice for the addicted is to stay in their home with family or friends and get addiction or mental health treatment. If the option to live and sleep in public spaces is removed, then it becomes easier to choose the path of staying housed and getting help.
There needs to be a law put in place as soon as possible that prohibits living in tents on the beach and in parks, sleeping on sidewalks, alleyways, parking lots and public spaces, so that people will be deterred from the homeless lifestyle. The city council and police force have the responsibility to pass and enforce laws that discourage this lifestyle, which does not provide human dignity and ends in an early death. Going to jail and spending a few nights sobering up with healthy meals is better than living homeless on the streets, and it allows family and friends to locate and help their loved ones again.
Thank you, Kathy Hospodar
Redondo Beach
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From: Monika Cardinale [mailto: Sent: Friday, June 18, 2021 3: 13 PM To: Council Meeting Public Comment <[email protected]> Subject: Public Comment
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Dear Council Members and Mayor:
Let's keep Ton-ance safe and clean!
I SUPPORT: 9A - Temporary homeless shelter plan 9B - No camping ordinance in Ton-ance 9C - Homeless plan
I urge a "yes" vote on all three proposals.
Thank you, Monika Cardinale
Sent from Mail for Windows I 0
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From: Gary Cardinale [mailto: Sent: Friday, June 18, 2021 4:14 PM To: Council Meeting Public Comment <[email protected]> Subject: RE: Public Comment
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Dear Council Members and Mayor:
l applaud you for being proactive with the homeless problem.
lam fully in support of the following agenda items: 9A - Temporary homeless shelter plan 98 - No camping ordinance in Torrance 9C - Homeless plan
l urge a ··yes" vote on all three proposals.
Thank you, Gary Cardinale
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From: Arthur Christopher Schaper [mailto:
Sent: Sunday, June 20, 2021 7:30 PM To: Council Meeting Public Comment <[email protected]>
Subject: Public Comment: Regarding Items 9A through 9C
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To the Ton-ance City Council:
First of all, I share that it is very frustrating that the city dragged its feet for nearly two years to solve the homelessness problem in the city of Ton-ance, which has only grown increasingly worse. Manhattan Beach, CA addressed this problem very effectively three years ago. This kind of delay for necessary policy direct cannot become the nonn in the city of Ton-ance.
Based on the documents in Item 9C, overall homelessness in the City of Ton-ance increased from 79 to 322 people. This is unconscionable.
Regarding the three specific Administrative Agenda items:
9A: "Staff has recommended pursuing one of the two concepts that can be located entirely on City property, with the 34-space parking lot immediately adjacent to the Police Department as the prcfen-ed activation."
If this is the best location that the city can find, entirely within city property, thus removing the need to spend more funds to purchase property, then so be it. If a better lot, in an abandoned industrial location in the city, can be obtained, then that would be a better choice.
98: I am glad to see that the anti-camping ordinance will preclude individuals from setting up tents in the park, as well as in other public locations throughout the city, including the beaches. In Wilson Park, over the last few months I have noticed a homeless person would routinely take up tables on the East side of the park, and this person would just leave a shopping cart full of bags. It was unsightly and disruptive. Thankfully, it appears that that person and the person's belongings have been removed.
Will this ordinance ensure that homeless individuals do not loiter in the public parks, as well, taking up multiple benches and tables with collected bags and other junk? This is still a possible problem that should be addressed and prevented.
9C: I am vocally opposed to anv programs in connection with the South Bav Citv Council of Governments (SBCCOG). The last thing that any city needs is to form a further incestuous relationship with larger government agencies and bureaucracies. Frankly. the city of Ton-ance
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should exist the SBCCOG and retain our city funds for our own purposes. This is a terrible part of the plan which needs to be rejected outright.
This passage alone shows that our tax dollars not helping our local purposes:
In 2020 - 21, Measure H funds were made available to Council of Governments (COGs), including the SBCCOG, which covers a number of cities in the region, including Torrance, as part of "Innovation Grants." The SBCCOG received $739,685. The City of Redondo Beach received $245,287, and the Torrance received $50,000 to support retention of an Outreach Worker. The remaining $444,398 was used by the SBCCOG for regional projects, including education and outreach, development of a home sharing program, and providing client aid funds.
The vast majority of the monies are going to "regional projects." This is outrageous!
I strongly suggest that the city of Torrance maintain the strongest relationship connections with the city of Manhattan Beach and continue to follow their example, to the extent that they have successfully dealt with this homelessness issue while retaining the quality oflife and character of their community.
I notice that the PLAN TO PREVENT AND COMBAT HOMELESSNESS stresses an extensive amount of education. I do not see the relevance or use of training every city employee how to deal with homelessness. Perhaps the police and fire departments, but that's it.
Furthennore, a simple plan which identifies that for many people on the streets, they are there because of drug use/abuse or mental health issues. Will there be any enforcement mechanisms to require chronically homeless individuals to receive help, get sober, etc. so that they can get back to living fulfilling and productive lives? I did not see any provided or even considered in the plan.
Last of all, my concems--and the concerns of a growing number of residents in the city--have only grown in regards to government agencies and bureaucracies viewing the homelessness problem as just another way to hire more employees and seek more government funding. Homelessness is not going to solved with massive interventions of government monev and material provision. If the city of Torrance gets into the "business" of handing out goods, services etc. the city government jwill not resolve but rather increase the homeless problem.
The city of Torrance, at the very least, must send a clear message discouraging transients and chronic homeless from coming to the city, wandering our streets, disturbing the public and residential areas, and blocking the thoroughfare and commerce of residents and businesses in the city. Six months ago, I dealt with a homeless individual who was either inebriated or mentally ill. He was walking westbound on Monterey Street five blocks away from the US Post Office. He had a bottle of some kind and threw it a parked car. One passerby, a mother with her child, was very alanned by the violent behavior from the transient. She was relieved that I called the police. The transient then began wandering eastbound toward Crenshaw Blvd. The Torrance Police arrived, and they confronted the individual for a few minutes, then let him go.
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As I have just related, 1 have directly encountered his homeless situation, specifically with a potentially violent altercation. Moreover, it has been quite alanning to see homeless taking up space in a number of the bus stop benches throughout the city and even on sidewalks in front of businesses along a number of strip malls throughout the city, too. This problem needs proper controls and enforcement protocols, not a bunch of trainings and overly-funded government junkets. There should be basic strategies in place to discourage transients, squatting, and increased movement of homeless into the city of Torrance, at the verv least.
Last of all, I would advise disbanding the Social Services Commission and simply allow the professionals and well-established experts in dealing with homeless issues continue to take the lead on handling issues such as homelessness, as well as veterans issue and mental health concerns in the community. If after all their input and meetings, they have come up with mostly more paperwork and a few "toiletry giveaways", they have long outlived their usefulness.
Sincerely,
A11hur Christopher Schaper is a blogger, writer, and commentator on topics both timeless and timely; political, cultural, and eternal. A life-long Southern California resident, Arthur currently lives in To1i-ance. Follow his biogs at The State of the Union and As He Is, So Are We Ministries. Townhall.com Contributor Barbwire.com Contributor Canada Free Press Contributor Email: PayPal:
"It does not take a majority to prevail ... but rather an irate, tireless minority, keen on setting brushfires of freedom in the minds of men." -- Samuel Adams
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Torrance City Council,
I am very disappointed that the same city council-members that are supposed to be looking out for their constituents are behind closed doors working on their own political agendas. Instead of listening to us, the residents of the area, and the tax paying Citizens of the City of Torrance, you are more concerned with how to please each other's political agendas. I am so disappointed at the Torrance City Council and the City Manager, who have not considered the concerns of the community members whose everyday lives will be forever affected negatively with this decision to put homeless pods next to the police station. My family and I are all for helping house the homeless and instead of just talking about it, we have actually actively have worked on doing so; however, there has to be a better location than in the middle of a family friendly neighborhood.
The other thing that bothers me is that other than the Honorable Mayor Fury and the City Councilmen Chen and Mattucci, no other council-members even bothered to return my email to have a discussion about this important issue. The Honorable Mayor and the City Councilman Mattucci were not forthcoming in my communications with them about the location; while all along they already had made a decision to build the homeless pods next to the police station which is proven by the upcoming vote. City Manager and the City Councils self-serving decision will not affect their lifestyles or family but ours, who live in the adjacent community.
In case the rest of you missed it, the rest of America is up in anns about police officers dealing with homeless and the mentally ill. Instead, they are asking to keep police away from the mentally ill and the homeless, and rather to have trained social workers deal with the homeless and the mentally ill because homelessness and being mentally ill is not a crime.
Sadly, most of the homeless in the City of Torrance do not want help because it comes with rules and they do not want to follow the rules. I hear some of the supporters of this location, most of whom do not live in the area, say that it is a perfect location because Police officers can keep an eye on the homeless, arc you guys really that nai·ve?? I hope not. The police can do absolutely nothing other than giving a ticket,which does not resolve any long-tenn community issues related to homelessness. In case you were not paying attention, the current lack of prosecution of crimes is the new nonn in our County and State, just stop and ask a police officer. The Torrance Police Officers are also against this housing location because it will further increase the volume of their calls for service in the area. We all need to come together, work together, and collaborate
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on the best options with transparency rather than hiding behind the closed session of The City Council meetings.
Furthennore, the decision to put the pods next to the police station, Galaxy Soccer Field, the courthouse, two schools Madrona Middle School, Fem Elementary School, Plunge, library, church and the residential area will have direct negative quality oflife affects in our community. The surrounding area will become a haven for the vagrants and the trash they leave behind. This location is also located directly next to where our City Council wants to have a fourth of July fireworks show as well.
If Redondo Beach homeless pods are the shining example of success, I have even more concerns. At least the City of Redondo Beach had the foresight to place the housing units behind a commercial area and away from direct public contact. Another interesting fact is that it is placed at the farthest away point from the Redondo Beach Police Department. It is placed at the border of the City of Torrance and if you would like to see the direct negative effects of that just swing by the El Nido Park. Or visit some of the neighboring businesses and people who live in the area and ask if trouble have decreased or INCREASED since the pods were placed there. All you have to do is to go by one of these areas and take a look with your own eyes. I do not see less homelessness or vagrancy in Redondo Beach, quite the opposite. My family and I watched in horror recently as a homeless person dropped their pants and defecated on the comer of Torrance and PCH in the middle of the day.
Ask yourself this, if you were raising a young family in the adjacent neighborhood, Torrance Gardens, would you feel safe with the proximity of this proposed location at the Civic Center parking lot? Let's come together, do the RIGHT thing and come up with a real and long-tenn solution by collaborating with the community! We will not support anyone who votes Yes on this atrocity!
Seriously Concerned,
Bonnie Ahmad
Torrance Resident and Taxpayer
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From: Alison Blasko [mailto:
Sent: Saturday, June 19, 2021 8:11 PM To: Council Meeting Public Comment <[email protected]>
Subject: Proposed Civic Center Tiny Home Pods
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To The Torrance City Council Members;
I am all for helping the homeless--! volunteer at shelters and donate regularly to Union Mission and other charities. Yes, the situation needs to be addressed; however, your proposed site at the Civic Center is possibly one of the worst locations you could consider.
The Civic Center is close to both an elementary and middle school. Heck when my son was at Fem his classes took walking field trips to the library and the Japanese koi garden. He spent many hours with me at the library. We went to concerts and events at the theater. This is a location that is highly used by parents and their young children. The soccer field is there. Cultural activities are there. Educational activities such as the aforementioned library are there. This is just to name a few. And the area is close to a residential area and schools.
Please do not place the new Tiny Horne Pods in this location. While the individuals approved to live in the pods will be screened and have to abide by rules, the fact that the pods are there will attract other homeless who have no intention of getting a home to live in, or a stable life, or heal from their drug addictions or mental health issues. Sorry but that is that harsh truth. I say this as someone who works to help the homeless.
The last thing Torrance Gardens needs is this facility.
Please do not place this facility in a residential area where there is a public library, theater, soccer field, koi garden and pond, etc. Please place the Tiny Home Pod facility in an industrial area of Torrance where it will have the least impact on the neighborhoods of the tax-paying citizens of Torrance, When you decide upon a location please consider the effect the pod community will have on the actual neighborhood and the families living in the neighborhood where you are placing the pods. Obviously you have not considered this due to your proposed location of the Civic Center. The homeowners and residents of Torrance are the ones who will end up paying for this facility. So please put the facility in a place that will cause the least disruption and hann to our lives.
Sincerely,
Alison Blasko
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From: Jennifer Heffernan [mailto: Sent: Sunday, June 20, 2021 3:26 AM To: Council Meeting Public Comment <[email protected]> Subject: Public Comment Agenda Item 9A - 6/22/21
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Torrance City Council,
Let me start out by expressing my disappointment that the same city council-members that are
supposed to be looking out for their constituents are behind closed doors working on their own
political agendas. Instead of listening to the residents of the area, and the tax paying Citizens of
the City of Torrance, you are more concerned with how to please each other's political agendas.
I am so disappointed at the Torrance City Council and the City Manager, who have not
considered the concerns of the community members whose everyday lives will be forever
affected negatively with this decision to put homeless pods next to the police station. There has
to be a better location than in the middle of a active family neighborhood. My kids ride their
bikes right by there everyday.
Sadly, most of the homeless in the City of Torrance do not want help because it comes with
rules and they do not want to follow the rules. I hear some of the supporters of this location,
most of whom do not live in the area, say that it is a perfect location because Police officers can
keep an eye on the homeless, are you guys really that na·ive?? I hope not. The police can do
absolutely nothing other than giving a ticket, which does not resolve any long-term community
issues related to homelessness. In case you were not paying attention, the current lack of
prosecution of crimes is the new norm in our County and State, just stop and ask a police
officer. The Torrance Police Officers are also against this housing location because it will further
increase the volume of their calls for service in the area. We all need to come together, work
together, and collaborate on the best options with transparency rather than hiding behind the
closed session of The City Council meetings.
Furthermore, the decision to put the pods next to the police station, Galaxy Soccer Field, the
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Re: 9B. Anti-Camping Ordinance
Position: OPPOSE
I STRONGLY OPPOSE the City Attorney's recommendation to adopt an ordinance amending Section 45.6.6 related to anti-camping. I recommend that Section 45.6.6 be repealed- so that unhoused individuals are not forced against their will to choose between temporary shelter and tickets, arrest, and use of force.
The criminalization of homelessness- measures that prohibit life-sustaining activities such as sleeping/camping, eating, sitting, and/or asking for money/resources in public spaces- are counterproductive to ending homelessness. Associated fines and criminal records provide greater barriers to becoming re-housed.
I urge you to reject the cruelty of criminalization and turn to housing and services as a humane and effective response to homelessness.
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This is so incredibly disturbing, especially given the fact that so many elected officials identify and
govern from a religious bent Simply a sad day for Torrance. Please, at least request that the police not be cruel and at least find alternative housing for those who will accept it and take care of the mental health of those who need it. We can and must do better.
Will Gagner
Re: 98. Anti-Camping Ordinance Position: OPPOSE I STRONGLY OPPOSE the City Attorney's recommendation to adopt an ordinance amending Section 45.6.6 related to anti-camping. I recommend that Section 45.6.6 be repealed- so that unhoused individuals are not forced against their will to choose between temporary shelter and tickets, arrest, and use of force. The criminalization of homelessness- measures that prohibit life-sustaining activities such as sleeping/camping, eating, sitting, and/or asking for money/resources in public spaces- are counterproductive to ending homelessness. Associated fines and criminal records provide greater barriers to becoming re-housed. I urge you to reject the cruelty of criminalization and turn to housing and services as a humane and
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Re: 98. Anti-Camping Ordinance
Position: OPPOSE
I STRONGLY OPPOSE the City Attorney's recommendation to adopt an ordinance amending Section 45.6.6 related to anti-camping. I recommend that Section 45.6.6 be repealed- so that unhoused individuals are not forced against their will to choose between temporary shelter and tickets. arrest, and use of force.
The criminalization of homelessness- measures that prohibit life-sustaining activities such as sleeping/camping, eating, sitting, and/or asking for money/resources in public spaces- are counterproductive to ending homelessness. Associated fines and criminal records provide greater barriers to becoming re-housed.
I urge you to reject the cruelty of criminalization and turn to housing and services as a humane and effective response to homelessness. Collaborate with unhoused residents of Torrance to end homelessness in this city!
Subject: Fwd: Maple Avenue resident homeless shelter public comment
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---------- Forwarded message --------From: Jenifer King< Date: Sat, Jun 19, 2021, 4:41 PM Subject: Maple A venue resident homeless shelter To: <[email protected]>
Dear Mayor Furey and City Council,
I hope you stayed well during covid-19 and I'm sure you're busy now that the county and city are reopening; however, I would like you to consider many different options for the placement of the proposed homeless pods.
We live on Maple directly across from the Civic Center and we enjoy all the amenities that the Civic Center has to offer: the Plunge, the library, soccer field, the theaters, riding our bikes and walking our dogs daily and on the weekends IN OUR SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD. We are especially appreciative that the Torrance Police department is directly across the street.
My family and I are concerned about the placement of the proposed homeless shelters in the courthouse parking lot. Homeless people do need help, but why put the shelters in such a public space that would adversely affect the Torrance population who work to reside here?
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Dear Mayor Furey and City Council members,
I live across the street from the Civic Center on Maple Avenue in the third district, which at this time does not have a representative. It is our district in which the homeless shelter pods are being proposed.
I ask that the mayor and city council members please take time considering the effect that the proposed homeless shelter would have on the quality of life for the residents immediately adjacent to the Civic Center hub. We enjoy riding our bikes and walking our dogs around the Civic Center throughout the week. We enjoy the Plunge, the library, the soccer field, taking classes, and going to the different theater productions. I understand that we need to help homeless people if they want our help; however, Mr. Lake, our neighbor, has proposed at least 10 other commercial properties in Torrance that might be a good fit. I ask that you allow a two-week time period for residents to read the lengthy agenda/report so that we are better informed about what may happen in our safe community.
Thank you,
Jenifer King
33
From: D P [mailto:
Sent: Sunday, June 20, 2021 3:18 PM To: Council Meeting Public Comment <[email protected]>
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Hello. I have been a resident of Torrance since the purchase of our home almost 12 years ago. I cannot tell you how much we love living here! We live on Fonthill A venue just two blocks away from the courthouse. We have three young kids all under the age of 11 years old. We often take walks or bike rides around the neighborhood, or to the library and in and around the courthouse on the weekends. The kids have also enjoyed playing soccer at the Galaxy Center and they often take classes with the City. I am very concerned about the homeless shelter pods. We do not want these pods near where our children play and learn. This is concerning and is putting our kids in danger. Furthennore- the idea of having these pods so close to the newest metro train stop on Crenshaw is a DISASTROUS combination! This would just facilitate and increase the foot traffic flow of the homeless, and other visitors into our communities. We cannot allow this amazing City to go down like this. Please save our City, and do what is right for our community: Do not allow these homeless shelter pods at the courthouse parking lot. Homelessness is a very complex problem with so many variables and it won't be easily solved by putting up shelter pods. There is so much more to this problem than providing shelter.
Thank you for everything you all do for our great City.
Diane Pefia
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From: Brian [mailto: Sent: Sunday, June 20, 2021 5:22 PM To: Council Meeting Public Comment <[email protected]> Subject: Public Comment
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9A. City Manager-Approve Torrance Civic Center Grounds to be Site for Temporary Housing for Homeless
98. City Attorney - Adopt ORDINANCE Amending, Repealing, and Adding Sections to Division 4 of the Torrance Municipal Code Related to Anti-Camping
9C. City Manager - Approve City of Torrance Plan to Prevent and Combat Homelessness
As residents of Torrance, living two blocks from the Civic Center, we oppose any action by the City which would create a homeless encampment, in the Courthouse parking lot or otherwise. We have seen the destruction, fires, lawlessness and mounds of trash and human waste resulting from encampments in other cities. We urge the City Council and City Manager not to take the easy State or County money that comes from creating an encampment, in exchange for the safety of its residents.
How will you ensure the safety of children and others at the public pool and library, at the soccer fields, those who work and attend hearings at the courthouse? You must know that attorneys and others working at the downtown Los Angeles courthouses are constantly harassed by the homeless, and women (including two who work in my office) have been literally chased to their cars in the surrounding parking lots by homeless men demanding money. Don't intentionally create this dangerous condition in Torrance. Do right by your taxpayers and drop this proposal.
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Re: 98. Anti-Camping Ordinance
Position: OPPOSE
I STRONGLY OPPOSE the City Attorney's recommendation to adopt an ordinance amending Section 45.6.6 related to anti-camping.
I recommend that Section 45.6.6 be repealed- so that unhoused individuals are not forced against their will to choose between temporary shelter and tickets, arrest, and use of force. The criminalization of
homelessness- measures that prohibit life-sustaining activities such as sleeping/camping, eating, sitting, and/or asking for money/resources in public spaces- are counterproductive to ending
homelessness. Associated fines and criminal records provide greater barriers to becoming re-housed.
I urge you to reject the cruelty of criminalization and turn to housing and services as a humane and effective response to homelessness.
I also urge you to ensure that the voices of the unhoused are prioritized in making decisions concerning their welfare. Too often ideas of what will benefit the unhoused, decided by people who are not themselves unhoused and have conflicting interests, cause great harm on these individuals and the community as a whole. We cannot fix problems unless we are on the same page about what the
problems are and how they can be mitigated.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely, Caitlin Akers
36
From: Reggie Wong [mailto:
Sent: Sunday, June 20, 202111:26 PM To: Council Meeting Public Comment <[email protected]>
Subject: Public comment
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Re: 98. Anti-Camping Ordinance Position: OPPOSE
1 STRONGLY OPPOSE the City Attorney's recommendation to adopt an ordinance amending Section 45.6.6 related to anti-camping. 1 recommend that Section 45.6.6 be repealed- so that unhoused individuals are not forced against their will to choose between temporary shelter and tickets, arrest, and use of force.
The criminalization of homelessness- measures that prohibit life-sustaining activities such as sleeping/camping, eating, sitting, and/or asking for money/resources in public spaces- are counterproductive to ending homelessness. Associated fines and criminal records provide greater barriers to becoming re-housed.
I urge you to reject the cruelty of criminalization and tum to housing and services as a humane and effective response to homelessness.
Please verify sender before opening attachments or clicking on links.
