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Homelessness, State Street, and Democratic Values

Homelessness is a social justice and public policy issue reflecting values that are core to our society.

Two recent stories in the Santa Barbara Independent about homelessness made provocative reading separately, and even more when taken together.

“ … at a public meeting just bursting to happen … the … room designed for overflow crowds was overflowing. … With the plethora of vacant storefronts [on State Street], it’s hardly a new concern … " "Making State Street Great Again"

“[R]eal estate investor Dick Berti … has long lambasted City Hall for allowing homeless people to gather on State Street … He vowed to spend $100,000 to help move the homeless to a location near County Jail. (That location falls outside the city's jurisdiction … )" Ibid