Carlsbad bans living in vehicles on public property

Carlsbad City Council has approved a new law that bans people from living in their vehicles on public property. This decision came after last-minute appeals from local nonprofits asking for safe parking options for those affected. Marian Vega Clancy, president of the League of Women Voters of North County, urged the city to provide a safe parking alternative. She emphasized that every government should help meet basic human needs, like safe shelter. Others, like Chris Durnan, who leads a service program for the unsheltered, warned that the ban would push homeless individuals to nearby cities that offer safe parking. Durnan suggested using the old Farmers Insurance building as a parking lot for the homeless. This location is near an intersection where the city previously planned to build a new civic center. In response to the concerns, Mayor Keith Blackburn asked the police chief to explain the reasoning behind the ban. Chief Christie Calderwood said the law gives officers a way to encourage people to accept the services they need. Enforcement will start with warnings and could lead to citations for those who refuse help. Councilmember Teresa Acosta noted that this approval was the last step in a long process. She stated there wasn't an opportunity to amend the ordinance. The council voted unanimously, and the new law will take effect in 30 days. Carlsbad also received a $3 million grant to help find housing for homeless individuals currently living in vehicles.