Re: 9B. Anti-Camping Ordinance Position: OPPOSE I STRONGLY OPPOSE the City Attorney's recommendation to adopt an ordinance amending Section
45.6.6 related to anti-camping. I recommend that Section 45.6.6 be repealed- so that unhoused individuals are not forced against their will to choose between temporary shelter and tickets, arrest, and use of force. The criminalization of homelessness- measures that prohibit life-sustaining activities such as
sleeping/camping, eating, sitting, and/or asking for money/resources in public spaces- are counterproductive to ending homelessness. Associated fines and criminal records provide greater barriers to becoming re-housed. I urge you to reject the cruelty of criminalization and turn to housing and services as a humane and effective response to homelessness.
Those struggling with homelessness should not need to worry about being criminally charged or displaced because people are concerned over the city's "optics." Every person deserves the right to have a home, and if we cannot even work with them to fulfill this basic need, then they shouldn't be punished for finding a work around.
Thank you for reading this email and I hope you take these points into consideration. Allison Rafters
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Re: 98. Anti-Camping Ordinance Position: OPPOSE
Hi Torrance City Council,
I STRONGLY OPPOSE the City Attorney's recommendation to adopt an ordinance amending Section 45.6.6 related to anti-camping. I recommend that Section 45.6.6 be repealed- so that unhoused individuals are not forced against their will to choose between temporary shelter and tickets, arrest, and
use of force.
The criminalization of homelessness- measures that prohibit life-sustaining activities such as sleeping/camping, eating, sitting, and/or asking for money/resources in public spaces- are counterproductive to ending homelessness. Associated fines and criminal records provide greater barriers to becoming re-housed. It also is more expensive to criminalize homelessness than the moral alternative - providing folks with supportive housing or shelter.
I urge you to reject the cruelty of criminalization and turn to housing and services as a humane and effective response to homelessness. I urge you as someone whose uncle has been unhoused to reject such draconian measures and think about what your faith would tell you about caring for the poor.
Cc: Council Meeting Public Comment <[email protected]>; Jenifer King
Subject: Public Comment for Agenda Item 9A - Request Delay
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Agenda Item 9A, 9B, 9C:
Given the length of the newly posted documents: 9A: 9 pages with more materials available on 22 June (not posted yet) 9B: 15 pages (including anti-camping law and restrictions to Civic Center area) 9C: 180 pages (including several emails from pages 111 - 180, including my own)*
* A quick review of the emails indicates support for relocation of homeless in southern Torrance, but no emails provide support of a particular location for a homeless shelter.
Support for anti-camping regulations should not be confused with support for placement of a homeless shelter (2.66 times larger than the Redondo Beach facility - which is on Commercial Property) so close to a public use soccer field and residences.
Also, placement of the Homeless Shelter should not be approved without District 3 representation.
Thank you for providing the above documents, but more time is needed to understand their contents and their associated impacts.
Please delay voting on Agenda Items 9A, 9B, 9C for 2 weeks to give our community time to understand these plans.
You may use this email in your meeting deliberations.
Thank you, James Lake
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From: Pascal Finkenbeiner [mailto: Sent: Monday, June 21, 2021 8:53 AM To: Council Meeting Public Comment <[email protected]> Subject: Approve temporary homeless housing and Anti Camping ordinance.
Thanks for pressing for this and good luck on this week's city council meeting.
This electronic communication and the information and any files transmitted with it. or attached to it, are confidential and are intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed and may contain information that is confidential. legally privileged, protected by privacy laws, or otherwise restricted from disclosure to anyone else. If you are not the intended recipient or the person responsible for delivering the e-mail to the intended recipient, you arc hereby notified that any use, copying, distributing, dissemination, forwarding, printing, or copying of this e-mail is strictly prohibited. If you received this e-mail in error, please return the e-mail to the sender, delete it from your computer. and destroy any printed copy of it.
41
-----Origina I Message----From: Ambria Schneider [mailto:
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Re: 98. Anti-Camping Ordinance Position: OPPOSE
I STRONGLY OPPOSE the City Attorney's recommendation to adopt an ordinance amending Section 45.6.6 related to anti-camping. I recommend that Section 45.6.6 be repealed- so that unhoused individuals are not forced against their will to choose between temporary shelter and tickets, arrest, and
use of force. The criminalization of homelessness- measures that prohibit life-sustaining activities such as sleeping/camping, eating, sitting, and/or asking for money/resources in public spaces- are counterproductive to ending homelessness. Associated fines and criminal records provide greater barriers to becoming re-housed. I urge you to reject the cruelty of criminalization and turn to housing and services as a humane and effective response to homelessness.
To: Council Meeting Public Comment <[email protected]> Subject: Public Comment 9A
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Dear City Council I am writing to recommend an alternate location for agenda item 9A of the city council meeting June 22. Agena 9a proposes to use the Tonance Civic Center grounds for homeless shelters. I am supportive of new temporary housing for homeless people, however I am concerned that members of the Tonancc community will not be able to utilize the Tonance courthouse, library, or pool if there are homeless people living on the grounds. There have been several cases of homeless people attacking other people with knives, and threatening passers-by. Housing the homeless people on the grounds of the Civic Center is not a safe location.
There are better property locations in Tonance that are vacant and should be used for the homeless shelter, which arc not near where the public needs to pass by to do business or recreate. Please consider the vacant areas south of 190th street and between Prairie Ave and Crenshaw Blvd. Looking on Google maps in satellite mode and having driven by this area, I can see there are substantial vacant dirt areas that would be suitable to set up homeless shelters because they are not near any public businesses or homes. There is also a large triangle of unoccupied space at the Northeast comer of Prairie Ave and Del Amo Blvd. Another large vacant triangle of area is at the northwest comer of Crenshaw and Maricopa St, north of the train tracks. There is a lot of vacant space south of 190th St and between Crenshaw Blvd and Van Ness Ave. There are many sites that can be seen on Google maps which are vacant dirt lots in Tonancc. Please do a little more research to locate an appropriate location for homeless shelters that will not decrease the safety of people doing business and utilizing the civic center in Tonancc. Thank you Kathy Hospodar
Redondo Beach
44
-----Original Message----From: Ryan Locano [mailto:
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Re: 98. Anti-Camping Ordinance
Position: OPPOSE
I STRONGLY OPPOSE the City Attorney's recommendation to adopt an ordinance amending Section
45.6.6 related to anti-camping. I recommend that Section 45.6.6 be repealed- so that unhoused individuals are not forced against their will to choose between temporary shelter and tickets, arrest, and use of force.
The criminalization of homelessness- measures that prohibit life-sustaining activities such as sleeping/camping, eating, sitting, and/or asking for money/resources in public spaces- are counterproductive to ending homelessness. Associated fines and criminal records provide greater barriers to becoming re-housed.
I urge you to reject the cruelty of criminalization and turn to housing and services as a humane and effective response to homelessness.
45
-----Original Message-----
From: Brianna [mailto: Sent: Monday, June 21, 202112:04 PM
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Re: 98. Anti-Camping Ordinance
Position: OPPOSE
I STRONGLY OPPOSE the City Attorney's recommendation to adopt an ordinance amending Section 45.6.6 related to anti-camping. I recommend that Section 45.6.6 be repealed- so that unhoused individuals are not forced against their will to choose between temporary shelter and tickets, arrest, and use of force.
The criminalization of homelessness- measures that prohibit life-sustaining activities such as
sleeping/camping, eating, sitting, and/or asking for money/resources in public spaces- are counterproductive to ending homelessness. Associated fines and criminal records provide greater barriers to becoming re-housed.
I urge you to reject the cruelty of criminalization and turn to housing and services as a humane and effective response to homelessness.
WARNING: External e-mail Please verify sender before opening attachments or clicking on links.
June 21, 2021 To: Torrance City Council:
Good afternoon,
I am a business professional and resident of Torrance. My family and I have lived in the
"Torrance Gardens" area of Torrance since 2009, west of Crenshaw and north of Torrance Blvd.
I am writing you to express my concern for the proposed homeless shelter pods that you are
considering to erect near the courthouse parking lot.
My family and I moved to Torrance because this is a safe community. We love the city, the
schools, the businesses that are here, and most importantly the safety that the city offers with
its exceptional police department. That being said, we understand and have seen the increase/
influx of transient population over the past year. I have spoken with city officials with Santa
Monica and other state cities where homeless outreach of this nature is offered. Unanimously,
they have all agreed that creating this transient housing has increased their homeless
population, and made things in their cities more difficult when dealing with the homeless
population. We fully support outreach programs, I know they already exist, and what I hope is
understood here is the homeless we see in our beloved city will likely not meet the
requirements for housing through this program. We don't want crime in our neighborhood to
increase, which it will if this shelter is erected. This shelter would also likely create safety issues
with Madrona Middle School, Fern Elementary School, the Library, the Plunge, the Toyota
Sports Complex, and create displacement of homeless at our mall. Please consider the
immediate impact these pallet shelters create for Torrance and its residents. Our neighbors do
not want to see this shelter erected, and know it will create safety issues for us and our
families. How many of you have children that attend Madrona Middle or Fern Elementary? How many of your children play soccer at the Toyota Sports Complex?
Our family alone has TWO children less than half a mile from the proposed pallet shelters and
less than a quarter mile from the transit center being built. There are 7 other homes with 2+
children just on our block. Imagine how many children live in all of the Torrance gardens. Your
choices will bring massive risks to our kids and families.
My family and I will already be impacted by the influx of transients who will now arrive to our
great city via bus at the new transit center on Crenshaw north of Maricopa. How many of you
ride the bus? Probably zero. Torrance is a city of professionals, and resources like this are
wasted funds and don't create revenue, but impact our city in other drastic ways that I don't
47
believe were considered. Torrance Gardens and every single family would be between the
transit center and the homeless pallet shelters.
Thank you for your service to our community. We voted for you to represent us and we need
you to empathize and hear us.
Sincerely,
Tess Davidson
48
From: Andrew Nishimoto [mailto: Sent: Monday, June 21, 202112:13 PM To: Council Meeting Public Comment <[email protected]>
Subject: Public Comment
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Dear City Council,
My name is Andrew Nishimoto and I am the Executive Director of Family Promise of the South Bay. I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude towards the city of Torrance for taking the steps to address the homeless and housing crisis in LA County. I believe having more options for the various organizations working together to end homelessness will be a great thing for all residents and is the right thing to do.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Andrew
Andrew Nishimoto Executive Director
This email and any files transmitted with it may contain confidential information that is legally privileged and is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to which they arc addressed. If you are not the intended recipient, or a person responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient. you arc hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, dissemination. distribution. or use of any of the information contained in or attached to this transmission is STRICTLY PROHIBITED. If you haw received this email in error, please notify the sender by reply email and destroy the original transmission and its attachment without reading or saving them in any manner. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.
49
From: Randolph Lum [mailto: Sent: Monday, June 21, 202112:15 PM To: Council Meeting Public Comment <[email protected]>
Subject: Public Comment
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Dear Sir:
In regards to Agenda item 9A. I believe the homelessness issue has become an issue for all areas. Installing pods for one year is admirable. As a resident of the local community and homeowner in Torrance. I believe the homeless population will increase the crime in our neighborhood.
I retired to Torrance because of the safety. Being a senior, I walk daily for exercise. Having this population is distressing since they may introduce additional crime and violence.
Being sympathetic to the homelessness plight and government. I would suggest another solution which does not have such a sudden and dramatic impact to the retire/seniors of Torrance.
Sincerely,
Randolph Lum
50
From: DiaryofTieira Ryder [mailto: Sent: Monday, June 21, 2021 2:45 PM To: Furey, Pat <[email protected]>; Ashcraft, Heidi <[email protected]>; Griffiths, Mike <[email protected]>; Kalani, Sharon <[email protected]>; Council Meeting Public Comment <[email protected]> Subject: Public Comment- We shouldn't be criminalizing the poverty that the city created!!!!!! Build more affordable housing!
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Re: 98. Anti-Camping Ordinance
Position: OPPOSE
I STRONGLY OPPOSE the City Attorney's recommendation to adopt an ordinance amending Section 45.6.6 related to anti-camping. I recommend that Section 45.6.6 be repealed- so that unhoused individuals are not forced against their will to choose between temporary shelter and tickets, arrest, and use of force.
The criminalization of homelessness- measures that prohibit life-sustaining activities such as sleeping/camping, eating, sitting, and/or asking for money/resources in public spaces- are counterproductive to ending homelessness. Associated fines and criminal records provide greater barriers to becoming re-housed.
I urge you to reject the cruelty of criminalization and tum to housing and services as a humane and effective response to homelessness.
WARNING.:· External e-mail Please verify sender before opening attachments or clicking on links.
I am opposed to Council Item 9A, there has to be an area ofTcm-ance that isn't in the middle of neighborhoods. There are many industrial areas in Tonance that would be better than neighborhoods where, there are schools, where children play, and people have invested a lot of money in their homes. By passing this you will devaluing peoples homes. Already residents have no recourse for crimes valued at $950 or less, so lets spread it around and place pods in all the sections of Torrance rather than just this one area so everyone can participate in the devaluation of Torrance equally.
Please verify sender before opening attachments or clicking on links.
As a long time resident of Torrance never in my lifetime would I ever see this day!! As a tax paying
citizen n I love the city I live in .... I chose to stay in Torrance because it's safe n clean, but I strongly disagree on the location of where the Homeless Pods will be potentially placed- I am a Torrance Gardens resident and feel that there could be another area in Torrance to place these Homeless pods ... I think it's extremely dangerous to our neighborhood- we have children n grandchildren that love to play outside,
ride their bikes, walk their dog, walk to the library, go to the plunge, play soccer at the Toyota center, go to the mall and walk to school and if this goes through I strongly feel our children n neighbors will
have to keep their head on a swivel n our property value will decrease tremendously!!! My greatest concern is that you PLEASE consider placing these PODS in a different location in Torrance away from the hub of the city ... I feel our community has not had enough information regarding this
Agenda and needs more input from us- that have a lot of questions and concerns: 1- like who will man the homeless pods?! 2-Will it bring more homeless to our area? 3-Will the police start enforcing a anti homeless ordinance once the pods are placed? 4-What about the mental health of the homeless- who will keep tabs on them ? 5- Who will enforce them from roaming into our neighborhood? 6-What about trash and defecating in and around the area which the pods will be
placed, who will be in charge of that?? Lastly, I have spoken to serval Torrance Gardens neighbors and most of them had NO idea this was on the Agenda!!!
Thanks for Your time -Joanna G. A concerned Torrance Gardens resident ....
53
From: Nancy Wilcox [mailto: Sent: Monday, June 21, 2021 4:27 PM To: Council Meeting Public Comment <[email protected]> Subject: Public Comment on the 6-22-21 City Council Meeting, Agenda Item 9A
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Dear Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers,
I want to praise city staff for their extremely thorough examination and resulting
recommendations to the City's growing homelessness condition. As a 41-year City of Torrance resident and homeowner, I enthusiastically support piloting the 40-bed interim shelter program. As you know, there are no publicly funded short-term emergency shelter beds where our
Torrance neighbors experiencing homelessness can go. Other South Bay interim housing
programs opened within the past 18 months are exclusively for City of Los Angeles and City of
Redondo Beach individuals.
Your honorable body took the first step last November with approving a street outreach worker
to provide consistent and ongoing engagement with those living unhoused in the City. The
shelter pilot program is the next step forward toward helping people living on our sidewalks, in
parks or encampments, or in their vehicle. Without it, it will take much, much longer for people
to transition from being unhoused to being housed. Harbor Interfaith Services, who will be
operating the program, has an outstanding track record of working with shelter participants to
enroll them into permanent housing programs. Its staff is also experienced in operating shelter
programs that are safe for the immediate neighborhoods in which they are located.
In my opinion, the City of Torrance needs to take action by opening an interim housing program
to reduce the number of people living unsheltered within its boundaries. No one else is going to
bring forth solutions.
Thank you.
Nancy Wilcox
54
-----Original Message----
From: Johanna Garcia [mailto:
Sent: Monday, June 21, 2021 5:18 PM
To: Council Meeting Public Comment <[email protected]> Subject: Item 9A
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I oppose item 9A!
Born and raised in Torrance, started my family here and would like to retire here. Please do not allow it.
My child goes to Madrona middle school and safety is my huge concern. What our homeless need is
mental health professionals. Please find a better alternative.
Please verify sender before opening attachments or clicking on links.
I oppose Item 9A!
36 year Torrance Resident!
This is not an acceptable option!
Sent from my iPhone
56
-----Origin a I Message----
From: Lisa Grajeda [mailto:
Sent: Monday, June 21, 2021 5:35 PM To: Council Meeting Public Comment <[email protected]> Subject: Re: Item 9A I OPPOSE this subject of building homeless shelters in the city ofTorrance! This is unacceptable to the tax paying residents of Torrance!
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Sent from my iPhone
57
-----Original Message----
From: Maria Krason [mailto: Sent: Monday, June 21, 2021 5:38 PM To: Council Meeting Public Comment <[email protected]> Subject: Public Comment
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Item tl9A (Temporary Housing ... )
I'd like to express some concerns I have about providing housing for people experiencing homelessness in Torrance. 1. Why do you say temporary? Can you guarantee it will be temporary? If not, don't call it temporary. Redondo Beach's "temporary" program is now permanent. Temporary does sound more appealing. 2. Why pick a location so close to residents living in the Maricopa and Maple neighborhood and so close to the Toyota Youth soccer field? With over 20 square miles in the city, there was not a more suitable location? Yes, I read all the reasons why; but I also know it is not difficult to find reasons to justify why it
should be where it is planned to be and why it should not be in any other location within the city. I would think away from residents should be the number one priority. A few hundred feet from residents is close. 3. You state the location is near the City's operating Departments, which provides for faster response times. I assume this means the Torrance Police Department and not the library or building permit department. Yes, this makes logical sense if crime is a concern. Then I again ask, why so close to residents? 4. Do Mayor Furey or council members Ashcroft and Mattucci live in District t/3, the proposed location for the so called temporary housing? If not, this means the Torrance City Council is deciding on putting housing for the homeless in a location of the city they do not live in. NIMBY (not in my backyard) is convenient when the residents of the district have no representation.
5. Did letters go out to the nearby residents notifying them what the City is planning to do? I did not receive a letter. I live on El Dorado, just south of Torrance Boulevard. I doubt many residents are even aware of this proposal. This was brought to my attention by a resident who lives near the courthouse.
Rick Krason
58
-----0 rigi na I Message----
Fro m: amy nguyen [mailto:
Sent: Monday, June 21, 2021 5:48 PM To: Council Meeting Public Comment <[email protected]>
Subject: Item 9A
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I oppose item 9A!
Sent from my iPhone
59
-----Original Message----
From: Debbie Coloma [mailto: Sent: Monday, June 21, 2021 6:05 PM To: Council Meeting Public Comment <[email protected]>
Subject: Item 9A
WARNING: External e-mail Please verify sender before opening attachments or clicking on links.
To whom it may concern,
I oppose item 9A. I do not want temporary homeless shelters at the Torrance Civic Center (Torrance Blvd and Madrona, Near the Del Amo Mall).
As a long time resident of Torrance never in my lifetime would I ever sec this day!! As a tax paying citizen n I love the city I live in .... I chose to stay in Torrance because ifs safe n clean, but I strongly disagree on the location of where the Homeless Pods will be potentially placed- I am a Torrance Gardens resident and feel that there could be another area in Torrance to place these Homeless pods ... I think ifs extremely dangerous to our neighborhood- we have children n grandchildren that love to play outside, ride their bikes, walk their dog, walk to the library, go to the plunge, play soccer at the Toyota center, go to the mall and walk to school and if this goes through I strongly feel our children n neighbors will have to keep their head on a swivel n our property value will decrease tremendously!!! My greatest concern is that you PLEASE consider placing these PODS in a different location in Torrance away from the hub of the city ... I feel our community has not had enough infonnation regarding this Agenda and needs more input from us- that have a lot of questions and concerns: I- like who will man the homeless pods?! 2-Will it bring more homeless to our area? 3-Will the police start enforcing a anti homeless ordinance once the pods are placed? 4-What about the mental health of the homeless- who will keep tabs on them'? 5- Who will enforce them from roaming into our neighborhood? 6-What about trash and defecating in and around the area which the pods will be placed, who will be in charge of that?? Lastly, I have spoken to serval Torrance Gardens neighbors and most of them had NO idea this was on the Agenda!!!
Thanks for Your time -
61
Joanna G. A concerned Torrance Gardens resident.. ..
62
-----Original Message----
From: Jackie Hsueh [mailto:
Sent: Monday, June 21, 2021 7:51 PM To: Council Meeting Public Comment <[email protected]> Subject: Public comment Agenda item 9A
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Agenda item 9A
I am a resident at Nearby complex with two young children. I do not want the homeless pods in our neighborhood as we ride bikes around it all the time. I am worry for the safety of the kids and us. Please don't turn our city into another homeless area like Venice.
Sent from my iPhone
63
-----Original Message----
From: Jason Hsu [mailto: Sent: Monday, June 21, 20218:54 PM To: Council Meeting Public Comment <[email protected]> Subject: Public Comment
WARNING: External e-mail Please verify sender before opening attachments or clicking on links.
I am writing about Agenda Item 9A, regarding installing homeless pods on the Torrance Civic Center
grounds. I live in the nearby Belmar complex, and am whole-heartedly opposed to this. There are many children in the neighborhood, including two young ones of our own. We bought this place because we wanted to live in a clean, kid-friendly area, something that will be adversely affected by these homeless pods. With these homeless pods, there will be an inevitable uptick in crime and vagrancy in the surrounding neighborhoods.
Increased homeless in the area is also going to make the Civic amenities less desirable, if not things to avoid completely. What good is a community center that nobody in the community wants to visit? While I understand the homeless need a place to shelter, there has to be a better suited location, not in an
area where folks gather together as a community to enjoy things like soccer, swimming, theater, art, Ii bra ry, etc.
Thank you for your time, and look forward to you choosing another location.
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I oppose Item 9 A!-J ason Olson
65
From: sandra aliaga [mailto:
Sent: Monday, June 21, 2021 9:44 PM To: Council Meeting Public Comment <[email protected]> Subject: Public Comment
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9A. City Manager - Approve Torrance Civic Center Grounds to be site for Temporary housing for people experiencing homelessness and Authoiruze Staff to continue discussion with Los Angeles County on Program Development and Funding Sources. Expenditure: None
As a resident of Torrance, Hector Perez and Sandra Aliaga, we oppose temporary housing at Torrance Civic Center Grounds. We have kids at the Torrance Complex Center and Galaxy Center. Kids are also at the Plunge and a Church at the corner of Maple and Maricopa. We are against the housing.
