Monday night in Visalia, city council members unanimously approved an ordinance which makes it illegal to panhandle in parking lots.
In the past, people were only prohibited from soliciting others when it was dark out. Now it’s not allowed during all hours of the day. The city enacted the ordinance after many folks complained of being bothered in shopping centers.
We spoke with a woman named Claudia who supports the new law.
“To be approached in a dark parking lot or any kind of parking lot, it’s scary,” said Claudia, a Visalia resident.
Meanwhile, Shelly Huff thinks the ordinance will prove to be insignificant.
“You know if they’re panhandling in the first place, they’re probably not going to be able to pay a fine,” said Shelly Huff, a Visalia resident.
Non-profit groups collecting donations will not be in trouble as long as they have the store’s permission.
Panhandler David Fryar does not fall under the new guidelines because he holds a sign out on the street not in a parking lot.
“I want to work. I don’t want to do this,” said David Fryar, a panhandler.
Fryar lost his job a couple months and is now on the verge of losing his home. He’ll do whatever it takes to support his two children, except hassle people.
“I totally respect that and understand that and I won’t do that at all,” said Fryar.
Those who violate the rules could face hefty fines.
“$100 for the first offense, $200 for the second and $500 for the third,” said Lt. Steve Phillips, Visalia Police Dept.
Police say it’s you who ultimately holds the power to reduce the amount of begging.
“The real solution is to stop giving money to them and give it to reputable charities,” said Lt. Phillips.
That is the route Claudia takes.
“Actually I do support the Visalia Rescue Mission. I put a check in the mail today,” said Claudia.
This ordinance takes effect January 15th, 2014.