City Council Action on Median Islands is a Good First Step

While on the Fresno City Council, I authored an ordinance two years ago calling for a complete ban on solicitation on median islands. It was my firm belief (supported by numerous citizens that had complained to me over the years) that soliciting donations--whether for burial money, Children's Hospital, the fire department or the "homeless"--was dangerous for those standing on the narrow islands in the midst of traffic and for the motorists navigating the intersection. The proposed ordinance failed on a 5-2 council vote.

I commend Council member Larry Westerlund for again bringing an ordinance to the council to address the median island solicitation issue. My only concern with his approach--adopted 6-1 on the first reading--was that it had numerous exceptions and was far from a total prohibition. The exceptions will inevitably lead to accusations of unfair and/or discriminatory enforcement by the Fresno Police Department. The whining has already begun as homeless advocates bemoan what they perceive as unfair targeting of the homeless while permitting "established" groups to raise money on the median strips.

There is still the requirement for a second public hearing and vote by the council before the ordinance can be implemented. I testified in favor of a full prohibition during the initial hearing and vote and won't comment again. I do believe, however, that Mr. Westerlund's proposed ordinance is a significant improvement over the current practice of doing nothing. People on median islands will eventually lead to injuries and or deaths. No one wants that.

If you wish to have your voice heard on this issue, please go to http://www.fresno.gov/, click to the City Clerk's page, and then scroll down and open the next scheduled city council meeting agenda.

Coming Soon...

1. Where are our private sector leaders?
2. College students, program reviews and jobs.
3. "Choice" for parents and students in our local schools.

Comments are welcome. Click on "Comments" below or e-mail abriancalhoun@gmail.com.