Sent: Monday, June 21, 2021 9:47 PM To: Council Meeting Public Comment <[email protected]> Subject: Public comment
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Dear Mayor and City Council:
I am a resident of T01Tance. I lived here for over 60 years. I want you to know that I am all for the "Anti Camping Ordinance". Anything less is unhealthy, unsightly, and a nuisance in my opinion. Ton-ance is a clean city and I would like it to stay that way. I request you to suppo11 this request.
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Re: 98. Anti-Camping Ordinance
Position: OPPOSE
I STRONGLY OPPOSE the City Attorney's recommendation to adopt an ordinance amending Section 45.6.6 related to anti-camping. I recommend that Section 45.6.6 be repealed- so that unhoused individuals are not forced against their will to choose between temporary shelter and tickets, arrest, and
use of force.
The criminalization of homelessness- measures that prohibit life-sustaining activities such as
sleeping/camping, eating, sitting, and/or asking for money/resources in public spaces- are counterproductive to ending homelessness. Associated fines and criminal records provide greater barriers to becoming re-housed.
I urge you to reject the cruelty of criminalization and turn to housing and services as a humane and effective response to homelessness.
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Greetings,
My family and I are residents of the City of Torrance. Recently, it came to my attention that the Torrance City Council would be discussing a proposal to build temporary housing units to address the growing homeless population within Torrance as agenda item 9A for the City Council meeting on Tuesday, June 22nd, 2021 (Title: Approve Torrance Civic Center Grounds to be Site.for Temporary Housing.for People t-·xperiencing Homelessness and Authorize Sta.ff to Continue Discussion with Los Angeles County on Program Development and Funding Sources).
It is my hope to convince the Torrance City Council that this proposal should be approved, and that the temporary housing units should be built, both for the safety of our community and the integrity of our city.
I presently reside, with my wife and two sons, at , approximately 1/2 mile away from the proposed housing site. I take my children and our dog on walks every day in our neighborhood. It is becoming more frequent during our walks that we encounter individuals who are homeless. We have encountered homeless people sleeping on our sidewalks, lounging in our local park, sitting on our city benches, and walking down the street as we walk by.
Each time we encounter a homeless person, my toddler looks me in the eyes and asks, "Dada, why man sleep on sidewalk?" or, "Dada, why man carry bags on bench?" It breaks my heart each time I have to explain to my sons that some individuals, unfortunately, have not been so lucky or privileged in their opportunities as our family has. These are concepts that, obviously, are somewhat beyond total comprehension by a toddler. But it is clear that my boys understand that the encounters are not a happy circumstance, but a sad and difficult one.
I relate these anecdotes for public record because it is important for everyone to understand that homelessness is not just the problem of those experiencing it. But it is a problem that impacts each of us, and our families, in a very direct and real manner. And the responsibility to find solutions to homelessness, rather than simply ignore it or chase it into a nearby neighborhood, falls onto all of us with the resources and ability to contribute to the public discourse of our beautiful city.
It is not enough for us to say, "Not in my Back Yard," on this matter.
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I want to be able to look my boys in the eyes one day, after raising them in this great town of Torrance, and take pride in having engaged to address the tragedy of homeless individuals in our town.
I want to be able to tell them that it was their father's generation, our generation, that made the difficult decisions and did the hard work to help those less fortunate than ourselves to have some fighting chance at surviving this harsh world.
And I want to be able to walk my family down our neighborhood streets without having to struggle to explain a fellow human being sleeping in the bushes, but, instead, knowing that those individuals are now sleeping safely in the temporary housing units approved for construction during the 6/22/2021 City Council meeting.
So please, consider voting to approve building the proposed temporary housing units in agenda item 9A as a first step in helping get the homeless off of our city's streets, to build a safer town for my children, and for all of us.
Sincerely, Brady C. Jackson
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From: Ann Cheung [mailto: Sent: Monday, June 21, 202111:00 PM
To: Council Meeting Public Comment <[email protected]> Subject: Public Comment
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Honorable Mayor and Council Members,
I was not able to sign the petition in time. Please adopt the Anti-Camping Ordinance (Agenda Item 98); it is long overdue. Please protect the city's residents and disallow the homeless from setting up tents anywhere they choose.
Respectfully, Ann Cheung Torrance Resident
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From: R L [mailto: Sent: Monday, June 21, 202111:32 PM To: Council Meeting Public Comment <[email protected]>; Council
Subject: Public Comment: item 9A June 22, 2021 Torrance City Council Meeting
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Dear City Council,
Before speaking of "Approve Torrance Civic Center Grounds to be a Site for Temporary Housing ... ", where does this recommendation assess how other cities. such as Beverly llills, Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Newport Beach, etc, handle this ruling? Why jump to a solution without addressing what majority of other cities are doing? Where is the estimate of homeless residing in Torrance·/
Putting these relevant questions aside for the moment, why not partner with other cities to over tum this case of judicial activism? City of Boise was a lone standout at the time.
Under "Research of Temporary Housing for Redondo Beach and Riverside" section, it states " ... a greater-thanexpected level of success, as measured by the number of individuals achieving permanent housing". First, what threshold was placed to achieve "greaterthan-expected level of success"? What was the categories of people making up the population of Redondo's Temporary Housing? Are we talking about jobless who became homeless, recidivist drug addicts, mental patients?? What is the breakdown of the 18 individuals placed? Are any/all 18 still in permanent housing? What constituents permanent housing? Where is the criteria for admitting person(s) to Torrance Temporary Housing?
How did the assessment come up with 40 beds? Redondo Beach has a population of approx 67k and Riverside has approx 330k by Data USA
Data USA
The most comprehensive visualization of U.S. public data. Data USA provides
an open. easy-to-use platfcmn that t...
feedback.
There seems to be a lot missing to proclaim unvarnished success.
"Recently. Redondo Beach City Council approved that the program
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become permanent..." must mean an expansion in full time city employees, does it not? Increased budget impacts dare i say? Can Torrance be far behind'1
Under "Case Management, Support Services" section, the statement "Case management is critical to the success of a temporary housing program." seems a bit pretentious.
"Permanent supportive housing combines affordable housing assistance with support services, so that individuals with disabilities may achieve independent living to the greatest extent possible." calls out "individuals with disabilities". Are these the only ones that permanent housing is being sought?
"Rapid rehousing combines short to mid-term financial assistance to achieve stabilized housing with support services through case management." means pay individuals money to find somewhere else to live with antidepressants?
Both forms of transition say" financial assistance". How could this negatively impact Torrance?
"While individuals are residents of temporary housing, they are required to make progress towards their individual plans, which moves them closer to permanent housing" means exactly 'what' as you talk about financial support/support services in the earlier paragraphs.
Drop the woke moniker "unhoused community" as it sounds like progressive mainstream media indoctrinated scribes without critical thinking skills mashed this piece together.
"Outreach programs build relationships with the unhoused community, and are likely to contribute to faster attainment of permanent housing" is a load of horse pucky.
All of this trite hyperbole has been tried before. If it worked before hand, why do we need to expend even more money to not solve the problem?
Under "Proposed Funding for Temporary Housing", what if you don't get any funding, who pays? "City's General fund is constrained and will not be used ... " sounds like new taxes.
Under "Public Comment" section, "high volume of public comment" translates into how many actual Torrance residents? Why "In recent weeks ... "?
If the real intention is to say this is the most cost effective way to stay out of a lawsuit, then just say so. The revolting display of "cut and paste" from Daily Breeze articles on homelessness is nauseating. I am not sure this proves that you are smarter than a 5th grader or you believe that your constituents are not.
Signed, R. Lee (Torrance resident)
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From: Maryam Adeeb [mailto: Sent: Monday, June 21, 202111:41 PM To: Council Meeting Public Comment <[email protected]>
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Torrance City Council,
I am very disheartened and disappointed that our very own council members are not thinking of the families of this beautiful neighborhood. Instead of listening to us, the residents of the area, and the tax paying Citizens of the City of Torrance, you are more concerned with how to please each other's political agendas. I am so disappointed at the Torrance City Council and the City Manager, who have not considered the concerns of the community members whose everyday lives will be forever affected negatively with this decision to put homeless pods next to the police station. My family and I are all for helping house the homeless however, there has to be a better location than in the middle of a family friendly neighborhood!!!
This decision forever will impact us the residents of this neighborhood who have invested their hard earned savings over the years and decided to make this neighborhood their home. We had so much pride in this area around the Court House and Civic center that we were invested into making this a more diverse and better neighborhood. I hear some of the supporters of this location, most of whom do not live in the area, say that it is a perfect location because Police officers can keep an eye on the homeless, are you guys really that naive?? I hope not. The police can do absolutely nothing other than giving a ticket, which does not resolve any long-tenn community issues related to homelessness. In case you were not paying attention, the current lack of prosecution of crimes is the new nonn in our County and State, just stop and ask a police officer. The Torrance Police Officers are also against this housing location because it will further increase the volume of their calls for service in the area. We all need to come together, work together, and collaborate on the best options with transparency rather than hiding behind the closed session of The City Council meetings.
Furthennore, the decision to put the pods next to the police station, Galaxy Soccer Field, the courthouse, two schools Madrona Middle School, Fern Elementary School, Plunge, library, church and the residential area will have direct negative quality oflife affects in our community. The surrounding area will become a haven for the vagrants and the trash they leave behind. This location is also located directly next to where our City Council wants to have a fourth of July fireworks show as well.
If Redondo Beach homeless pods arc the shining example of success. I have even more concerns. At least the City of Redondo Beach had the foresight to place the housing units behind a commercial area and away from direct public contact. Another interesting fact is that it is placed at the farthest away point from the Redondo Beach Police Department. It is placed at the border
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of the City of Torrance and if you would like to see the direct negative effects of that just swing by the El Nido Park. Or visit some of the neighboring businesses and people who live in the area and ask if trouble have decreased or INCREASED since the pods were placed there. All you have to do is to go by one of these areas and take a look with your own eyes. I do not sec less homelessness or vagrancy in Redondo Beach, quite the opposite.
Ask yourself this, if you were raising a young family in the adjacent neighborhood, Ton-ance Gardens, would you feel safe with the proximity of this proposed location at the Civic Center parking lot? Let's come together, do the RIGHT thing and come up with a real and long-term solution by collaborating with the community! We will not support anyone who votes Yes on this atrocity!
Seriously Concerned, Maryam Adeeb and Arnn Mendon. Law Abiding and Tax Paying Citizens of this Neighborhood Parents of a young 7 year old girl whose safety is forever compromised with this decision!!!
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-----0 rigi na I Message----From: Arianna Rodriguez [mailto:
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Re: 98. Anti-Camping Ordinance Position: OPPOSE I STRONGLY OPPOSE the City Attorney's recommendation to adopt an ordinance amending Section 45.6.6 related to anti-camping. I recommend
that Section 45.6.6 be repealed- so that unhoused individuals are not forced against their will to choose between temporary shelter and tickets, arrest, and use of force. The criminalization of homelessness- measures that prohibit life-sustaining activities such as sleeping/camping, eating, sitting, and/or asking for money/resources in public spaces- are counterproductive to ending homelessness. Associated fines and criminal records provide greater barriers to becoming re-housed. I urge you to reject the cruelty of criminalization and turn to housing and services as a humane and effective response to homelessness.
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-----Original Message-----From: Lori Plesz [mailto:
Sent: Monday, June 21, 202111:45 PM To: Council Meeting Public Comment <[email protected]> Subject: Homeless Shelter on civic center grounds
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I oppose putting temporary homeless shelters on civic center grounds. I feel this is unsafe for visitors to the library, pool and those taking classes at this location. There is also already limited parking and when events occur there are not enough spots and we already have to park across Torrance blvd. These units need to be located in a more industrial area away from general public and children.
gi rgis. patty@tusd .o rg Subject: Public Comment - Opposition to the placement of Homeless Pods near the facilities used by
children and students
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9A. City Manager-Approve Torrance Civic Center Grounds to be Site for Temporary Housing for Homeless 98. City Attorney - Adopt ORDINANCE Amending, Repealing, and Adding Sections to Division 4 of the Torrance Municipal Code Related to Anti-Camping 9C. City Manager - Approve City of Torrance Plan to Prevent and Combat Homelessness
As a resident of Torrance, I am expressing my disapproval of the city of Torrance's choice of location in placing homeless pods. I agree that homelessness needs to be resolved and I support the City's effort. However, I oppose homeless pods being placed at the Civic Center where children and students will be coming and going to the library, swimming pool, Cultural Arts Center, and Toyota Sports Complex. Especially at the Toyota Sports Complex, we often see students practicing or having games very late, 9-1 OPM. We as a community must make sure that children and students can access those facilities without fear of harm. I must say that the City's selection of the location is highly irresponsible. Moreover, if you pass the bill, the area will become very attractive to the homeless population. We are concerned about the problems that other cities are facing, such as harassment and aggression by the homeless toward the local residents and by-passers, drugs, trashing the area, starting fires, and the list goes on. Personally, I have tried to help homeless people with meals at various occasions. Sometimes they are appreciative, but sometimes they are on drugs, hallucinated, and exhibit uncontrollable aggression. Additionally, I have a problem throwing the responsibilities of watching homeless people on police. They have serious duties to protect the community, not to babysit those people. Therefore, I strongly oppose the passing of your Meeting Agenda 9A, B and C.
Thank you very much for your attention.
Best regards, Sasha Mori CC: Madrona Middle School, Torrance Unified School District, Bert M. Lynn Middle School, Jefferson Middle School, and J.H. Hull Middle School
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From: Marifrances Trivelli [mailto: Sent: Tuesday, June 22, 2021 5:41 AM To: Council Meeting Public Comment <[email protected]>
Subject: Public Comment
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Members of the City Council -
I am a Torrance resident expressing strong support of agenda item 9B regarding the establishment of an anticamping ordinance. Regarding agenda item 9A, while I understand the need for temporary shelters, the choice of the Torrance Civic Center property as a shelter location is inappropriate given its proximity to residential areas, and the fact that the complex is the site of permanent yearround activities attended by families with children.
Subject: Public Comment Agenda Item Item 9A- 6/22/21
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I am writing to you as a resident and concerned citizen. I am absolutely opposed to the plan in front of the city counsel to make homeless housing in the civic center parking lot. Please do not put housing there. While I'm sure you are trying to accommodate some mandate by the state, there are better locations like the airport (industrial area) that wouldn't impact residents like this plan will. Please
reconsider putting housing near residents as this will negatively impact us with crime and litter. Thanks
Matthew Lutton
Torrance
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From: Amos Cheung [mailto:
Sent: Tuesday, June 22, 2021 6:46 AM
To: Council Meeting Public Comment <[email protected]> Subject: Re: Public Comment
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Honorable Mayor and Council Members,
I was not able to sign the petition in time. Please adopt the Anti-Camping Ordinance (Agenda Item 98); it is long overdue. Please protect the city's residents and disallow the homeless from setting up tents anywhere they choose.
Please consider it will improve conditions for everyone. Without tent cities the retail areas will increase in activity, new businesses might occupy currently vacant lands. Increased land usage will result in increased property and income taxes. Removing the homeless will reduce crime. The result of our city and other cities adopting these laws together will facilitate building homeless shelters in less populated areas perhaps east of Riverside and can result in tax revenues for those other currently vacant lands.
Also please consider, not passing and enforcing these types of laws deprives people who are not homeless of their Constitutional right to property we pay for, and are therefore entitled to control. It is akin to the city taking our land and using it for government sanctioned housing. That would be a taking, and therefore the city should be open to litigation regarding just compensation.
Finally consider this most frustrating thought... Allowing any homeless tents where we don't want them puts the rights of homeless above our rights. That is not acceptable.
Respectfully, Amos Cheung Torrance Resident
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-----Original Message-----
From: P Stenzel [mailto: Sent: Tuesday, June 22, 2021 7:47 AM To: Council Meeting Public Comment <[email protected]>
Subject: Item 9A
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I oppose item 9A! Absolutely No, No, No! No temporary homeless shelters at the Torrance Civic Center.
Forwarded from [email protected] FOR INFORMATION ONLY. PLEASE DO NOT REPLY. Bee: Couneil2
From: Gary Cardinale< > Sent: Wednesday, June 16, 2021 2:21 PM To: City Council <[email protected]> Subject: Homelessness in Torrance
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Hello, I have owned a home in southeast Torrance for the past 35 years. Torrance is a great community, but lately, the impact of growing homelessness is beginning to detract from the beauty of the community we live in. Just this week, I have seen homeless vehicles in the parking lot by Pet Smart on Sepulveda and Hawthorne. I have also seen just this week a storage bin under the mall on the north side of Carson St. broken into with trash strewn everywhere, presumably by a homeless person that wanted to use the storage been as a place to live. This cannot continue or this city will begin to look like Los Angeles. I fully support a no camping ordinance for the City of Torrance as well as a place where homeless people can live and get the services they need on a TEMPORARY basis. This designated area must be controlled and properly policed so that the surrounding community is not adversely impacted by the homeless people. I believe this solution will keep Torrance safe and provide some needed support to the homeless that have chosen to camp in Torrance. Thanks for listening.
What are your concerns about homelessness in the City of Torrance?
I'm concerned that the City of Torrance will rush into a poorly planned set of complex regulations that don't provide real life necessities and don't listen to the surrounding community. Example: I live right across the street from the Courthouse. I just heard about this concept of creating tiny homes for the homeless in the parking lot on 6-17-21. So obviously the City's Commission has not done a very good job of informing the neighborhood homeowners!!
Describe how you see homelessness in Torrance. Please think more broadly than individual persons you
may have seen; think about recurring patterns of homelessness you have observed in the City of Torrance.
I'd like to see some effective planning and communication with the groups that will ultimately pay the price!
What is your understanding of what the City of Torrance can do to address homelessness?
They could honestly publicize town halls; flyers, online, newspapers!!
What are some ways the Torrance community can help with homelessness?
Not answered
If you would like updates or information on how you can further participate in these efforts, please include your email address.
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From: Stephen Cooke [ Sent: Friday, June 18, 2021 2:08 PM To: City Council <[email protected]> Subject: Please put a stop to this
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This e-mail is regarding agenda item 9A.
To Whom It May Concern,
I live in a community of houses on , very close to the court house and the civic center
area. It is within walking distance of my house. I am very concerned about having homeless pods placed
so close to my residence. I have two small children and am worried for safety issues. The streets near
me have houses with a lot of families with small children, all who would be very near the pods. There is
also an elementary school (Fern Elementary) less than a mile away. I often walk around the
neighborhoods, and so do many others, and we would not feel safe.
In addition, there is a soccer field right across the street from the court house parking lot where many
kids play on a daily basis. I know that the police station is there and that they will be patrolling, but the
police are already very busy and they need to focus their attention elsewhere, I believe. Finally, having
homeless pods so close will most likely lower housing prices and values. We already have the refinery so
close, which is an issue for that. We do not need something else to add to the problem.
Thank you,
Jackie
Sent from Outlook
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From: karen sopa [mailto: Sent: Saturday, June 12, 202111:44 AM To: Council Meeting Public Comment <[email protected]> Subject: No homeless pods by the Courthouse or the Civic Center- put them somewhere else!
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From: Natalie Grajeda [mailto: Sent: Tuesday, June 22, 20219:40 AM To: Council Meeting Public Comment <[email protected]> Cc: Subject: Public comment Item 9A
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Oppose item 9A!
Sent from my iPhone
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From: Rheanna McCoy [mailto: Sent: Tuesday, June 22, 2021 9:52 AM To: Council Meeting Public Comment <[email protected]> Subject: Item 9A
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1. If the Pallet Shelter project is approved, how soon will it be ready? Who will qualify? Who will administer - Harbor Interfaith, Torrance City or another agent?
2. Will the city allow faith groups to provide voluntary spiritual guidance in the temporary housing project, like the Redondo Beach program?
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To our City of Torrance Council Members,
My name is Sara McCulloch. I am a resident of the Torrance Gardens community and am writing to you regarding Item 9A on the 6/22/21 Agenda.
I am a mother of 3 small children who attend Fern Elementary school, frequent the library and plunge, and regularly participate in activities at our city center and do life here in central Torrance. I am disheartened by the news of the PODS coming in. I don't believe our Council has acted in transparency since many of our residents know nothing of the matter. Let me start by making clear that I am not against helping our homeless community, in fact I have served them for near 17 years as a volunteer. There is a place for compassion but it has to be tempered with the reality and awareness of safety issues that accompany a project of this nature. I don't believe that placing such risk with our children and community is appropriate. I believe that our Elected City Officials must consider our children, who do not have a voice in this, but can easily become victims of our negligence. There has to be a more reasonable solution to placement of such housing than in the middle of our city center where our children frequent with schools (Fern Elementary, Madrona Middle), the library (where many kids stay after school till parents get off work), the plunge, our city Rec classes, The Galaxy center and soccer fields full of children, etc ...
So, My Questions for you, Our Elected City Officials are as follows:
1- What other sites were considered and why were they not chosen? (South Torrance, West Torrance??) I would like to see the analysis of sites that were considered and the reasons for their exclusion.
2- What community/ public outreach was done in this process of site selection? There has been no known communication with our Torrance Gardens residents. Our community is unaware of the PODS being voted on. We have distributed hundreds of flyers in the Torrance Gardens neighborhoods and spoken to many about Item 9A and Residents are concerned with the lack of transparency being displayed by our elected City Officials. The lack of transparency is unacceptable.
3- What is the estimated financial cost to the city in putting in the PODS and the operations of them? What grant funds and general funds will be used? What associated staff costs are projected in the operation of this homeless center (regular time or overtime)?
4- What is the long term funding and operations plan once the grant money has run out since grant money is not guaranteed?
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5- What plan does the city have for oversight of the PODS or the control over the influx of homeless population that will arrive to seek housing?
6- What colleagues and agencies have been consulted in the city of Torrance in assuring the safety of our homes and families? Has PD been consulted in the decision to do this in the city center where our children gather at the library and walk through to get to school?
7- What criteria is required for someone to take residence in our city center? Have those criteria been vetted through our Torrance Police Department who interact with homeless populations everyday?
8- Are you, our Elected City Officials, considering the potential "highway" being created by the transit station on one side of our neighborhood and the homeless PODS on the other? Are you considering your homeowners, tax payers, young families, and schools in this community? You are asking us to adjust to the unknown impact of the transit station to our neighborhood and now simultaneously expecting us to accept the homeless PODS and any issues that will arise with that. It is too much to ask of our Torrance Gardens residents to accept at one time. Impact of both are still unknown. Such decisions do not prioritize the safety of our community or our children.
Finally, I would like a copy of ALL emails, documents, and meeting notes on this matter.
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Please protect the current city residents and those who want to move here because of what it can offer; with your decisions.
There are multi generations living in this great city, me for 30 years as a homeowner, my son and Grandson too.
I work and attend church in Torrance; this is my community. My family volunteers in this community.
I understand protection for the Homeless people; where to build tiny homes in important for that location not to become a costly disturbance for the area; the homeowners ..
I pay highly to live here, my rights are important too.
Thank you. Earlene Parsons
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From: T Chan [mailto: Sent: Tuesday, June 22, 202110:59 AM To: Council Meeting Public Comment <[email protected]> Subject: Public Comment
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Honorable Mayor and Council members,
I was not able to sign the petition in time. Please adopt the anti-camping ordinance (Agenda item 98). Please protect the city's residence and disallow the homeless from setting up tents anywhere they choose.
Subject: Fwd: Praying for Torrance Residents Agenda Items 6.22.21
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Agenda items: 9A, 98, and 9C.
Please protect the current city residents and those who want to move here because of what it can offer; with your decisions.
There are multi generations living in this great city, me for 30 years as a homeowner, my son and Grandson too.
I work and attend church in Torrance; this is my community. My family volunteers in this community.
I understand protection for the Homeless people; where to build tiny homes in important for that location not to become a costly disturbance for the area; the homeowners ..
I pay highly to live here, my rights are important too.
Thank you. Earlene Parsons
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From: Antonie K. Churg [mailto: Sent: Tuesday, June 22, 202111:06 AM To: Council Meeting Public Comment <[email protected]>; Poirier, Rebecca <[email protected]>; Sullivan, Patrick <[email protected]> Subject: Agenda Item 9a June 22, 2021
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To the City Council and City Attorney,
I welcome your effort to provide temporary housing for homeless people. 40 dwellings are a start. I am glad to see Torrance is complying with the Martin v. Boise decision, and the City will not criminalize homelessness outright. Criminalizing homelessness and profiting off policing and incarceration enterprises, while enjoying high real estate prices would be very hypocritical.
Thank you for the research and efforts made so far. I am leery of what is happening, because many of the homeless people disappeared from the sites where we had previously seen them - either just driving in the South Bay or while participating in successive annual "homeless counts". Homelessness can only have increased. Millions have lost jobs, incurred bankruptcy (often due to medical debt), while stocks and real estate prices soar. We also face the dilemma that people are profiting from "housing the homeless" and "providing social services", while it is our broken economy that is the root cause of homelessness. I hope you will also consider public banks and other funding mechanisms to change the housing dynamics at a fundamental level.
Antonie K. Churg, Ph.D.
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From: Antonie K. Churg [mailto: Sent: Tuesday, June 22, 202111:08 AM To: Council Meeting Public Comment <[email protected]>; Poirier, Rebecca <[email protected]>; Sullivan, Patrick <[email protected]> Subject: Agenda Item 98, June 22, 2021
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Dear City Council and City Attorney,
I welcome the changes in the Torrance city code to partially decriminalize homelessness behavior. Criminalizing homelessness and profiting off policing and incarceration enterprises, while enjoying high real estate prices would be very hypocritical. It's good to see Section 44.3.16 repealed. Section 45.1.4 still leaves the obstruction of sidewalks a misdemeanor. That does not sound so bad, but social workers have told me that misdemeanors on file make getting employment even harder. Millions have lost jobs, incurred bankruptcy (often due to medical debt), while stocks and real estate prices soar. It is our broken economy that is the root cause of homelessness. I hope you will also consider public banks and other funding mechanisms to change the housing dynamics at a fundamental level.
Antonie K. Churg, Ph.D.
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From: Antonie K. Churg [mailto: Sent: Tuesday, June 22, 202111:08 AM To: Council Meeting Public Comment <[email protected]>; Poirier, Rebecca <[email protected]>; Sullivan, Patrick <[email protected]> Subject: Agenda Item 9C, June 22, 2021
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Thank you for the overview that you provided with Item 9C. I hope Torrance can secure measure H funding through the SBCCOG. I am glad to see that Torrance is complying with the eligibility requirements for the July 2021 competitive process. I hope you will not hesitate to call on Torrance residents for their help in submitting the proposals. You mentioned a home sharing program and client aid funds. Others may have similar creative ideas.
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RE: ltem-98 Anti Camping Ordinance
I would like to express my support for the city of Torrance to adopt an anti camping ordinance. I would also add camping in cars and RV's to the conversation. Allowing mentally ill and substance addicted people to literally live and die in filth in the streets is not humaine or productive for either them or the residents of Torrance. Public camping in the streets is growing in neighboring cities and people are fleeing those areas because it has gotten so out of control. As a REAL TOR, I know this to be true because I hear it every day in my business. Do not let our great city go the way of those cities. Once it becomes accepted it grows, festers and becomes much more difficult to eradicate. I would like to add that those individuals need to be treated with compassion. It is not humaine or compassionate to allow them to live on the streets. We need to enforce the law and help to start them on the road to treatment for their addictions and mental illnesses.
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9A. Torrance Civic Center Grounds to be site for Housing for Homeless people.
I do not approve this. There is public library, city pool at the same location. Middle school is only
a block away. It is not appropriate location to have the housing.
Thank you,
Katsuyo Roberts
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From: Ben Fasenfest [mailto: Sent: Tuesday, June 22, 202111:52 AM To: Council Meeting Public Comment <[email protected]> Subject: Public Comment Agenda Item 9A
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Dear City Council -
I write as a homeowner near the Civic Center. I am strongly opposed to using Civic Center grounds as a temporary housing site. Temporary housing for homeless in LA county have a history of bringing violence, drugs, and break-ins with them. Adding these problems to down-town Torrance would be a huge mistake and should never be passed. Please protect your constituents by voting no on this matter.
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From: Ben Fasenfest [mailto: Sent: Tuesday, June 22, 202111:54 AM To: Council Meeting Public Comment <[email protected]> Subject: Public Comment Agenda Item 98
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Please do NOT allow overnight camping on Torrance beaches. The overnight encampments of homeless along the beaches further north in LA county come with needles, fires, and rape. Allowing camping on the beach will ruin one of the main attractions of the city, and make it an unsafe place for my family. I urge you to oppose matter 98.
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Sent from my iPhone
> On Jun 22, 2021, at 12:27 PM, Marge Kellems<
> > We Vote NO on 9A!
> wrote:
> Please NO HOMELESS PODS AT COURT HOUSE PARKING LOT or in any other residential areas in Torrance Gardens &beyond. > Please use another remote area. > Thank You!! >Mrs.Kellems > > > Sent from my iPhone
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Council persons,
I am registering my opposition to locating the homeless camp in the courthouse parking lot. This is too close to all of the family facilities in close proximity.
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Dear Torrance City Council,
I believe that this is poor decision if you move forward. Too many families will be affected in a negative way.
Our family is hoping for another option.
Please vote no.
Sincerely,
Cathy Lee
Torrance resident for over 30 years
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From: Agnes Gargiulo [mailto: Sent: Tuesday, June 22, 20211:18 PM To: Council Meeting Public Comment <[email protected]> Cc: Agnes Gargiulo< > Subject: PUBLIC COMMENTS RE AGENDA #9A - June 22nd MEETING - RE TEMP HOMELESS SITE
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On behalf of my wife Agnes gargiulo and myself we object the creation of a "temporary" housing cite at the civic center. This is an eye sore for tourist visitors. In our opinion this will lead to an increase in crime and the degrading of the quality of life in our community. We have been proud homeowners in the city of Torrance for over 18 years. We pay a lot of money every year for property taxes. We object to our HARD- earned money being used for this purpose. It will degrade the value of our property.
Suggestions for other location for temp homeless sites w/ in Torrance- DEL AMO BLVD. ( the other side of the refinery, in front of where Gana hi lumber is located, towards Crenshaw. OR. MADRONA BLVD ( back side of the refinery near where Christmas tree stands existed in the past years; towards 190th heading eastbound)
Mike and Agnes gargiulo
Sent from my iPhone
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Sullivan, Patrick
From: Sent: To: Subject:
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Antonie K. Churg Tuesday, June 22, 2021 11:08 AM Council Meeting Public Comment; Poirier, Rebecca; Sullivan, Patrick Agenda Item 98, June 22, 2021
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Dear City Council and City Attorney,
I welcome the changes in the Torrance city code to partially decriminalize homelessness behavior. Criminalizing homelessness and profiting off policing and incarceration enterprises, while enjoying high real estate prices would be very hypocritical. It's good to see Section 44.3.16 repealed. Section 45.1.4 still leaves the obstruction of sidewalks a misdemeanor. That does not sound so bad, but social workers have told me that misdemeanors on file make getting employment even harder. Millions have lost jobs, incurred bankruptcy (often due to medical debt), while stocks and real estate prices soar. It is our broken economy that is the root cause of homelessness. I hope you will also consider public banks and other funding mechanisms to change the housing dynamics at a fundamental level.
Antonie K. Churg, Ph.D. Torrance, CA 90505
cell:-
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Sullivan, Patrick
From: Sent: To: Cc:
Subject:
Arthur Christopher Schaper Sunday, June 20, 2021 7:30 PM Council Meeting Public Comment Chaparyan, Aram; Hoang, Viet; Gent, Zulma; Furey, Pat; Chen, George; Mattucci, Aurelio; Kalani, Sharon; Griffiths, Mike; Ashcraft, Heidi; Sullivan, Patrick; Megeff, Jon Public Comment: Regarding Items 9A through 9C
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First of all, I share that it is very frustrating that the city dragged its feet for nearly two years to solve the homelessness problem in the city of Torrance, which has only grown increasingly worse. Manhattan Beach, CA addressed this problem very effectively three years ago. This kind of delay for necessary policy direct cannot become the norm in the city of Torrance.
Based on the documents in Item 9C, overall homelessness in the City of Torrance increased from 79 to 322 people. This is unconscionable.
Regarding the three specific Administrative Agenda items:
9A: "Staff has recommended pursuing one of the two concepts that can be located entirely on City property, with the 34-space parking lot immediately adjacent to the Police Department as the preferred activation."
If this is the best location that the city can find, entirely within city property, thus removing the need to spend more funds to purchase property, then so be it. If a better lot, in an abandoned industrial location in the city, can be obtained, then that would be a better choice.
9B: I am glad to see that the anti-camping ordinance will preclude individuals from setting up tents in the park, as well as in other public locations throughout the city, including the beaches. In Wilson Park, over the last few months I have noticed a homeless person would routinely take up tables on the East side of the park, and this person would just leave a shopping cart full of bags. It was unsightly and disruptive. Thankfully, it appears that that person and the person's belongings have been removed.
Will this ordinance ensure that homeless individuals do not loiter in the public parks, as well, taking up multiple benches and tables with collected bags and other junk? This is still a possible problem that should be addressed and prevented.
9C: I am vocally opposed to any programs in connection with the South Bay City Council of Governments (SBCCOG). The last thing that any city needs is to form a further incestuous relationship with larger government agencies and bureaucracies. Frankly, the city of Torrance should exist the SBCCOG and retain our city funds for our own purposes. This is a terrible part of the plan which needs to be rejected outright.
This passage alone shows that our tax dollars not helping our local purposes:
In 2020 - 21, Measure H funds were made available to Council of Governments (COGs), including the SBCCOG, which covers a number of cities in the region, including Torrance, as part of "Innovation
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Grants." The SBCCOG received $739,685. The City of Redondo Beach received $245,287, and the Torrance received $50,000 to support retention of an Outreach Worker. The remaining $444,398 was used by the SBCCOG for regional projects, including education and outreach, development of a home sharing program, and providing client aid funds.
The vast majority of the monies are going to "regional projects." This is outrageous!
I strongly suggest that the city of Torrance maintain the strongest relationship connections with the city of Manhattan Beach and continue to follow their example, to the extent that they have successfully dealt with this homelessness issue while retaining the quality of life and character of their community.
I notice that the PLAN TO PREVENT AND COMBAT HOMELESSNESS stresses an extensive amount of education. I do not see the relevance or use of training every city employee how to deal with homelessness. Perhaps the police and fire departments, but that's it.
Furthermore, a simple plan which identifies that for many people on the streets, they are there because of drug use/abuse or mental health issues. Will there be any enforcement mechanisms to require chronically homeless individuals to receive help, get sober, etc. so that they can get back to living fulfilling and productive lives? I did not see any provided or even considered in the plan.
Last of all, my concerns--and the concerns of a growing number of residents in the city--have only grown in regards to government agencies and bureaucracies viewing the homelessness problem as just another way to hire more employees and seek more government funding. Homelessness is not going to solved with massive interventions of government money and material provision. If the city of Torrance gets into the "business" of handing out goods, services etc. the city governmentjwill not resolve but rather increase the homeless problem.
The city of Torrance, at the very least, must send a clear message discouraging transients and chronic homeless from coming to the city, wandering our streets, disturbing the public and residential areas, and blocking the thoroughfare and commerce of residents and businesses in the city. Six months ago, I dealt with a homeless individual who was either inebriated or mentally ill. He was walking westbound on Monterey Street five blocks away from the US Post Office. He had a bottle of some kind and threw it a parked car. One passerby, a mother with her child, was very alarmed by the violent behavior from the transient. She was relieved that I called the police. The transient then began wandering eastbound toward Crenshaw Blvd. The Torrance Police arrived, and they confronted the individual for a few minutes, then let him go.
As I have just related, I have directly encountered his homeless situation, specifically with a potentially violent altercation. Moreover, it has been quite alarming to see homeless taking up space in a number of the bus stop benches throughout the city and even on sidewalks in front of businesses along a number of strip malls throughout the city, too. This problem needs proper controls and enforcement protocols, not a bunch of trainings and overly-funded government junkets. There should be basic strategies in place to discourage transients, squatting, and increased movement of homeless into the city of Torrance, at the very least.
Last of all, I would advise disbanding the Social Services Commission and simply allow the professionals and well-established experts in dealing with homeless issues continue to take the lead on handling issues such as homelessness, as well as veterans issue and mental health concerns in the community. If after all their input and meetings, they have come up with mostly more paperwork and a few "toiletry giveaways", they have long outlived their usefulness.
Sincerely,
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Arthur Christopher Schaper is a blogger, writer, and commentator on topics both timeless and timely; political, cultural, and eternal. A life-long Southern California resident, Arthur currently lives in Torrance. Follow his biogs at The State of the Union and As lie Is. So Are We Ministries. Townhall.com Contributor Barbwire.com Contributor Canada Free Press Contributor Email: PayPal:
"It does not take a majority to prevail ... but rather an irate, tireless minority, keen on setting brushfires of freedom in the minds of men." -- Samuel Adams
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Sullivan, Patrick
From: Sent: To: Subject:
Monday, June 21, 2021 9:56 AM City Council Agenda items 9A,9B and 9C June 22, 2021
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--- ·-------·-·----------·-----------------·---------------- -·--·----------·--- ------·-··--· -------- -····-· -------·-------- ----- -------------·-------·--------------- ----------------------- ---------·-Dear Mayor and City Council,
My name is Michael Ritchey. My wife and I have lived at for almost 30 years. We raised our two children here. We've seen many changes to the Torrance Gardens over the years, many that have negatively impacted the quality of life for the residents of this neighborhood, especially the residents along Maple Avenue. The most recent proposal of locating a facility to house the homeless in the Civic Center complex seems like yet another idea that will have a serious negative impact on our neighborhood. I, along with pretty much all the neighbors, at this time strongly oppose the proposal. We have many questions that we feel need to be answered. As such, I am requesting that Council action on the subject items be postponed for a few weeks and that staff be directed to organize a meeting that includes a question and answer period with residents and business owners surrounding the Civic Center complex (including Madrona Middle School, as many of their students congregate at the library after school).
I think we as a city all agree that something needs to be done to help solve the homelessness situation. It's a problem that may be new to many neighborhoods in Torrance but is something that the residents along Maple Ave have been dealing with for at least the past 30 years. There have been many different homeless people that have taken up residence for periods of time in the Civic Center and courthouse area. Most of the time they stay for a few days or weeks then move on. Some were hardly noticeable, while another would sound his bugle at all hours of the night and early morning. Some would clean up after themselves, while others left behind trash that would blow across Maple Ave an wind up in our fronts yards. Many had what appeared to be serious mental health issues, some being aggressive and violent. The same people that other Torrance residents are trying to get out of their neighborhood are going to be concentrated in ours. The safety of the hundreds of adults and children that use the soccer fields, the Plunge, the library is a serious concern of mine. I remember an event not to long ago when two homeless individuals were involved in a fight in the area near the library that resulted in the death of the individuals.
So again, I respectfully request your honorable body postpone any action to approve locating the homeless facilities in the Civic Center complex until the concern of the local residents and business owners have been addressed. Thanking you in advance.
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Sullivan, Patrick
From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Attachments:
For supplemental
From: Aurelio Mattucci
Poirier, Rebecca Monday, June 21, 2021 5:37 PM Sullivan, Patrick Hoang, Viet; Rusa, Alice FW: Item 98 - Petition in support of an Anti Camping Ordnance and Petition Comments petition_commentsjobs_29086059_20210621185045.pdf; petition_signaturesjobs_ 29086059_20210621185333.pdf
Sent: Monday, June 21, 202112:01 PM To: Poirier, Rebecca <[email protected]>; City Clerk <[email protected]>; City Council <[email protected]> Subject: Item 98 - Petition in support of an Anti Camping Ordnance and Petition Comments
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Good Morning.
Please vote to approve a no camping ordinance at today's meeting. This will be the only way for law enforcement to remove the unhoused from our streets.
Thank you.
Mr & Mrs. Gomez
Sent via the Samsung Galaxy Note8, an AT&T SG Evolution capable smartphone
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Council persons,
I am registering my opposition to locating the homeless camp in the courthouse parking lot. This is too close to all of the family facilities in close proximity.
Forwarded from [email protected] FOR INFORMATION ONLY. PLEASE DO NOT REPLY. Bee: Couneil2
-----Original Message-----From: Patricia Bibbins< > Sent: Monday, June 21, 202111:57 AM To: City Council <[email protected]> Subject: Agenda items 6/22
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There are 2 items I would like to address. #1- First the vote of no confidence in our new DA Mr. Gascon. I feel the directives he has put in place are dangerous to all law-abiding citizens and he does need to be recalled. The only reason the council is being told to not do this is because he will be looking into police involved deaths. If the city police did nothing wrong then there is nothing to fear when it comes to oversight. If there was indeed wrong doing on the part of a city employed police officer then this should be exposed. It seems the city attorney believes there was in fact wrong doing or he would not fear the oversight. If that's the case then he is complicit in the wrong doing by covering it up. #2- our homeless problem truly needs to be addressed. It has become difficult to access some parks and public walkways due to individuals squatting on public property. If housing is built then no camping/loitering ordinances need to be in place and enforced. My teens can no longer walk to our local Starbucks as they have been yelled at and harassed by homeless living on the sidewalk. I no longer feel it's safe to allow them to go out alone. The majority of the local homeless appear to have mental health issues. This makes our city an unsafe place for everyone. Mental illness and drug addition cause people to be unpredictable. Are we waiting for a tragedy to happen before we act? We really need to find a way to clean up our streets and make them safe for everyone. We need to dismantle the money sucking commissions and councils that have been tasked with this job and have not delivered any results. Nonprofits are more equipped to assist as they are not motivated by greed but a true desire to help.
I beg you all to please consider how these issues are impacting the citizens of your city. I was born here in 1957 and have lived here the majority of my life. I chose to purchase a home here and raise my family. Now that retirement is near I'm just not sure this is the best place to stay. Thank you for listening.
Mrs. Bibbins
You are awesome so wear yourself proud. "Conner"
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From: Karen Roseberry [ Sent: Tuesday, June 22, 20211:44 PM To: Council Meeting Public Comment <[email protected]> Subject: Public Comment
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To the Honorable Members of the Torrance City Council:
Thank you so much for taking up for Council consideration, the agenda item 9M. City Manager -Consider Adoption of RESOLUTION of No Confidence Vote in Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascon. While this is largely a symbolic vote being considered, the symbol that it represents is a step of protection for a system of government that holds elected officials accountable.
Much talk is often given about Gascon having been elected. In that discussion it is imperative to identify that for which he was elected. He was elected to the office of District Attorney to prosecute offenders of crime. While he does have discretion over which cases will face prosecution, that is supposed to be based upon the evidence brought forth in each particular case. His discretion does not extend to a refusal of blanket unwillingness to prosecute any number of crimes found in the penal code - including resisting arrest, prostitution, and trespassing. These laws have been passed to protect law-abiding citizens and ensure a quality of life that all Angelenos should be able to enjoy.
Nor does his authority give him the right to disregard the will of the voters. Particularly concerning is the fact that in the very same election in which he was elected, Californians and Angelenos voted to reinstate cash bail in proposition 25. In Los Angeles this vote was nearly 2% points higher than Gascon's own election, yet this vote expressing the will of the voters has also been ignored by Gascon.
The directives issued by Gascon unilaterally and summarily dismiss prosecution of any number of crimes that the legislature and the voters have enacted, and such is a grave abuse of power. As such, it is essential that other elected officials serve as check and a balance upon this abuse. Gascon was elected to office to enforce the law, not to change the law and selectively determine which laws are to be enforced. If he believes the law needs to be changed then he needs to become a legislator, but as a District Attorney his job is to ensure equitable enforcement of the law as written.
As city council members you have been elected, and are committed to the Mission Statement to, "provide for an attractive, clean, safe, secure and enriching environment that assures a high quality of life." The policies of George Gascon undermine these objectives and warrant a vote of "No-Confidence."
Gascon's directives on sentencing to consistently seek the most minimum of sentences, particularly in refusing to oppose parole in any cases, or even send Deputy District Attorneys to the parole hearings, do not reflect an understanding of justice that the special circumstances of certain heinous and egregious offenses warrant sentences appropriate to that crime. Furthermore, these actions embolden a criminal element that do not preserve, nor protect residents and visitors in Torrance, and in no way enhance the quality of life for those in the community.
These actions that Gascon is undertaking have nothing to do with the reforms his supporters claim was the platform on which he ran and was elected. Nor is this a partisan issue. For any reform of the justice system to be successful it must be firmly grounded in a respect and regard for the rule of law. It cannot
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simultaneously erode that system of order and governance that keeps us from falling into lawlessness and anarchy or oppressive overreach of power by out-control officials.
Residents of Torrance and the County of Los Angeles are counting on you to uphold these most cherished values and to stand up for the protection of rule of law, for the protection of justice, and especially for the protection of victims whose cases have been dismissed and tossed aside in favor of the protection of criminals. Please help us to send a powerful message that this is not what a District Attorney is supposed to do and please vote "No-Confidence" in George Gascon and his perilous policies.
Respectfully submitted, Karen Roseberry Concerned Citizen of Los Angeles County
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Torrance City Council,
I am very disappointed that the same city council-members that are supposed to be looking out for their constituents are behind closed doors working on their own political agendas. Instead of listening to us, the residents of the area, and the tax paying Citizens of the City of Torrance, you are more concerned with how to please each other's political agendas. I am so disappointed at the Torrance City Council and the City Manager, who have not considered the concerns of the community members whose everyday lives will be forever affected negatively with this decision to put homeless pods next to the police station. My family and I are all for helping house the homeless and instead of just talking about it, we have actually actively have worked on doing so; however, there has to be a better location than in the middle of a family friendly neighborhood.
The other thing that bothers me is that other than the Honorable Mayor Fury and the City Councilmen Chen and Mattucci, no other council-members even bothered to return my email to have a discussion about this important issue. The Honorable Mayor and the City Councilman Mattucci were not forthcoming in my communications with them about the location; while all along they already had made a decision to build the homeless pods next to the police station which is proven by the upcoming vote. City Manager and the City Councils self-serving decision will not affect their lifestyles or family but ours, who live in the adjacent community.
In case the rest of you missed it, the rest of America is up in arms about police officers dealing with homeless and the mentally ill. Instead, they are asking to keep police away from the mentally ill and the homeless, and rather to have trained social workers deal with the homeless and the mentally ill because homelessness and being mentally ill is not a crime.
Sadly, most of the homeless in the City of Torrance do not want help because it comes with rules and they do not want to follow the rules. I hear some of the supporters of this location, most of whom do not live in the area, say that it is a perfect location because Police officers can keep an eye on the homeless, are you guys really that na"jve?? I hope not. The police can do absolutely nothing other than giving a ticket, which does not resolve any long-term community issues related to homelessness. In case you were not paying attention, the current lack of prosecution of crimes is the new norm in our County and State, just stop and ask a police officer. The Torrance Police Officers are also against this housing location because it will further increase the volume of their calls for service in the area. We all need to come together, work together, and collaborate on the best options with transparency rather than hiding behind the closed session of The City Council meetings.
Furthermore, the decision to put the pods next to the police station, Galaxy Soccer Field, the courthouse, two schools Madrona Middle School, Fern Elementary School, Plunge, library, church and the residential area will have direct negative quality of life affects in our community. The surrounding
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area will become a haven for the vagrants and the trash they leave behind. This location is also located directly next to where our City Council wants to have a fourth of July fireworks show as well.
If Redondo Beach homeless pods are the shining example of success, I have even more concerns. At least the City of Redondo Beach had the foresight to place the housing units behind a commercial area and away from direct public contact. Another interesting fact is that it is placed at the farthest away point from the Redondo Beach Police Department. It is placed at the border of the City of Torrance and if you would like to see the direct negative effects of that just swing by the El Nido Park. Or visit some of the neighboring businesses and people who live in the area and ask if trouble have decreased or INCREASED since the pods were placed there. All you have to do is to go by one of these areas and take a look with your own eyes. I do not see less homelessness or vagrancy in Redondo Beach, quite the opposite. My family and I watched in horror recently as a homeless person dropped their pants and defecated on the corner of Torrance and PCH in the middle of the day.
Ask yourself this, if you were raising a young family in the adjacent neighborhood, Torrance Gardens, would you feel safe with the proximity of this proposed location at the Civic Center parking lot? Let's come together, do the RIGHT thing and come up with a real and long-term solution by collaborating with the community! We will not support anyone who votes Yes on this atrocity!
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Hello. I live in Torrance CA. I'm a kid and I'm 10 yrs old. (She) I say No to these homelessness Pods in the Court House. Me and my family go cycling every once in a while and skate. But now me and my family can't because we feel unsafe. Think about it. There's people that walk everyday around here! (Elderley too) The soccer kids that play in the field, they can get exposed to them. People can't park no longer because a building for the homeless would be there. I don't feel comfortable and neither is my family! The kids and neighborhoods: Kids are everywhere such as dog owners like I am. I have a dog as well, I'm scared if one of the homeless people steals her/him. The neighborhood right across from the building can get VERY exposed as well. I also take dance and swimming in the summer, so if this I would not be able to enjoy taking classes at the Civic Center.
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To whom it may concern:
We do not want homeless pods at the courthouse parking lot which is right next to our home. There is no reason that Torrance can't do the same thing Redondo did and put the pods in a business or industrial area and not right next to a neighborhood. Or put them in your neighborhood where your kids play outside and your cars are parked on the street. I'm sure your tune would change if that was the case. Please consider a non residential location for these pods. I'm all about helping the homeless, but not at the risk of my own neighborhood where I have lived for over SO years and I pay property taxes.
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To whom it may concern: I am writing to let you know the I strongly oppose building pods for the homeless at the courthouse parking lot. This action will not solve our homeless problem and will only serve to encourage people to continue to rely on government instead of working to improve their circumstance. Also, the residents of Torrance Gardens, in fact all of Torrance, do not deserve the crime, and filth that the homeless bring. As residents of Torrance we deserve better from you, I encourage you to make the effort to find a solution that genuinely helps the homeless instead of doing what is politically expedient. Regards,
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Attention Torrance City Council,
As 50 year residents of the city of Torrance, we are strongly opposed to a homeless shelter being built on the parking lot of the courthouse. When we bought our house in the Torrance Gardens area 21 years ago, we took into consideration our proximity to the refinery and how close we would be to a busy street (Torrance Blvd) but we still wanted to be in this neighborhood. What we did NOT bargain for was the homeless camp/shelter that you are proposing. Your idea of sweeping up the streets of Torrance and dumping in our neighborhood is NOT acceptable. I STRONGLY urge you to find another location that is suitable for this purpose. A location that is not in a residential neighborhood next to a sports field that is used by kids. Let's face it, the majority of the homeless are mentally ill and/or drug addicts. That's a fact. This is not the place for a rehab facility or a mental hospital (which is what they need). I strongly urge you on behalf of my neighbors to reconsider this location. And please, don't point to the Redondo pallet shelter as a shining beacon. The area around it (neighborhood, park, etc.) has seen an uptick in petty crime, litter, and shady characters loitering around since that shelter opened. That is also a fact. We have friends that have lived in that area for over 50 years and witnessed the sudden change. Sad but true.
Sincerely, Rick and Heather Lamson
Torrance
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From: tom chirco < > Sent: Monday, June 21, 2021 6:29 PM To: City Clerk <[email protected]> Subject: Public Comment Agenda Item 9A- 6/22/21
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>»> My family and I have been residence of Torrance Gardens since 1982. Torrance Gardens has been a safe residential area to live but now we feel it's becoming unsafe. >>>>> »»»> We feel there are other areas that might be more suitable for housing a homeless Shelter for example: industrial areas that are not residential, areas that are not near playgrounds and Soccer fields etc. »»»> We Hope and Pray The Torrance City Council Will Not Approve This Location For A Homeless Shelter. »»»> Please Keep Torrance Gardens a Safe Residential Place To Live For Our Children and Grandchildren. >>>>>>> >»>»> Respectfully, »»»> Thomas and Christina »>»» Torrance Gardens, 90503 >>>>>>> >>>>>>> »»»> Sent from my iPhone
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As a Torrance resident my whole life, and a Torrance Gardens homeowner since 2000, I strongly oppose building pods for the homeless at the Superior Court-Torrance parking lot. The pods should be placed in an industrial area, not the hub of Torrance, where there are elementary, middle, and high schools, parks, libraries, public pools, and theaters. Being placed near the police station is irrelevant because the police cannot do anything about the homeless unless we have the number of pods for ALL the homeless in Torrance, which 40 will not cover.
This is extremely disturbing, as I have observed that many of the homeless sleep during the day (check out our bus benches, markets, parks, etc.) and are up at night. How are we expected to sleep at night with the knowledge that they are walking our streets? I live three blocks from the courthouse. My husband and I will be putting our home that we love, where we raised our son, up for sale immediately, if this goes through.
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Torrance Council Members,
I am a 20 year Torrance Gardens resident. My home is one block from the Torrance Civic Center. I am very concerned about an initiative to place a homeless shelter pod in my neighborhood where I am raising two elementary school aged children.
Sincerely,
Ed Milich, P. E.
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From: Kathryn Hendrex < Sent: Monday, June 21, 2021 6:01 PM To: City Clerk <[email protected]> Subject: Public Comment Agenda Item 9A
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I just got a flyer stating that the council is voting to approve building homeless pods at the courthouse parking lot Tuesday 6/22 at 7:00. If I arrive at the parking lot will I be able to find out more information? I mean will they just be building the pods there? Or will they be sitting up an encampment there? Thank you.
Sent from my iPhone
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Torrance
June 21st 2021
Dear Mayor Furey, and Council Members,
Please take time to read this email. It is of great concern to us.
My name is Irene Hardy, my husband is Neville Hardy. We have lived at for 45 years. We are requesting a postponement of the June 22 vote on the homeless plan. Over the years we have put up with visitors to the Court House dropping all sorts of litter by the curb when they get into their cars, parked outside our house. They are entitled to park there but we don't appreciate it when they leave all sorts of litter.
We strongly object to the housing for the homeless being in the west side of the Court House parking lot. We feel there will be more than litter to complain about. We will probably be able to see it from our kitchen window. Now how many of the council members would want that view from their kitchen window?
The value of our property will decrease, another question for the council, would you like to see a significant decrease in the value of your home?
Mayor Furey says there is a consensus on the City Council to get something passed. Of course he did because and the council will not be affected. He also added that the Civic Center area should not be a problem. Maybe not to the Council but it certainly is to us and our neighborhood. Councilman Aurelio Mattucci mentioned in his last statement. "But he also wants to prevent camping- though that can be difficult." There you have it, we feel camping will be inevitable.
We would like to look each of you in the face and ask for an honest answer from every member of the council, WOULD YOU VOTE YES IF IT WAS CLOSE YOU YOUR HOME?
We have never been so disappointed in the City Council in 45 years as we are now, it seems the council is rushing this vote slyly by us and will probably be an overwhelming pass because it doesn't affect the City council members. Members of the public are not getting a change to give our input even though everything is opening up in the city we are denied access to the council meeting, why? This is a serious subject and it is disgusting that you feel the need to vote without letting the local public have a say at a meeting.
How can you possible vote on this potential plan, details for which have not been determined. (page 2 paragraph 2) from the message of Aurelio Mattucci. That doesn't make sense.
We realize the homeless situation is growing and it is sad. Why wasn't something done about it long before it started getting out of hand? Prevention is always better than cure.
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We help the homeless people when we see them on the streets ·and we realize tnany of them have just had a bad time through no fault of their own. How are you going to d~termtne which of them ,, need help to get on their feet with the ones who need medical help for mental or disability issues? Is there going to be help for them? We are not against helping the home I es( we support two homeless shelters in Wilmington. But we don't want a shelter on our doorstep.
There are a lot of children involved with the two soccer facilities which should be a deterrent for this location not to happen.
There must be other lots that would be suitable for instance:
1. Behind the new transit center there is vacant space. 2. Vacant Warehouses in industrial parts of Torrance. I believe Edision owns the vacant land on 190th across from Colonial Park. 3. West end of the Airport there is a vacant lot. Have any of these been considered?
We would have preferred to have voiced our opinion at the meeting as many others would like to.
Sincerely
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From: Sent: Monday, June 21, 2021 9:56 AM To: City Council <[email protected]> Subject: Agenda items 9A,9B and 9C June 22, 2021
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Dear Mayor and City Council,
My name is Michael Ritchey. My wife and I have lived at - for almost 30 years. We raised our two children here. We've seen many changes to the Torrance Gardens over the years, many that have negatively impacted the quality of life for the residents of this neighborhood, especially the residents along Maple Avenue. The most recent proposal of locating a facility to house the homeless in the Civic Center complex seems like yet another idea that will have a serious negative impact on our neighborhood. I, along with pretty much all the neighbors, at this time strongly oppose the proposal. We have many questions that we feel need to be answered. As such, I am requesting that Council action on the subject items be postponed for a few weeks and that staff be directed to organize a meeting that includes a question and answer period with residents and business owners surrounding the Civic Center complex (including Madrona Middle School, as many of their students congregate at the library after school).
I think we as a city all agree that something needs to be done to help solve the homelessness situation. It's a problem that may be new to many neighborhoods in Torrance but is something that the residents along Maple Ave have been dealing with for at least the past 30 years. There have been many different homeless people that have taken up residence for periods of time in the Civic Center and courthouse area. Most of the time they stay for a few days or weeks then move on. Some were hardly noticeable, while another would sound his bugle at all hours of the night and early morning. Some would clean up after themselves, while others left behind trash that would blow across Maple Ave an wind up in our fronts yards. Many had what appeared to be serious mental health issues, some being aggressive and violent. The same people that other Torrance residents are trying to get out of their neighborhood are going to be concentrated in ours. The safety of the hundreds of adults and children that use the soccer fields, the Plunge, the library is a serious concern of mine. I remember an event not to long ago when two homeless individuals were involved in a fight in the area near the library that resulted in the death of the individuals.
So again, I respectfully request your honorable body postpone any action to approve locating the homeless facilities in the Civic Center complex until the concern of the local residents and business owners have been addressed. Thanking you in advance.
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Good afternoon,
As a Torrance resident for many years, me and my family refused of building homeless shelter pods at the courthouse parking lot for many reasons- The courthouse parking lot is near the residential area, it is also near the school, we have kids that play around outside, we have big concern of our safety and cleanliness of Torrance. Without knowing the background of people that may be place there, we can't afford to take those risk. I am not generalizing that all homeless have bad reputations but with what is happening right now especially, because of hate, our family is deeply againsts of the proposal.
I hope the Torrance council will listen to our concerns.
Thank you.
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From: Cerda, Samantha On Behalf Of City Clerk Sent: Monday, June 21, 2021 2:04 PM To: Gent, Zulma <[email protected]>; Hoang, Viet <[email protected]> Subject: FW: June 22, 2021 Agenda Item 9A
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Respectfully submitted:
Debby Zagorin
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From: GAIL HERMAN< > Sent: Monday, June 21, 2021 2:26 PM To: City Clerk <[email protected]> Subject: Re: Public Comment Agenda Item 9A- 6/22/21
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On Mon, Jun 21, 2021 at 2:02 PM Melanie Gallagher< If you guys want to copy and paste the Date: Mon, Jun 21, 2021 at 2:00 PM Subject: Public Comment Agenda Item 9A- 6/22/21
To Whom it May Concern:
> wrote:
This letter is to address the proposed Torrance Homeless Encampment at The Torrance Civic Center.
We purchased a home in Torrance Gardens (directly across from the Library and Plunge) due to the safety of the city and reputation of the schools. What was once a spot where kids could safely set up lemonade stands for the Armed Forces Parade and 4th of July celebration or take an evening walk, I'm afraid, is going to become a place where I don't feel safe even walking outside my front door.
Inmates being released from jail and walking down Torrance Blvd to the liquor store or camping out at the bus stops on both corners of my street (Torrance Blvd at Madrona) is already currently a problem. Explaining to my child what's going on when she sees someone smoking crack literally outside her bedroom window, or why a man has set up a tent with 50 shopping bags (full of god knows what) has the legal right to do so, has already been a concern, and this was before a homeless encampment was across the street. But, to transform the parking lot where I teach my child to ride her bike and roller skate into a home for potentially violent drug addicts and people with mental problems is terrifying. The place I take my child for swim lessons, dance and art classes, soccer lessons, and TOCA events is about to become a stomping ground for the homeless community. I feel the City of Torrance is failing the residents, especially those who live in close proximity to the Civic Center.
I grew up with family members with mental issues and drug addictions, so I have a great deal of empathy for those who cannot help themselves and I realize that everyone's situation is unique, but I am extremely disappointed in how my once quaint home of Torrance Gardens is handling where this encampment would be located; it is way too close to houses, schools, churches, the library and pool- places where children could be exposed to unsuitable behavior. I have firsthand experience with these potential dangers.
I absolutely agree that tents at parks are not an option and I'm all for helping those who need/want help, but I ask that you please reconsider the location for this proposed housing and choose a less populated area such as an industrial site or enclosed space in a non-residential area.
What are your concerns about homelessness in the City of Torrance?
My concern is that high housing prices have pushed people onto the streets and that draconian anticamping rules could displace people who have nowhere else to go and further exacerbate the problem. I believe we should approach ho useless people with compassion and ensure that they have access to bathrooms, safe parking, and adequate trash disposal.
Describe how you see homelessness in Torrance. Please think more broadly than individual persons you
may have seen; think about recurring patterns of homelessness you have observed in the City of Torrance.
I see homelessness as a result of systemic issues such as the economic crisis caused by the pandemic and skyrocketing housing costs in Torrance. I do not think we can (or should) strive to "fix the homelessness problem" by removing encampments; this does not actually help people find shelter or fix the issues that led to them losing their homes in the first place.
What is your understanding of what the City of Torrance can do to address homelessness?
Make public park bathrooms open 24/7 to give houseless individuals a place to use the restroom. Do not enact anti-camping ordinances. Allow overnight parking in park lots or other designated areas so that people living in their cars have somewhere to go at night. Ensure that homeless encampments have access to adequate trash removal. Implement citywide rent control and an eviction freeze while the COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing.
What are some ways the Torrance community can help with homelessness?
See above.
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If you would like updates or information on how you can further participate in these efforts, please include your email address.
Not answered
Thank you, City of Torrance
This is an automated message generated by Granicus. Please do not reply directly to this email.
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Dear Members of the City Council,
I am very concerned about the move to put homeless shelter pods in the courthouse parking lot.
understand the need for housing for the homeless, but it concerns me that the area you have designated is next to a residential area, the soccer field, the library, and the pool. Is this really a good idea? I am also concerned at the cost to my neighborhood and the impact it will not only have on the
safety of the residences but also the impact on housing prices. I picked Torrance as a place to purchase
my home more than twenty years ago because it was a safe area with fantastic schools. Having this homeless encampment will endanger the neighborhood and cause housing prices to fall.
It is interesting that these "pods" are not going into Mr. Fury's neighborhood or in the South or West
area. What will be the security to ensure that it is kept clean and crime will not increase? Who will be allowed to live in these "pods"? Will the residence in Torrance Gardens be required to hire private
security to ensure the residence are safe? The City Council has already added a bus station to our
neighborhood which we have yet to see what the impact will be with the people coming trough that
center. How will this now impact us and the businesses in and around us. Redondo Beach put their
pods in a commercial area instead of residential.
This is not a good idea and I ask you to reconsider! There must be a better place to put this homeless
encampment. I fear this will be one more strain on the Torrance PD and will not improve the lives of the
residences who pay taxes to live in this wonderful city. Yes, we must care for those who are less
fortunate, but you must also take into consideration those who have worked hard to buy homes and live
in a safe, quiet, and peaceful neighborhood. I am sure you did not consider putting these "pods" in the
middle of Wilson Park or Madrona Marsh, so why here? Please vote no on agenda item 9A. Decisions have consequences and this diversion is the wrong one.
Thank you for your consideration in this matter.
Teresa Brown
Torrance, CA 90503
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From:
Sent: Sunday, June 20, 2021 6:35 PM To: City Clerk <[email protected]> Subject: Fwd: Public comment agenda item 9A-6/22/21
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Huge concerns over public safety not to mention the children who play soccer across the street. May I ask who proposed this ideA? I have been watching the concerns in Venice beach in regards to the homeless and as a home owner in torrance gardens that walks my dog and walks with my children I think the safety of the public needs to be addressed.
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Good evening, I am writing about your upcoming decision to put homeless pods at the courthouse parking lot.
This neighborhood is filled with children and active community who are out and about every day. I do not believe housing homeless people with varying degrees of illness, mental instability, drug and alcohol addiction in the midst of our community is a safe or wise decision. There are thousands of children who frequent the plunge, library, community buildings, schools, athletic sports complex and playgrounds who will be affected by this poor decision.
I strongly urge you to vote against putting these pods in our neighborhood. Perhaps a better location would be by the airport where there are more industrial businesses rather than in the midst of places where people reside and children play. We must keep our kids safe!
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As a resident of Torrance Gardens for 20 years, I am very concerned that the city government is considering placing homeless shelter in my neighborhood. The impact to our neighborhood and house values would be seriously impacted. I agree that we need to help Torrance residents who become displaced, but the placement of pods in our neighborhood is NOT the answer. Please consider other options to temporarily house displaced individuals and utilize social services to get them the support (mental, drug, veteran) services that they truly need.
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Good evening, I am writing about your upcoming decision to put homeless pods at the courthouse parking lot.
This neighborhood is filled with children and active community members who are out and about every day. I do not believe housing homeless people with varying degrees of illness, mental instability, drug and alcohol addiction in the midst of our community is a safe or wise decision. There are thousands of children who frequent the plunge, library, community buildings, schools, athletic sports complex and playgrounds who will be affected by and very possibly harmed by this poor decision.
I strongly urge you to vote against putting these pods in our neighborhood. Perhaps a better location would be by the airport where there are more industrial businesses rather than in the midst of places where people reside and children play. We must keep our kids safe! Respectfully John Rippeto
Torrance ca. 90503
Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS
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From: Sent: Friday, June 18, 20219:01 AM To: City Clerk <[email protected]> Subject: Public Comment- 9A
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Dear Council Member,
I live directly across the street. I urge you to be mindful of the surrounding community's safety and presence. A plan that includes community input and oversight is essential for success.
Just ask yourself, would I be OK with this happening in my neighborhood?
Before you approve this; actually listen to your constituents, provide ways to include neighbors in the process.
Subject: Public Comment for Agenda Item 9A - Request Delay
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Agenda Item 9A, 98, 9C:
Given the length of the newly posted documents: 9A: 9 pages with more materials available on 22 June (not posted yet) 98: 15 pages (including anti-camping law and restrictions to Civic Center area) 9C: 180 pages (including several emails from pages 111 - 180, including my own)*
* A quick review of the emails indicates support for relocation of homeless in southern Torra nee, but no emails provide support of a particular location for a homeless shelter.
Support for anti-camping regulations should not be confused with support for placement of a homeless shelter (2.66 times larger than the Redondo Beach facility - which is on Commercial Property) so close to a public use soccer field and residences.
Also, placement of the Homeless Shelter should not be approved without District 3 representation.
Thank you for providing the above documents, but more time is needed to understand their contents and their associated impacts.
Please delay voting on Agenda Items 9A, 98, 9C for 2 weeks to give our community time to understand these plans.
You may use this email in your meeting deliberations.
Thank you, James Lake
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From: Rob Neumann [ Sent: Sunday, June 20, 202110:50 PM To: City Council <[email protected]> Cc: Rob Neumann< > Subject: Homeless Encampment (Strong Opposition about Location)
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Dear City Council,
The purpose of this letter is to express my strong opposition to the proposed location for a homeless encampment at the Torrance Civic grounds.
I've been a Torrance resident and homeowner for over SO years. This is unquestionably the worst plan I've seen proposed in my years in Torrance!
I realize something needs to be done about the homeless problem. But, this location is a horrible choice. Essentially, it's equivalent to putting it on a school campus when you factor in all the children that will be in close proximity.
Consider how many kids utilize this area -- library, city pool, soccer fields, soccer center, performing arts center, etc. All of these are within throwing distance of the proposed location.
My kids alone spent lOOO's of hours in this location -- soccer training 3x/week, games on weekends, swimming lessons, art classes, walking to/from the library, etc. They've had their team banquets at the Toyota meeting rooms and attended countless other special events (Easter shows, 4th of July Fireworks, kids fairs, musicals, etc) in this area. This is clearly a hub for so many kid's activities.
Regardless of the structure and controls some claim will be implemented, there will be incidents that sadly exist in these environments and circumstances.
Please don't mix-use a homeless encampment with this kids zone. We have to be more diligent about finding a safer and more appropriate location than this.
Please feel free to call me if you have any questions or need additional input.
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Hello, Item #9a My name is Casandra. I live on Maple Ave a little bit further down the road from the proposed homeless encampment site. It might be better to think of using a private property for the homeless encampment. This location would be tucked away from public view while still offering all the same services as the original plan. The industrial district has unused buildings which could potentially provide shelter for those in need. You may mention that it is not city property however that can be easily remedied. I am told you can give a tax break to these property managers or landlords in exchange for use of their building. Then if a person chooses to permanently leave, they could have a shuttle take them to wherever it is they need to go. There is no perfect plan. I get that. But please consider the needs of your community before making your decisions.
We also ask that you give a 2 week extension to read over your lengthy plan.
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Dear Mayor Furey and City Council members,
I live across the street from the Civic Center on Maple Avenue in the third district, which at this time does not have a representative. It is our district in which the homeless shelter pods are being proposed.
I ask that the mayor and city council members please take time considering the effect that the proposed homeless shelter would have on the quality of life for the residents immediately adjacent to the Civic Center hub. We enjoy riding our bikes and walking our dogs around the Civic Center throughout the week. We enjoy the Plunge, the library, the soccer field, taking classes, and going to the different theater productions. I understand that we need to help homeless people if they want our help; however, Mr. Lake, our neighbor, has proposed at least 10 other commercial properties in Torrance that might be a good fit. I ask that you allow a two-week time period for residents to read the lengthy agenda/report so that we are better informed about what may happen in our safe community.
Thank you,
Jenifer King
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From: rob masuda [mailto: Sent: Saturday, June 19, 202112:23 PM To: City Council <[email protected]> Subject: Homeless shelter plan vote - June 22, 2021
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Hello City Council Members,
I just heard about this plan and I am curious why, if I am understanding correctly, that the proposed site for a homeless shelter will be in the civic center in Torrance. With all the activities that take place in this center (libraries, swimming pool, the cultural arts center, etc.). I'm requesting that any vote could be postponed for the residents (I live off Maple) could better understand the options on the table for these shelters.
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Comment for Agenda Item #9A - See attached presentation for consideration of expanding the Torrance Homeless Shelter tradespace.
Questions for Agenda Item #9A (updated list since official plan #9A has been published) 1) What is the proposed timeline for installation of the Torrance Homeless Shelter?
2) Which Torrance City Councilman represents the area for the proposed Homeless Shelter location?
3) Considering the current proposed location (Torrance Civic Center, see Ref A, below), what are the planned impacts to the Kinecta Soccer Center use? 4) Planned min and max number of homeless for placement in the Torrance Homeless Shelter?
6) Planned size (acres or sq yards or sq meters) for the Torrance Homeless Shelter, including additional needed services adjoining the Homeless shelter (see #7a to #7f)?
7) Planned accommodations (i.e., see list directly below #7a to #7f) for those placed at the Torrance Homeless Shelter?
7a) lavatories
7b) medical
7c) meal preparation and serving
7d) education
7e) therapy
7f) transportation
8) What means will be used to disseminate updates to the residents of the applicable Torrance District (i.e., District 3 residents for placement at the Torrance Civic Center) for Torrance Homeless Shelter placement, construction and operation?
9) If homeless to be placed at the Torrance Homeless Shelter include those where Megan's Law* may apply, by which means will local residents be notified?
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10) Who is the City of Torrance point of contact for additional questions?
*See attached screenshot of current Megan's Law offenders in the 90503 zip code as of 7 June 2021. Note that while 10 "offender" pins are present on the map, the website mentions "postable offenders: 1044" (see top of screen in the attached image).
You have my permission to use this email message during your discussions on the topic of the Torrance Homeless Shelter.
Proposed Location Spacing to Nearby Residents Very Low
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Torrance: Potential Civic Center Locations • Courthouse
• Civic Center
• NOTE: If proximity to police department is required1, then colocation with park and residences should not be allowed
• Factual Report2 indicates 56% increase in crime < 100m (328') from shelter with crime increasing to 400m (1,312') from shelter
1 Redondo Beach Homeless Shelter not co-located with police department 2 https://crim.sas.upenn.edu/sites/default/files/Ridgeway Effect%20of%20Emergency%20Shelters-v5 1.2.2018.pdf
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Expanding the Homeless Shelter Tradespace
• Given the established minimum spacing with the current proposed locations, we can add several more locations using Commercial Property
• Use of Commercial Property Cost: • Can incentivize property owner be selecting those areas currently not in use,
and therefore are not generating revenue for the owner • Further incentive can be 50% reduction in property tax for the participating
owner(s) • NOTE: Using Google Maps 1, the City of Torrance has> 2,500 acres of
Commercial Property • Given the Homeless Shelter will use< 2.5 acres, the total "lost property tax
income" will be< (2.5/2500)*0.50 = 0.0005 or less than 0.05% of the total Commercial Property tax income
I
'Only areas within the 6 Districts of Torrance Cost to use Commercial Property is Negligible
19900 Prairie Ave 3.1 , 1,130 550 Crenshaw 2.8 3,000 1849 W. 190th Street 1.2 2,070 990 19500 Mariner Ave 2.0 1,700 980 2800 190th Street 3.3 2,400 900 20500 Madrona Ave 2.6 700 873 25~0 W. 2~7th St 0.8 2,200 812 These locations are unimproved flat ground lots. Many more locations with existing and empty buildings provide even more options.
Viable Commercial Property Options Exist
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Conclusion
• Use of Commercial Property for Torrance Homeless Shelter provides: • Several more options for location
From: Matthew Staal Sent: Tuesday, June 22, 20211:29 PM To: Council Meeting Public Comment <[email protected]> Subject: Public Comment: 9A
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9A. City Manager - Approve Torrance Civic Center Grounds to be Site for Temporary Housing for People Experiencing Homelessness.
As a long time Torrance Gardens homeowner and resident, I am deeply concerned to learn that the city of Torrance is pursuing the Temporary Housing for Homeless people. I think this action would degrade the safety and cleanliness of the local area in addition to the impact on Torrance's sense of being a place people want to raise their children and have a high quality of life. I urge the City Counsel to reject this plan and consider other methods to reduce homelessness in the city of Torrance.
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To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing to formally voice my concern about the potential of having Homeless Shelter Pods set up in the Courthouse parking lot. I am a homeowner in Torrance and I pay thousands of dollars in taxes annually to live here. I was born and raised here, went to all of the Torrance schools, and love this city. I spent well over 10 years saving money, working 7 days a week, so I could purchase a home here in Torrance. Had I known that the City Representatives would consider setting up Homeless Shelters just a couple short blocks away from my house, I would have never chosen to make Torrance my home. I believe that you are not only inviting crime, but you are stripping the citizens of Torrance a safe community. There are absolutely no guarantees or assurances that bringing these people into our community will make it safer. In fact, my car has already been broken into twice in my driveway. Since the theft was under $1,000.00, the police told us that nothing could be done about our case. We have already had one homeless man attempt to sleep across the street from our house in front of the school yard field (Madrona Middle School). I urge you to not only vote NO on the Homeless Shelter Pods, but also vote to have Anti-Camping laws put on the books so our police force can do their jobs.
I can assure you that we will be one of the statistics of the mass exit should these be passed.
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Dear Torrance City Council, Regarding the administrative actions on 6-22-2021 Torrance City Council Agenda:
1. 9A - I would like to request Torrance city council to please HOLD approval for this item. My concerned about the impact of this measure to public safety around the Torrance Civic Center grounds, including children attending swimming practices at the Torrance Plunge. This measure requires significant community discussion and consensus in order to proceed. Please hold approval until all members of the Torrance community have a chance to review, consider, and weigh in on this matter and provide appropriate feedback.
2. 98 - I would like to request Torrance city council to please HOLD approval for this item. What is the imapact of this measure on hygiene and public health and safety for Torrance residents who use the beach and sidewalks? For approval, this measure requires significant community discussion and consensus in order to proceed. Please hold approval until all members of the Torrance community have a chance to review, consider, and weigh in on this matter and provide appropriate feedback.
3. 9C - I would like to request Torrance city council to please HOLD approval for this item. What is the exact contents of this proposal? What is the opinion of the broader Torrance community about how to proceed? Please increase the visibility and Torrance community feedback for how to proceed with this agenda item.
4. 9D - I would like to request Torrance city council to please HOLD approval for this item. What is the exact contents of this proposal? How will this proposal improve quality of life, safety and security in Torrance? Please increase the visibility and community feedback for how to proceed with this agenda item.
Overall, I would request the Torrance City Council to please open up these important topics to feedback and consensus building from the Torrance community before approving. Thank you.
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I am a resident of Torrance Gardens and I am opposed to the installation of any Pod dwelling for homeless non resident or Torrance residents. My concerns are many.
1. Was a study done to determine who would be living in them and how was this conducted
2. How many POD are being considered to implement and the duration.
3. Who will monitor the residents, clean and maintain the PODs and what funds are being used to do so.
4. Why aren't residents allowed to vote on this?
5. As a resident I would like to see If a study and a plan were done, where can we see the results of this.
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To: Torrance City Council:
Hi,
I am a business professional and resident of Torrance. My family and I have lived in the "Torrance Garden" area of Torrance since 2003, west of Crenshaw and north of Torrance Blvd. I am writing you to express my concern for the proposed homeless shelter pods that you are considering to erect near the courthouse parking lot. My family and I moved to Torrance because this is a safe community. We love the city, the schools, the businesses that are here, and most importantly the safety that the city offers with its exceptional police department. That being said, we understand and have seen the increase/ influx of transient population over the past year. Albeit an eye sore and an area for concern (likely a result of current LA District Attorney Gascon), I have spoken with city officials with Santa Monica and other state cities where homeless outreach of this nature is offered. Unanimously they have all agreed that creating this transient housing has increased their homeless population, and made things in their cities more difficult when dealing with the homeless population. I am all for outreach programs, I know they already exist, and what I hope is understood here is the homeless we see in our beloved city will likely not meet the requirements for housing through this program. I have looked at what criteria must be met by subjects seeking shelter at these locations, and they have to follow rules, and can't be high or be intoxicated. The homeless we see in Torrance seem to have this very problem, and would not qualify to be sheltered at such a location that you are considering to create. Professionals I have spoken with who have had shelters such as the ones you are considering have caused an influx of transients in their city. Even Redondo Beach placed their shelters strategically at their city border, and those that don't meet shelter criteria (which are many) are almost immediately displaced into Torrance. Want proof, just go drive to El Nido Park and look and the homeless living in their vehicles along the park wall, or talk to any number of residents there (which I have), and they will tell you how they have seen a drastic increase in homelessness since the inception of just the Redondo Beach shelter. Or try shopping at Target or Ralphs next to their shelter and look at the influx of homeless. Many of the businesses have had to hire private security because of the problem this has created. We don't want crime in our neighborhood to increase, which it will if this shelter is erected. This shelter would also likely create safety issues with the Plunge, the Toyota Sports Complex, and create displacement of homeless at our mall. Please consider the impact this shelter creates for Torrance and its residents. I have spoken to more than 20 homes and their residents on our street and they all agree they don't want to see this shelter erected, and know it will create safety issues for us and our families.
My family and I will already be impacted by the influx of transients who will now arrive to our great city via bus at the new transit center on Crenshaw north of Maricopa. How many of you ride the bus? Me neither. Torrance is a city of professionals, and resources like this are wasted funds and don't create revenue, but impact our city in other drastic ways that I don't believe were considered. Free money can
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come at a cost, which the transit center will ultimately cost the city far more than realized. Same goes for the homeless shelter. With the creation of this shelter, it won't offer the refuge that I think you believe it will. What we need is enforceable laws that our city prosecutors can prosecute. Speaking with law enforcement officers there are plenty of laws that can be enforced (broken window theory) but there's a lack of commitment from the city prosecutors or courts. If homeless in their vehicles/ RV's/ and the like is an issue, why don't we have more parking by permit only. I know of plenty of places in LA County and the like where a vehicle can't park for more than 2 hours, if at all if it doesn't have the proper permit. Residents there can give their guests parking passes, and the residents themselves can get permits for their vehicles. I would even consider paying to permit my vehicles yearly at a nominal cost if it helped to offset the creation of said signs and subsequent enforcement. Please don't turn Torrance into San Francisco. There are other ways to combat the issues at hand and this homeless shelter isn't it. The homeless we see aren't from Torrance, have no ties to Torrance, and I believe that other cities will make Torrance a dumping ground for their homeless.
Thank you for your service to our community. We voted for you to represent us, and this it the time we need you to represent our concerns and beliefs on this matter. Its a quality of life issue for my family, friends, and neighbors.
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As a resident and business owner in South Bay community since 1972, I am mortified at the possibility of erecting homeless POD'S in our city. Let alone the idea anywhere else. There must be other solutions to consider: like expanding shelters, converting empty buildings and hospitals that could house them, formulating programs that transitions each individual into the community to be independent citizens with purpose instead of our government supplementing free hand outs.
Our homeless population needs direction but not housing POD'S. Make use of what we currently have, not spending our tax payer dollars on ineffective POD'S and unsightly erecting them causing more havoc and depreciation of our real estate values. It's a snowball effect in the wrong direction.
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June 21, 2021
To: Torrance City Council:
Good afternoon, I am a business professional and resident of Torrance. My family and I have lived in the "Torrance
Gardens" area of Torrance since 2009, west of Crenshaw and north of Torrance Blvd. I am writing you to express my concern for the proposed homeless shelter pods that you are considering to erect near the courthouse parking lot.
My family and I moved to Torrance because this is a safe community. We love the city, the schools, the businesses that are here, and most importantly the safety that the city offers with its exceptional police department. That being said, we understand and have seen the increase/ influx of transient population over the past year. I have spoken with city officials with Santa Monica and other state cities where homeless outreach of this nature is offered. Unanimously, they have all agreed that creating this transient housing has increased their homeless population, and made things in their cities more difficult when dealing with the homeless population. We fully support outreach programs, I know they already exist, and what I hope is understood here is the homeless we see in our beloved city will likely not meet the requirements for housing through this program. We don't want crime in our neighborhood to increase, which it will if this shelter is erected. This shelter would also likely create safety issues with Madrona Middle School, Fern Elementary School, the Library, the Plunge, the Toyota Sports Complex, and create displacement of homeless at our mall. Please consider the immediate impact these pallet shelters create for Torrance and its residents. Our neighbors do not want to see this shelter erected, and know it will create safety issues for us and our families. How many of you have children that attend Madrona Middle or Fern Elementary? How many of your children play soccer at the Toyota Sports Complex?
Our family alone has TWO children less than half a mile from the proposed pallet shelters and less than a quarter mile from the transit center being built. There are 7 other homes with 2+ children just on our block. Imagine how many children live in all of the Torrance gardens. Your choices will bring massive risks to our kids and families.
My family and I will already be impacted by the influx of transients who will now arrive to our great city via bus at the new transit center on Crenshaw north of Maricopa. How many of you ride the bus? Probably zero. Torrance is a city of professionals, and resources like this are wasted funds and don't create revenue, but impact our city in other drastic ways that I don't believe were considered. Torrance Gardens and every single family would be between the transit center and the homeless pallet shelters.
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Thank you for your service to our community. We voted for you to represent us and we need you to empathize and hear us.
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To our Elected Representatives, · My wife and I have lived in Torrance Gardens for 19 years. We recently became aware of the voting to
approve homeless shelter pods at the Torrance courthouse parking lot. This is an extremely poor choice of locations! We know that homeless encampments bring a whole slew of problems. Crime, drugs, violence, trash, and sanitation issues, just to name a few. I'm sure that you are all aware of how close this area is to our neighborhoods, our homes, and more importantly our children. The library, plunge, and soccer fields are in such close proximity, that this area would not be safe anymore for the residents and especially our children. My wife likes to jog in the early morning, before the sun is up, and we both feel that it would be un-safe to continue to do so. More and more Californians are leaving the state and this is a perfect example of one of the reasons why. The best interests of the residents and taxpayers are being ignored. We make sacrifices to live in nice, safe neighborhoods, only to have you make decisions like this one, that will negatively impact our quality of life. Would you feel safe having this encampment in your neighborhood? Do you think it would increase the value of your home?
As Mayor, council members, and other elected officials of the city, you were elected to look after the best interests of the city and your constituents. As your constituent, I am telling you that you are not looking out for my best interests, by approving a homeless encampment in my neighborhood, but are putting the health and safety of my family at risk. Not to mention what this will do to our property values.
Please do the right thing, for the City of Torrance and its residents, and DO NOT approve this homeless camp.
Sincerely, David, Maria, Jack, Sofia, and Nicholas Parker
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Please do not put homeless pods at the Torrance courthouse. This is my neighborhood and housing the homeless will lead to more crime. I can't believe you are considering doing this. I thought you had more sense than the politicians in San Francisco and Portland. Just remember that we vote! ....... Torrance, CA 90503
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Hello, I am a Torrance residence and been informed about the homeless shelter pods at the courthouse this coming 6/22/21. This is very alarming and concerning because I haven't heard that this has been planned and approved for the community. I am concern about how long will this be? if this is temporary ? Longterm? How many homeless are being housed and who maintains the area for cleanliness and who will feed these people? The area is close to schools and private home residents as well as the courthouse and the police station. I am not sure if how long have this been planned without informing the residents of Torrance particularly the residence surrounding the courthouse. This news was a shock to us Torrance residence. This should have been planned well and communicated to the community. (Today is the only time I heard of this) I am not happy with this and I am against the location of the sheltering. This should have been planned well and the location is very inappropriate. This should be put in a halt and be reviewed or find an appropriate location other than the courthouse parking lot, preferably to a less residential location. This will not give a good impression for the city of Torrance.
Torrance concern resident.
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TO: The Torrance City Council RE: Public Comment Agenda Item 9A-6/22/21 We are concerned about the 40 unit homeless shelters being located adjacent to the Police Department for the following reasons:
1. Madronna school will have young students in the area walking to school. 2. The soccer field across the street from the court house have practices and games with young
children. 3. As recently seen in the news, homeless individuals have a difficult time cleaning up after
themselves. 4. Police are busy enough now let alone the added burden of crime when the homeless individuals
travel around the area. 5. Will the homeless have their mental capacities evaluated? 6. Will the homeless create problems for employee working in City Hall or the Court House. 7. Will the Torrance Gardens residents' property depreciate? 8. Do the council members live close to the area where the homeless will be housed?
We do hope that you have discussed all the possibilities that the homeless could create. Best case scenario would be that all homeless work toward permanent housing. Good Luck. John and Suzan Mitchell
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I STRONGLY object to this ridiculous idea. Crimes have already been rising everywhere including Torrance. We all know that a lot of that can be attributed to the homeless. They create drug and crime activity including arson, theft of residents cars, vehicle and residence break-ins, stealing bicycles and other items. The residents of Torrance pay a lot in tax dollars to live in the city and don't think the city council inviting/welcoming them to our city is anywhere close to a good idea. You will turn this safe place into a place that law-abiding taxpayers will no longer want to live or spend their money. There are MANY other places they can go if they WANT help but deep down we all know most of them prefer to live off the government, on the streets and NOT be productive citizens. We as a city should not enable them. VERY UNFAIR and WRONG!!
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I am a Torrance Gardens resident. I understand that the City Council is going to vote on approving the homeless shelter pods near the courthouse parking lot. I am afraid of what may happen to our neighborhood if the plan is approved. I know homelessness is a big problem and I hope there can be an appropriate place for them but I feel this neighborhood will be negatively impacted with this plan. There are approximately 15 children ages 1-10 who play freely every day outside on their bicycles, scooters, etc. They have full run of Lesserman Street and Sierra Street which has an "island" for them to play on. These children are living a beautiful life outside their homes and are building lifelong friendships without fear of strangers. We are a tight knit neighborhood which is enjoyed by ages 0-80+. Coupled with the Metrorail coming to our neighborhood it will already be impacted by strangers wandering the streets.
Please don't do this to us, our children, and the elderly which are vulnerable. The majority of homeless people have mental issues as well leaving us all vulnerable to physical abuse. There is still plenty of vacant space in Torrance which can be utilized that is not near little girls and boys.
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As a long time resident of Torrance never in my lifetime would I ever see this day!! As a tax paying citizen n I love the city I live in .... I chose to stay in Torrance because it's safe n clean, but I strongly disagree on the location of where the Homeless Pods will be potentially placed- I am a Torrance Gardens resident and feel that there could be another area in Torrance to place these Homeless pods ... I think it's extremely dangerous to our neighborhood- we have children n grandchildren that love to play outside, ride their bikes, walk their dog, walk to the library, go to the plunge, play soccer at the Toyota center, go to the mall and walk to school and if this goes through I strongly feel our children n neighbors will have to keep their head on a swivel n our property value will decrease tremendously!!! My greatest concern is that you PLEASE consider placing these PODS in a different location in Torrance away from the hub of the city ... I feel our community has not had enough information regarding this Agenda and needs more input from us- that have a lot of questions and concerns: 1- like who will man the homeless pods?! 2-Will it bring more homeless to our area? 3-Will the police start enforcing a anti homeless ordinance once the pods are placed? 4-What about the mental health of the homeless- who will keep tabs on them ? 5- Who will enforce them from roaming into our neighborhood? 6-What about trash and defecating in and around the area which the pods will be placed, who will be in charge of that?? Lastly, I have spoken to serval Torrance Gardens neighbors and most of them had NO idea this was on the Agenda!!!
Thanks for Your time -Joanna G. A concerned Torrance Gardens resident.. ..
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Hello, My name is Andy Schwiebert and my family and I live at Torrance, CA 90503. We FULLY support establishing homeless shelter pods at the courthouse parking lot.
Someone is living near our house in their car at the moment and it seems it could be helpful to instead have a safe place with security and bathroom services on site. As a pastor and a Christian, I believe that everyone deserves a safe place to live and the courthouse/civic center seems like a reasonable place so they can have easier access to services that can help them get housed and into permanent housing.
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I am against the building of homeless shelter pods on the courthouse parking lot. The location is too close to the residential areas, youth soccer fields and a church. My main concern is overall public safety and a negative impact on property values.
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All,,
As a Torrance resident I am wanting to voice my opinion on the decision you are about to make regarding the homeless shelter pods at the courthouse. I believe it is a terrible idea that will lead to many negative consequences. My sister just recently sold her home in Santa Monica and the homeless situation was terrible there. I do not want the same thing happening to our great city.
You are talking about putting homeless pods near schools and a public pool where many kids will be swimming this summer. While there are some homeless people that are not using drugs, leaving their trash and used needles lying around , having mental health issues, many are. This is unacceptable to knowingly invite and allow that in our city. If there are those of you who still think this is a good idea to have homeless shelter pods I would suggest you put them on your property and pay for the costs out of your own pockets, not take money out of the pockets of Torrance residents. Although I'm sure your neighbors would not be very happy with you. If you want to destroy your property values fine, but it is unacceptable for you to do that to all of the other Torrance residents.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and I hope that you will consider what is best for Torrance and it's residents when it comes time to vote.
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Dear Council Members,
My name is Jessica Ashby and I grew up in Torrance Gardens, right across from City Hall at• My dad and mom moved my sister and I from our apartment in Inglewood to our home in 1994. My dad specifically chose this neighborhood because it was centrally located to our school and it was in the a safe area next to City Hall and the Police Station. As I grew up, I became friends with the neighborhood kids in the Torrance Gardens to whom I am still friends with to this day in 2021. My parents felt that our neighborhood was safe enough to let their daughters walk to friends homes on other streets back and forth without adult supervision. I have many memories walking with my sister and friends to the plunge in the summer, to the library after school, and to the mall on the weekends. When my dad passed away in December 2007, we knew that we needed to stay close and eventually help take care of our mom. This past year, we were both able to purchase our forever homes in this neighborhood, I bought my childhood home and my sister bought a house on Cranbrook. Being so close, allows my mom to live between us and we will also be able to raise our children together. My husband and I are expecting our first child in September 2021 and I felt relief knowing that our baby girl was going to be raised in a safe neighborhood. I am truly frightened for our well being if these homeless pods are approved to be built at the Torrance Courthouse. If these pods are built, I will not feel safe walking my dogs around the neighborhood, being home alone and there is no chance in hell that I would even consider letting my daughter walk anywhere in the neighborhood. My 70 yr old mother would no longer be able to walk back and forth between mine and my sisters home for fear that she could get in an altercation. I shouldn't have to worry about the safety of my well being when I walk to my front door or when I park my car on the street and have to get my daughter out of the car.
Not only do I have a huge safety concerns, but I now also have huge property concerns. Both my sister and I paid over a million dollars for our homes and we had to work hard and save to be able to live here. What happens when there is increased vandalism, theft or property damage? Do we know have to pay an increase in taxes to fund more police presence? Do I know have to increase my homeowners and car insurance because the risk of our property getting broken into has now skyrocketed? Can I send my premiums to the City and expect for you pay these increases when these pods are built?
Both my Husband and I do not agree with these pods being built. I hope that the the safety of the citizens in Torrance Gardens is a huge consideration when making this decision.
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To: City Council
I just received some disturbing news that our city council will be voting on whether to place PODS on the courthouse parking lot for the homeless. I have many concerns and I know my neighbors feel the same way.
1. Safety for our children and community in the surrounding neighborhood. 2. Sanitary (toilet) conditions and trash problems 3. Public Plunge for our children, families and seniors (close to the Courthouse parking lot area) 4. Civic Center (close to the Courthouse parking lot) 5. Armstrong theater: close to the Courthouse 4. Nearby Elementary and Middle schools: concerning safety for the children
Please consider your tax-paying neighbors who have always enjoyed Torrance for its safe & clean environment, and for the many community activities we have benefited from in the past, such as the Civic Center classes. This will prevent anyone from wanting to move into this neighborhood and enjoy the many activities that Torrance residents have had easy access to. Property taxes will go down as home prices start to decline, leaving the city with less revenue. This is too close to your neighbors. I often walk with my dog in the neighborhood, and I will not feel safe if this takes place.
Please think of your neighbors' quality of life and their safety, and the lack of sanitary conditions this will bring.
As we care about the Homeless, their needs are not a Pod to sleep in, but, a facility that will not only provide food and shelter, but counseling for drugs, depression, and mental care. This is not a solution for your neighborhood community to take on the responsibility, who you represent, nor for the lost people who need counseling, job training, and rehab.
Your Neighbor on Cranbrook Ave.
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From: Steve Miller< Sent: Monday, June 21, 20218:41 PM To: [email protected] Cc: Furey, Pat <[email protected]>; Ashcraft, Heidi <[email protected]>; Chen, George <[email protected]>; Griffiths, Mike <[email protected]>; City Clerk <CityClerk@Torra nee CA.gov>; A Cha pa rya n@Torra nee .gov Subject: Public Comment Agenda Item 9A - 6/22/21
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Shocked does not come close to the reaction we felt when we saw that you were considering putting the homeless pods in our neighborhood. Seriously? In the middle of several family neighborhoods and very close to 2 sport venues that host children many times a week at all hours of the day? What on earth are you thinking? We are EXTREMELY opposed to this.
In addition we would like to point out that the metro coming this way from Los Angeles was insult enough. If you approve this idea you will be contributing to the swift decline of Torrance. Word will get out that all you have to do is jump on the Metro to Crenshaw and straight down to the courthouse parking lot. Good GRIEF!!! Can you make it any easier for the homeless to invade our city?
If you are using Redondo Beach as a model...PLEASE STOP. That area looks like a dump. Vendors are hanging out selling their wares daily and the area looks like Tijuana. Was that your vision for Torrance when you were elected.
As an avid voter we WILL be watching who is voting in favor of this POD CITY!!!
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Dear Council Members, We are writing about the proposed homeless shelter at the courthouse parking lot. We have lived in the Torrance Gardens Neighborhood for over 25 years. It is a beautiful residential neighborhood with schools and playgrounds. Our children grew up here and now my grandchildren are being raised here. It is not a good neighborhood to bring homeless shelter pods into. This is our home where we go to work and our children play. We will not feel safe with this type of shelter in our neighborhood. Why not look into setting this up in some type of commercial or industrial zoned area, where there is more room for the pods and our residential area will not suffer from it? This is not the area for this type of shelter, so close to schools and parks where our kids are playing and riding their bikes outside. Have you considered that there is a safety issue here? Many of these residents have mental issues that they need help with and having them so close to where families and children attend activities is completely unacceptable. We understand that the homeless must be helped to get off of the streets, but would any of you council members want them living just down the street from your families as they go about their daily activities? We think not. We have not even mentioned what this will do to our property values. Some of us have waited years to see our property value grow, only then to have to see it drop with this type of shelter in the area. Do you seriously think that we will be able to resell a home at what it is worth once prospective buyers see a shelter several blocks away? Even if we wanted to move somewhere else, we would never be able to recap the true value of our home. Many if not most of the homes in this area are valued at a least 1 million dollars or more. Please don't do this to us. You are all smart people and we are sure that if you seriously consider the other side of the homeless issue, you will see that we have made some important and vital points. This family neighborhood is not a suitable place. Where are people going to park if they need to go to the courts, civic center or library? We have seen many empty and abandoned looking properties in many commercial areas of Torrance that are just sitting there. Please consider looking into using one of these sites for your homeless shelter. Respectfully submitted, Mr. and Mrs. Sal Grammatica
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Greetings,
My family and I are residents of the City of Torrance. Recently, it came to my attention that the Torrance City Council would be discussing a proposal to build temporary housing units to address the growing homeless population within Torrance as agenda item 9A for the City Council meeting on Tuesday, June 22nd, 2021 (Title: Approve Torrance Civic Center Grounds to be Site for Temporary Housing for People Experiencing Homelessness and Authorize Staff to Continue Discussion with Los Angeles County on Program Development and Funding Sources).
It is my hope to convince the Torrance City Council that this proposal should be approved, and that the temporary housing units should be built, both for the safety of our community and the integrity of our city.
I presently reside, with my wife and two sons, at approximately 1/2 mile away from the proposed housing site. I take my children and our dog on walks every day in our neighborhood. It is becoming more frequent during our walks that we encounter individuals who are homeless. We have encountered homeless people sleeping on our sidewalks, lounging in our local park, sitting on our city benches, and walking down the street as we walk by.
Each time we encounter a homeless person, my toddler looks me in the eyes and asks, "Dada, why man sleep on sidewalk?" or, "Dada, why man carry bags on bench?" It breaks my heart each time I have to explain to my sons that some individuals, unfortunately, have not been so lucky or privileged in their opportunities as our family has. These are concepts that, obviously, are somewhat beyond total comprehension by a toddler. But it is clear that my boys understand that the encounters are not a happy circumstance, but a sad and difficult one.
I relate these anecdotes for public record because it is important for everyone to understand that homelessness is not just the problem of those experiencing it. But it is a problem that impacts each of us, and our families, in a very direct and real manner. And the responsibility to find solutions to homelessness, rather than simply ignore it or chase it into a nearby neighborhood, falls onto all of us with the resources and ability to contribute to the public discourse of our beautiful city.
It is not enough for us to say, "Not in my Back Yard," on this matter.
I want to be able to look my boys in the eyes one day, after raising them in this great town of Torrance, and take pride in having engaged to address the tragedy of homeless individuals in our town.
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I want to be able to tell them that it was their father's generation, our generation, that made the difficult decisions and did the hard work to help those less fortunate than ourselves to have some fighting chance at surviving this harsh world.
And I want to be able to walk my family down our neighborhood streets without having to struggle to explain a fellow human being sleeping in the bushes, but, instead, knowing that those individuals are now sleeping safely in the temporary housing units approved for construction during the 6/22/2021 City Council meeting.
So please, consider voting to approve building the proposed temporary housing units in agenda item 9A as a first step in helping get the homeless off of our city's streets, to build a safer town for my children, and for all of us.
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Please .. do not approve that Homeless Shelter Pods at the courthouse parking lot. We have many residents that have families of all ages living in the Torrance Garden area. We take care of each other and pay expensive taxes to live in the City of Torrance. We would not feel safe if a homeless shelter pod was placed in the City of Torrance Court parking area. We have many grandparents that live in the area and grand children that come and visit and we feel safe to go on walks as a family. However, if a homeless shelter was established to be we would no longer feel safe. Please do not pass this.
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To Whom It May Concern within the Torrance City Council,
I am emailing to voice my opinion and strong opposition to the City of Torrance approving the Torrance Civic Center Grounds to be used as a site for Temporary Housing of the Homeless. While I agree that we have a huge homeless problem within the entire state of California and that there is a definite need to find a solution to house the homeless, cater to their emotional/mental health needs, and get these individuals off sidewalks, streets, beaches, parks, and out from underneath freeway overpasses, etc. the temporary solution is NOT the Torrance Civic Center grounds. This location is NOT a good temporary solution in that too many children frequent the Torrance Civic Center daily for sporting events, classes, pool/swimming, library, etc. With the homelessness problem comes a lot of mental health issues, and by housing these individuals near where so many children will be present, this puts our children in immediate danger.
While I applaud the City ofTorrance for wanting to take action regarding the serious homeless problem, I am merely against the City's choice in location because of its proximity to where so many children will be at risk to the potential dangers that are often times associated with mental illness from which most homeless individuals suffer.
Thank you for taking serious consideration of my above-mentioned concern while you vote on this issue which is scheduled on the Torrance City Council Agenda for Tuesday, June 22 at the Torrance City Council Regular Business Meeting.
A Very Concerned Resident of Torrance,
Shelley Cantatore
Torrance, CA 90503
SHELLEY CANT A TORE, CISR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Nahai Insurance Services, Inc 465 S. Beverly Drive, #200 Beverly Hills, CA 902 I 2
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Dear Mayor, City Manager, City Clerk, and all Torrance City council members,
As a long time resident of Torrance, I am shocked and dismayed at the level of homeless encampments I see cropping up all over our once beautiful city. I can't drive anywhere today in town, that I don't see a pile of rubbish/ clothes/ carts etc ... Sitting on public property in the middle of our neighborhoods. I have been scared to get out of my car in a local parking lot as an obviously mentally deranged or drug induced individual was approaching people and screaming at them. I was sure someone was ready to be attacked. I left, others had already called the police. I know people who have had to see naked homeless men masturbating, or urinating, or defecating in public. Children should not have to see this. I was equally shocked hearing that council is considering building homeless pods in the courthouse parking lot! This location is in a residential area. Homes are literally just across the street. This is also adjacent to the public library, the public swimming pool, and places where public needs to go to conduct business with the city such as permits, or signing up for classes, etc .... Families with CHILDREN go to these locations, they do not need anymore exposure to the illegal, indecent, and often drug/ alcohol behavior many of these homeless people exhibit. I agree something needs to be done, BUT, putting them in the middle of a busy city hub in a residential area is a very bad idea. A better location is away from residential areas, or city hubs ... such as in the industrial areas. We also need to enforce a NO CAMPING IN PUBLIC LAW. From what statistics I have seen, there are shelters and placements available that sit empty because sadly too many homeless would rather keep with their addictions which they can't do in shelters, or they are too mentally ill to know better. We also need judges who can order these mentally ill to mental health facilities for longer than the typical short hold, so they can get real treatment that takes a long time.
I am completely against building pods in the Torrance courthouse parking lot, as are all adult voting members in my family who are also Torrance residents. I urge you to vote no on this item!
Thank you, Cheryl Moulton
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From: Sasha Mori < > Sent: Tuesday, June 22, 202112:36 AM
Subject: Public Comment - Opposition to the placement of Homeless Pods near the facilities used by children and students ...
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9A. City Manager-Approve Torrance Civic Center Grounds to be Site for Temporary Housing for Homeless 98. City Attorney - Adopt ORDINANCE Amending, Repealing, and Adding Sections to Division 4 of the Torrance Municipal Code Related to Anti-Camping 9C. City Manager - Approve City of Torrance Plan to Prevent and Combat Homelessness
As a resident of Torrance, I am expressing my disapproval of the city of Torrance's choice of location in placing homeless pods. I agree that homelessness needs to be resolved and I support the City's effort. However, I oppose homeless pods being placed at the Civic Center where children and students will be coming and going to the library, swimming pool, Cultural Arts Center, and Toyota Sports Complex. Especially at the Toyota Sports Complex, we often see students practicing or having games very late, 9-1 OPM. We as a community must make sure that children and students can access those facilities without fear of harm. I must say that the City's selection of the location is highly irresponsible.
Moreover, if you pass the bill, the area will become very attractive to the homeless population. We are concerned about the problems that other cities are facing, such as harassment and aggression by the homeless toward the local residents and by-passers, drugs, trashing the area, starting fires, and the list goes on. Personally, I have tried to help homeless people with meals at various occasions. Sometimes they are appreciative, but sometimes they are on drugs, hallucinated, and exhibit uncontrollable aggression.
Additionally, I have a problem throwing the responsibilities of watching homeless people on police. They have serious duties to protect the community, not to babysit those people.
Therefore, I strongly oppose the passing of your Meeting Agenda 9A, B and C.
Thank you very much for your attention.
Best regards, Sasha Mori
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CC: Madrona Middle School, Torrance Unified School District, Bert M. Lynn Middle School, Jefferson Middle School, and J.H. Hull Middle School
My neighbors and I strongly object to the city council's proposed building of shelter pods at the courthouse parking lot.
Instead of proposing the shelter pods, which is only a temporary "band aid" solution to a growing problem, you should instead come up with a permanent solution to the homeless situation. As we all know but afraid to say, the problem with the "homeless" situation is not really a situation of the lack of homes for the "homeless" but really a mixture of issues which mainly involves among other issues, mental illness, personal responsibility, respect, etc. Building pods will not address the "homeless" problem but will only encourage more of it.
Kindly consider the following as you make your decision and affect the lives of your Torrance constituents:
1. There is a strong correlation between homeless encampment and vagrancy and violence (consider cities like Venice, Portland, Seattle, San Francisco, etc)
2. Pods or homeless encampment often labeled as temporary will be permanent as pressure from activist lawyers (who often are not residents of the city in question) will keep the encampment from being removed.
3. "Homeless are not our "unhoused neighbors". Neighbors do not defecate on lawns, or leave heroin needles on streets, or murder the elderly" (this statement was taken from a resident of Venice) And this situation will most probably happen in our city if we allow this to happen.
We are sure there are a lot more arguments against your proposed shelter pods. Kindly strongly consider our arguments stated above.
Thank you and we hope and anticipate that you will do right by your Torrance constituents.
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I am writing to you as a resident and concerned citizen. I am absolutely opposed to the plan in front of the city counsel to make homeless housing in the civic center parking lot. Please do not put housing there. While I'm sure you are trying to accommodate some mandate by the state, there are better locations like the airport (industrial area) that wouldn't impact residents like this plan will. Please reconsider putting housing near residents as this will negatively impact us with crime and litter. Thanks Matthew Lutton
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I have been a resident of Torrance Garden for more than 25 years and live just couple blocks away from the Courthouse. I oppose to this homeless shelter pods plan at the courthouse parking lot because it will affect me a great deal. I'm old, leaving alone and I'm very concerns/scare about if this will go forward.
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I AM AGAINST THIS PROPOSAL. My family have been residents ofTorrance Gardens for 48 years. Why would we concentrate a problem near our beautiful Civic Center when we know the problem of blight and crime will intensify. We already have too much crime in this neighborhood as it is. My daughter deals with homeless people at Torrance Memorial and knows these folks do not want help and shun any way to get out of their lifestyle.
How about the Northwest parking lot of Wilson Park???? See what the condo people tacross the street
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I AM AGAINST THIS PROPOSAL. My family have been residents of Torrance Gardens for 48 years. Why would we concentrate a problem near our beautiful Civic Center when we know the problem of blight and crime will intensify. We already have too much crime in this neighborhood as it is. My daughter deals with homeless people at Torrance Memorial and knows these folks do not want help and shun any way to get out of their lifestyle.
How about the Northwest parking lot of Wilson Park???? See what the condo people tacross the street there feel about it.
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I am writing to voice my concern about the homeless shelter pods proposed for the courthouse parking lot. This location is very close to the middle school and a densely populated neighborhood. I feel this poses a threat to our neighborhood. This population is not vested in the upkeep of our neighborhood and it will bring our home values down. We have invested in our homes and though I understand the thought behind housing the homeless, I think it should be done in a less populous area where it won't pose a threat to the safety and cleanliness of our neighborhoods.
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I am responding to the invitation to submit questions and comments regarding the proposed plan to prevent and combat homelessness in Torrance. This is a huge undertaking and will take lots of time, money and collaboration. The plan being proposed is a wonderful start in addressing the homelessness problem in Torrance. In order to qualify for additional funding for this program I see a great importance of adopting a plan by June 30. Therefore a plan must be adopted tonight. My thoughts and/or questions: 1 The plan addresses the need to assist unhoused individuals. If they will accept the services, great! I'm all in favor and think we can get lots of support for this. 2) Along with the plan is the Anti-camping Ordinance. Yes! We must start here. We can't allow people to live on our streets, parks, benches, etc. These are the people the majority of residents fear. The unsightly, smelly, vulgar, etc. images are not desired in our community. 3) My question is in regards to the individuals living on our streets and in our parks that refuse any type of aid offered to them. Drugs, alcohol, mental illness, etc. I think this is the biggest concern out there. What will, or can, the City do with these people? If the City has beds available and they won't accept them, can they, or will they, be arrested? What about all their belongings? If we don't have beds available we can't
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do anything according to the Martin vs Boise rulings. I don't see our police arresting and housing them in our jails with all their belongings. Please tell us what the plan is for this. 3) Pallet Shelter 64 plan. Great idea. It is going to be very hard to find a place that residents will accept. This is where, "NIMBY"- not in my backyard!" comes in. I am sorry that I don't have any suggestions on where else to place these pods. 4) Tim Goodrich mentioned at the end of his last Council meeting something about someone that has land and is willing to work with the City for perhaps housing? Any update on that? 5) What constitutes a shelter bed or housing? A roof over their head, 4 walls, bed/cot, bedding, bathroom and shower, water? I am just wondering so perhaps alternate solutions might be suggested. I appreciate all the time that has gone into this proposed plan and look forward to offering my support where I can in finding an end to homelessness in Torrance. Thank you!
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From: Gina McQueen [mailto: Sent: Monday, June 21, 2021 9:41 PM To: City Council <[email protected]> Subject: Agenda Item #9A
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I am adding my voice of concern regarding the proposed homeless shelter that will be located on the Civic Center parking lot adjacent to the Police Department. I understand that the members of the city council voted behind closed doors to move forward with this experiment without first consulting the residents who will be directly affected. This decision may not affect you directly, but it affects the lives, properties and investments of your neighbors. I live on Maple Avenue and I believe that the quality of life in our neighborhood will be drastically and irrevocably changed if the proposed housing were to be erected. I ask that before you begin building, that you provide the residents a full disclosure of what this endeavor will entail, allow us time to study the full proposal and then, listen to our concerns and suggestions.
Sincerely,
Gina McQueen
"Optimism is the fa.ith that leads to achicYcmcnt. Nothing can be done \\'.ithout hope and confidence." - l !clcn Keller
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From: Russ Braun [mailto: Sent: Monday, June 21, 2021 9:12 PM To: City Council <[email protected]> Subject: Proposed Homeless Shelter
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City Council Members,
I have been a resident of the City of Torrance since 1973, being a home owner across the street from City Hall since 1994.
1100% object to the setting up of any kind of Homeless Shelter/ Housing facility in our neighborhood. Please note that none of the current City Council ran on a platform of supporting policies like this; they do not represent the will of your constituents. If you would have run on this platform, someone else would be sitting in your council seat.
I would like to note the following:
1) During the recent City shutdown due to Covid 19, we had a homeless individual decide to set up camp directly in front of the Permit Center entry doors in plain sight of my front door. This individual would urinate and defecate in plain view of my family. When I went to the Police Station to seek assistance, they said they could do nothing, their hands were tied by the State of California. I'm sure this rings true to this day; your proposed setting up of a whole community of indigent individuals would create a change in the neighborhood and definitely not in a beneficial way to our tax paying citizens. If Police indeed have their hands tied by the State, why would the City Council even entertain this terrible idea. Police will be as powerless over this site as they were with this individual. 2) Earlier this year, my truck was stolen from in front of my house on Torrance Blvd; our streets are already full of more crime than they should be. To invite indigent individuals into our already crime pressured community is inviting chaos and further crime to our area. It's a fact that a certain amount of squalor comes with shelters like this including drug and alcohol abuse, mental illness and a general antisocial behavior. This would represent a dereliction of your duty to accept this shelter into our community/ neighborhood and an affront to the Citizens of Torrance. 3) I understand the mounting pressure on government to deal with this issue. The solution to this issue is the same as it has always been. There are individuals that are unfit to live amongst society because they regretfully decide to ignore laws and common practices that allow people to live in close quarters like our neighborhood. Unfortunately, these places have been shuttered in recent years and we are left with the collateral damage. The solution is to move these people along, keep them mobile and when they tire of this lifestyle, they can seek help through established channels already in place. The solution is not to set them up and have the Taxpayers absorb this burden. We already pay taxes for law enforcement, enforce our laws! 4) Stealing things worth less that $1000 is now a misdemeanor offense and rarely is there action taken against these offenses. This has created a low level of crime by individuals that should be locked up yet they are left to wander our streets with no real reason to fear repercussions for creating their havoc. These people are among the homeless and our government should be better protecting us from this issue. There is a correlation between homelessness and crime. 5) Prisons and Jails were emptied due to political correctness shrouded in under the guise of "fairness". It's time for that pendulum to swing in the opposite direction. Start enforcing current laws to deal with
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homelessness. Shift the issue back to where it belongs; with law enforcement and existing social services like shelters and churches. This burden should not be shared amongst the Citizens of Torrance who elected you. It's time this Council stood up and takes care of this issue. It is not an easy issue; you wanted this job of representing the people, now get to work .... for the tax paying Citizens of Torrance. Vote this absurd proposal down. Thanks, Russ Braun
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From: Shirley Bill [mailto: Sent: Monday, June 21, 2021 8:10 PM To: City Council <[email protected]> Subject: Voting against homeless shelter pods
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I am totally against putting the homeless in shelter pods in the courthouse parking lot! They are walking around here yelling and screaming at everyone, including children in our parks. It's very frightening to our seniors when they approach them yelling. We pay a lot to live here, and have never had to worry about our safety, our Police Dept. has kept us safe. Please don't force us to leave because of the homeless, the transients that will be coming with the bus depot is bad enough!
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To our City of Torrance Council Members,
My name is Sara McCulloch. I am a resident of the Torrance Gardens community and am writing to you regarding Item 9A on the 6/22/21 Agenda.
I am a mother of 3 small children who attend Fern Elementary school, frequent the library and plunge, and regularly participate in activities at our city center and do life here in central Torrance. I am disheartened by the news of the PODS coming in. I don't believe our Council has acted in transparency since many of our residents know nothing of the matter. Let me start by making clear that I am not against helping our homeless community, in fact I have served them for near 17 years as a volunteer. There is a place for compassion but it has to be tempered with the reality and awareness of safety issues that accompany a project of this nature. I don't believe that placing such risk with our children and community is appropriate. I believe that our Elected City Officials must consider our children, who do not have a voice in this, but can easily become victims of our negligence. There has to be a more reasonable solution to placement of such housing than in the middle of our city center where our children frequent with schools (Fern Elementary, Madrona Middle), the library (where many kids stay after school till parents get off work), the plunge, our city Rec classes, The Galaxy center and soccer fields.full of children, etc. ..
So, My Questions for you, Our Elected City Officials are as follows:
1- What other sites were considered and why were they not chosen? (South Torrance, West Torrance??) I would like to see the analysis of sites that were considered and the reasons for their exclusion.
2- What community/ public outreach was done in this process of site selection? There has been no known communication with our Torrance Gardens residents. Our community is unaware of the PODS being voted on. We have distributed hundreds of flyers in the Torrance Gardens neighborhoods and spoken to many about Item 9A and Residents are concerned with the lack of transparency being displayed by our elected City Officials. The lack of transparency is unacceptable.
3- What is the estimated financial cost to the city in putting in the PODS and the operations of them? What grant funds and general funds will be used? What associated staff costs are projected in the operation of this homeless center (regular time or overtime)?
4- What is the long term funding and operations plan once the grant money has run out since grant money is not guaranteed?
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5- What plan does the city have for oversight of the PODS or the control over the influx of homeless population that will arrive to seek housing?
6- What colleagues and agencies have been consulted in the city of Torrance in assuring the safety of our homes and families? Has PD been consulted in the decision to do this in the city center where our children gather at the library and walk through to get to school?
7- What criteria is required for someone to take residence in our city center? Have those criteria been vetted through our Torrance Police Department who interact with homeless populations everyday?
8- Are you, our Elected City Officials, considering the potential "highway" being created by the transit station on one side of our neighborhood and the homeless PODS on the other? Are you considering your homeowners, tax payers, young families, and schools in this community? You are asking us to adjust to the unknown impact of the transit station to our neighborhood and now simultaneously expecting us to accept the homeless PODS and any issues that will arise with that. It is too much to ask of our Torrance Gardens residents to accept at one time. Impact of both are still unknown. Such decisions do not prioritize the safety of our community or our children.
Finally, I would like a copy of ALL emails, documents, and meeting notes on this matter.
Respectfully, Sara McCulloch
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From: Ramin vzi < > Sent: Tuesday, June 22, 202111:21 AM To: City Clerk <[email protected]> Cc: Rau< > Subject: Angry Resident at Torrance regarding building homeless shelter pods at Torrance city courthouse parking lot
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Angry Resident from Torrance
It has come to my attention that you libtard city council have decided to build homeless pods at the Torrance courthouse parking lot this act is atrocious and absolutely unacceptable, we the residents can not allow you to bring destruction, crime and sewage trash to our community based on approval from what community and permission from what residents and approval, have you decided to allow this unacceptable and ridiculous decision, we as the residents of Torrance will not allow you ignorant whatever to make this happen, we will fight you and will have you jobs am notifying every single residents in Torrance of who is running our city and what they are planning to do, bringing destruction. THIS WILL NOT HAPPEN AND NOT ALLOWED IN CITY OF TORRANCE
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From: Shirley< > Sent: Tuesday, June 22, 202111:33 AM To: City Clerk <[email protected]> Subject: PublicAgenda Item 9A
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No, No, No !Not a good area for this . Large youth complex's, private housing and church. Absolutely not.. Bill and Shirley Hall
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Please see the email below. Also please note that this area of Torrance is a business and industrial area and does as well as a residential area. The last thing we need is an increase in crime. We have already seen higher crime rates in recent years including cars parked in the area beings stolen. We do not need and especially do not want a higher crime rate.
We hope you will consider the concern of the residents in the area.
Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android
On Tue, Jun 22, 2021 at 2:44 PM, Dorothy Williamson < > wrote: Please do not put homeless pods in the courthouse parking lot. There are many children frequently in this area due to the soccer field. You are putting them as well as all of your residence at a high risk for danger from these homeless people.
Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android
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From: Roger & Marsha O < Sent: Tuesday, June 22, 202112:02 PM To: [email protected] Cc: City Council <[email protected]> Subject: Homeless
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Councilman Mattucci, I realized that I didn't sign the petition that you had started about the homeless in Torrance. As a resident of Torrance (except for 4 years) since 1954 and the owner of a business in Torrance for 48 years (my parents started it) I have witnessed a huge decline in the city. The homeless have caused a lot of problems in our center and now they are around our home too. It is not pleasant seeing them using any area as a bathroom and also having them approach our customers.they quit going out to centers to shop in person. We go to the back to throw our trash out in the back and they are setting up camp and or are shooting up. We have had some good guards that move them out of the center but they are getting bolder. To have a city wide "No Camping" ordinance and an area for them to go for housing and help is ideal. If they don't want the help they have to move on. This would help all residents and businesses in the city. Please vote for the "No Camping" ordinance and the shelter beds and services. Thank you Marsha Okerlund
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Hello from Torrance Garden resident at ......... My family and I live across the street from the Torrance Courthouse. Although we recognize the need for homeless support we stand against the placement of these proposed shelter pods in the Courthouse parking lot. We feel it would be a huge injustice to those who live on Maple Avenue with their family's and young children who have already experienced a spike in crime over the last year. Twice already in the last year my neighbor at 908 Maple had his truck stolen. Just recently my boyfriend reported a homeless man trying to break into our neighbor's vehicle, parked across the street from his home at-. These homeless shelter pods will surely increase the crime rate in our community and for this reason we humbly ask that as our representatives you consider the effect this will have on our families and our lives and vote NO on Item 9A.
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I'm a resident of Torrance and feel strongly against having a homeless shelter on the courthouse parking lot. I have a niece who plays soccer adjacent to that same Torrance courthouse parking lot and waits after hours to get picked up. I'm afraid for her safety as their is enough crime in that area as it is. A better location would be the new Torrance transit off Crenshaw blvd.
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We Vito NO on 9A! Please NO HOMELESS PODS AT COURT HOUSE PARKING LOT or in any other residential areas in Torrance Gardens &beyond. Please use another remote area. Thank You!! Mrs. Kellems
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From: JOSEPH, VIJENDRA < Sent: Tuesday, June 22, 20211:19 PM To: Chen, George Cc: JOSEPH, VIJENDRA Subject: Public Comment Agenda Item 9A - 6/22/21
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Good Afternoon Council Member 2nd District Mr.Chen,
We your Second District ( West Torrance ) home owners know that there will voting to approve building homeless shelter pods at the courthouse parking lot.
We as a cohesive group of very Long time residents of West Torrance, your district, disapprove of this encampment being set up within our City. The fact of matter is that the majority of the individuals are in need of mental health help and some are drug/ substance abusers. If allowed to set up pod in the parking lot ,they will infiltrate the peaceful neighbor hood and cause havoc for families and children causing the demise of the peaceful neighborhoods.
We are requesting that you stand in solidarity with your district homeowners and vote NO on this item.
Your vote is critical and will be appreciated.
Best Regards.
Vijendra Joseph Airports MTC Superintendent. Los An eles World Airports
Good Afternoon, I am a long-time resident of both Torrance and Torrance Gardens(-) and have a few questions regarding the "homeless" site near the courthouse ..... l've only heard rumors, gossip and probably lies and was hoping that you had a few minutes to discuss the issue so that I can become more informed. My number is
Thanks, Debbie Jones
I don't want to take up too much time and will leave some bullet points here.
*Torrance is known as a balance city: industry, commercial and residential and I support us becoming even more balanced with "social" being added
*Is a site being proposed? *What agencies are involved in the potential site? *Are a balanced team from the Gardens being represented?
* Potential" residents" what rights and responsibilities will they have?
*What legal ramifications will ensue if Torrance refuses to set up sight?
*What social ramifications will ensue if Torrance refuses to set up?
*Property values are based on location, location, location .... Location of my house, location of schools with higher test scores, and now location of potential social welfare area. *What are the potential ramifications on the Torrance Gardens property values .... what recourse do I have if impacted negatively? *Has the Board of Realtors been consulted?
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Many of my neighbors have spent the last year railing against the homeless for sitting at bus stops, peeing behind bushes or simply walking our streets. I counter point that being poor should not be a crime and ask what solutions they have. I am told they should "get a job" or simply move on to somewhere else. What a lovely simple, yet useless, answer.
Now, these same neighbors are raging about the proposal to create a temporary homeless shelter near city hall. While it saddens me to see such a lack of compassion I fully admit my view is not purely altruistic. While this option could help some of our homeless population it also seems to offer residents a bit of relief? The homeless would be in a more structured supervised setting.
If there is a better plan I would love to hear it but in lieu of that I support Torrance building a small shelter in the city hall area.
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Dear Torrance City Council Members,
As a home-owning resident ofTorrance, I ABSOLUTELY OPPOSE the building of homeless shelters anywhere in Torrance. I have watched the news, and listened to many experts on talk radio AM. One discussion was one of our own councilmembers discussing how our Torrance Police spoke to many of the homeless who are NOT interested in going to shelters. Many experts I've heard say most of these people are drug and alcohol addicted and/or from out-of-state. Giving them shelter to continue their drugs and alcohol DO NOT HELP them. Unless you're going to REQUIRE them to do drug counseling and NOT ALLOW any drugs or alcohol or crime wherever they are staying, this homeless problem will NEVER BE SOLVED.
And if Torrance City Council - Police follow the county in NOT ENFORCING the laws, with no punishment for $900 theft, and constant car theft, etc. the homeless/drug addicts will have plenty of money to continue their substance abuse and no incentive to get clean.
Giving them free shelter WITHOUT SOLVING THE REASON BEHIND THE HOMELESSNESS will not only NOT WORK, it will only cause more HOMELESS/ DRUG-ADDICTS/ CRIME/ FILTH/ DANGER to come to Torrance.
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Hello-
As a Torrance resident, I commend the desire to help solve the homeless crisis. That said, building shelter pods in the courthouse parking lot is not the solution. Not only will this attract more homeless people and make Torrance more dangerous, but it will do nothing to address the core issues of addiction, mental illness, high cost of living and joblessness. This is a band aid that will become permanent despite all promises to the contrary and will most certainly have the opposite of the intended effect. Please vote NO.
Thank you, Evan Clar
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From: Kathryn Hendrex < Date: June 22, 2021 at 1:21:59 PM PDT To: "Kalani, Sharon" <[email protected]> Cc: "Mattucci, Aurelio" <[email protected]> Subject: Public Comment Agenda Item 9A
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I strongly oppose Item 9A
,11 AT&T 9 1:02 PM •
X Send
I just found out you are planning to build a homeless encampment in the city of Torrance. Frankly I am appalled. Because of your decision our home value is going to plummet. Not only that but the reputation of Torrance as a clean and safe city will be ruined. Young growing families are going to look elsewhere to purchase homes. As a result Torrance school system is going to suffer. There will be other ramifications I am sure you are aware of. If you allow this to happen I will do everything in my power to make sure you are not re-elected.
"9A"
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Sent from my iPhone
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From: Jane Bruin < > Sent: Tuesday, June 22, 20211:46 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Public Comment Agenda Item 9A - 6/22/21: Homeless Shelter Pods (AGAINST)
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To Torrance City Council:
My family and I do NOT support building homeless shelter pods at the courthouse parking lot.
Doing this will decrease the desirability of living in Torrance and lower the property values on our homes.
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To Whom it may Concern,
I live at Emerald Gardens Apratments. I am greatly affected by this decision that has been put up for vote to build homeless pods in our beautiful city. My son plays at the park on madrona and DelAmo where I am sure many of these homeless people will wander to drink, do drugs and whatever else you let them get away with. I am appalled this is even up for a vote. Please please pease .... vote against this decision.
Thank you,
A V\,V\,Cl Tu et tj e Y
Production/Shop Manager Erek Manufacturin Com an
www.brek.aero
BREIC MANUFACTURING
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To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing to formally voice my concern about the potential of having Homeless Shelter Pods set up in the Courthouse parking lot. I am a homeowner in Torrance and I pay thousands of dollars in taxes annually to live here. I was born and raised here, went to all of the Torrance schools, and love this city. I spent well over 10 years saving money, working 7 days a week, so I could purchase a home here in Torrance. Had I known that the City Representatives would consider setting up Homeless Shelters just a couple short blocks away from my house, I would have never chosen to make Torrance my home. I believe that you are not only inviting crime, but you are stripping the citizens of Torrance a safe community. There are absolutely no guarantees or assurances that bringing these people into our community will make it safer. In fact, my car has already been broken into twice in my driveway. Since the theft was under $1,000.00, the police told us that nothing could be done about our case. We have already had one homeless man attempt to sleep across the street from our house in front of the school yard field (Madrona Middle School). I urge you to not only vote NO on the Homeless Shelter Pods, but also vote to have Anti-Camping laws put on the books so our police force can do their jobs.
I can assure you that we will be one of the statistics of the mass exit should these be passed.
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As a resident of the Torrance Gardens community adjacent the Court House, I oppose having a homeless shelter anywhere in our city, near any of our homes, our children, our schools, and our parks. I oppose any change to the Municipal Code as listed in the agenda under 9B. Regardless if the 9th Circuit Court does not currently allow enforcement of these rules, they should not be officially removed or modified; there may be a time where these codes are enforceable again. Why would we voluntarily remove ordnances preventing living on Torrance Beach in tents or on sidewalks in tents?
If you build homeless shelters, they will come ... strangers and others' drama, to our city. There are already services available for the truly-needy and especially those with children. The Civic Center is where our children ride their bicycles on the weekend, attend summer classes by the Koi Pond, swim at the Plunge, and go to the library. We fly kites in the parking lot there often, play with remote control cars, park there for the soccer games next door, and what about the tradition of teen-drivers learning to drive there on the weekends? Why must we sacrifice our security and well being for strangers? The city should continue to address homeless issues the way it has been doing and not seek to address a problem that no one can solve except each of the individuals themselves.
If the city does not win the grant-funds for this, will it be cancelled? Where will the funding for setting-up and running this shanti-town come from? Who pays for electricity, water, sewer services, trash services, security services? What are the rules there? Who decides who lives there and for how long? Do these people have cars, where do they park? How does this improve the citizens that live nearby?
I have grown-up attending church and over the course of decades volunteered time in soup kitchens in Los Angeles and in Mexico on mission trips. These are not places you would want near an established community with children. I have seen poverty and can empathize but it is not safe, this is Torrance! This is not something that should be embraced, it should be repelled. This is a slippery slope of offering services instead of making people deal with their struggles to better themselves. The over-reach of government is everywhere, coddling individuals at the expense of others' hard work. Torrance should continue doing what they do best, offering a safe and clean city to those that work hard. No amount of State or Federal money is worth changing the City we love. Over time, this will encourage people to move out of Torrance, property values will drop and allow a different type of citizen in.
Please do not embrace this, be the Council that fights to keep this a stand-out city that people work hard to get to live in. Living here is a privilege, its hard work to get here and stay,, why just give that away. I worked my way here, first living in Inglewood, moving to Watts, and now here in Torrance, it can be done without a coddling-hand ...
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If you build it, they will come and they won't be Torrance residents coming. It would be more appropriate for those wanting to help the homeless to enter into a program where they can volunteer to sponsor a homeless person. When my great grandfather immigrated here, he was set-up with a sponsor-family. These programs work and have made hardworking [and once homeless] people successful. Please do not give-in to a band-aide solution to others' woes, really think about what is Best for Torrance long-term.
Your Office should leave a legacy to the future generations, just like a parent sets their family on a [hopefully] successful and sustainable path for their generations to come.
-Thank You, -Mark Thompson Torrance Gardens Resident since 2004
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From: Valerie Hooton< > Sent: Tuesday, June 22, 20211:52 PM
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We as taxpayers and business owners, want to live in a safe and clean environment. We see the results of what has become of Venice, and this community needs to be proactive to prevent it from happening in our city.
Kudos to the plan that can help those truly in need and trying to recover from financial crisis. fully endorse helping those who have hit hard times.
This pilot program seems a viable solution to the growing homeless issue, provided the ordinances are enforceable for "no camping or parking on public property". Dealing with the drug addicted and mentally ill are another issue, which has not been addressed at the state and federal levels. Greater funding for rehab and mental health is required, but that is beyond the cities' scope.
My objection to the agenda item/plan is to the location. It is near a residential area, a library and the mall. ... all convenient areas for wanderings of the Pallet residents, some of whom may have drug addiction or be mentally ill.
I would like to see a deeper dive into alternate industrial sites and cost analysis. What happens after the year? If successful, this site will be permanent, or will there be active solutions to move the location? Redondo Beach has made theirs permanent. What was the impact to the neighborhood?
My other comment is this could attract more homeless to the city. We are constrained by the 9th Circuit Courts decision. The fallout from this decision has taken away the rights of law biding citizens. Freedom always comes with social responsibilities ... it cannot be a "free for all". It seems this decision will not be re challenged in the near future, and we are in time constraints to qualify for Measure H funding.
Given the ruling, the cities are all scrambling to respond with housing. If the number of beds must always be available before an ordinance can be enforced ..... ! see this as a never ending spiral.
What is the criteria for candidates to be admitted to the Pallet housing and the benchmarks to achieve? What about those drug addicted and mentally ill? How does the plan address this?
I need to get more educated on the matter, but this is my current opinion.
