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Supervisors OK homeless plan

April 27, 2012

A new county government position has been created to try organizing efforts to help the homeless.[The Tribune]

County supervisors voted this week to create the new job post, with the intention of drafting  a successful plan to deal with San Luis Obispo County’s estimated 4,000 homeless people, half of whom are children.

Recent enforcement policies by San Luis Obispo city have helped create havoc among that population by severely limiting areas where campers, RVs or just automobiles can be parked for sleeping purposes.

Lee Collins, director of the county’s Department of Social Services, said officials were not seeking a “czar” but rather an individual who can help coordinate efforts between a variety of private and public entities which regularly deal with homeless problems.


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At last count, there’re 10 divisions of Christianity in the way of churches in San Luis Obispo. That means 10 vacant parking lots 90 percent of the time within any given week.


I have said this ad infinitum, when are these churches going to start living up to their purpose of true Christianity? OPEN UP THEIR PARKING LOTS AND ADMINISTER TOILETS AND SAFETY STANDARDS FOR THE HOMELESS TO STAY THERE 90 PERCENT OF THE TIME WITHIN THE WEEK!!!


What the hell was Jesus’ message that they spew forth every Sunday? It is to take care of the poor, period! Jesus said; “For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.’ (Deuteronomy 15:11) Jesis COMMANDS you to help them!


How can the pastors and their flocks sleep at night knowing that there is a homeless problem in SLO? They blindly go on with their lives having their Mercedes and Bimmers being washed, eating three meals a day, and not opening up their church parking lots to God’s creation that are homeless?!


I am sure it sickens the Hebrew/Christian God to no end, and these parishioners will definitely pay upon Judgment Day that is for sure! “Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.”


There is nothing worse than a Christian hypocrite!


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You are spot on. If they won’t open their parking lots for the homeless then their tax exempt status should be taken away from them. Why are subsidizing them in the first place? They should prove that they want to help their communities by helping those that are less fortunate.


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HALLELUJAH Brother Ted. …you have LAID the LAW to these HYPOCRITES …LIARS …AND Trangessors.


They hate you, but they HATE everyone….even themselves


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Most of the “people” you refer to are derelicts, drug addicts, grifters & perverts….How about YOU taking them in???


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RU4Real,


What part of this biblical passage from Jesus don’t you understand?


“For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.’ (Deuteronomy 15:11)


Jesus does NOT show any distinction whether you’re a derelict, addict, or whatever! If they are brethren of mankind, needy, or poor, you’re COMMANDED by Jesus to adhere to his word! Does any Christian know more than Jesus? NO!!!


Therefore, who is in the perfect position to accomplish this act and to keep the poor all in one place which benfits all? As a whole, the churches are with their tax free status and abundant parking lots, that’s who! Get it?


You, amongst many others, please quit using your weak premise’ of individually stepping up to the plate. It’s embarrassing for a godly man of my stature to view them ad infinitum when they’re better solutions.


Thank you.


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They plan on paying this Social Worker a starting salary of $106K plus benefits. In 5 years this position will have expanded into another full department, its just gov creating bigger gov and it has to STOP.


Why is Adam Hill voting on this since his girl friend will no doubt be a main contender for the position? Fact is, this is about creating a high paying job for her. I don’t agree with her “control freak” ideas. The homeless won’t get any help unless they sign onto her program and submit to all her policies. This is BS.


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Cindy,


The only thing that is BS, is your ineptness relating to true Christianity, as was blatantly shown in the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Reactor thread, ad infinitum!


What are YOU doing to help the homeless since you’re an “alleged” Christian? Are you all hat, and no cattle like 99 percent of the alleged Christians in our community? I can only assume that this is true because of your blatant lack of knowledge of true Christianity!


You’ve been shown to be a Burger King Christian, “where you want your bible your way!” I can almost here the trap doors to Hell being sprung open in your behalf upon Judgment Day, praise!


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Ted, You’re a joke when it comes to the Bible. You take everything out of context and then tout yourself as all knowledgeable. Anyone can go to Bluelinebible.org (as well as other places) and type in any phrase such as “saved by works” and come up with all the quotes and references that their little hearts could desire. Fact is, I or anyone else can come up with as many references and even more than you can, however one must first always consider context and confirm scripture interpretation through other scripture. So you see, its all a waste of time bothering with you, you’re not so smart. So I’ll tell you what, you just go ahead and stand on your works, if you have any to stand on and I’ll stand on Grace while being thankful for any rewards I receive as a result of my works.


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Cindy,


“Fact is, I or anyone else can come up with as many references and even more than you can, however one must first always consider context and confirm scripture interpretation through other scripture.”


Topic: Works or grace.


Prove your point!!! Put up, or remain silent!!!


We’re waiting!


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Anytime that you want to study with sincerity, just give me a call and my friends and I will make the time to break out the scripture and “walk you” through it. You know where to get my number.


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Cindy,


I expected nothing less than you acquiescing at this point. That is the true colors of an “Satanic apologist” when put into a corner and there is no logical place to go and remaining intelligent looking in the aftermath..


It was comical in watching you personally “interpret” the literal words and passages above away from what they historically and “directly” stated! You’re funny.


When it comes to resolving a bible contradiction, or blatantly disturbing verse, you along with your Satanic brethren, are satisfied with ANY explanation that sweeps the problem under a rug of “could- have-beens” as you have shown.


No Cindy, you can gather an army of your apologetic cohorts, but you and all of them do not have the acumen to discuss anything Christian with Brother Ted. Always remember this premise.


Consider yourself receiving another one of my patented “Jesus Slap Downs”. You are now excused to perform your biblical womanly duties for man as so saith within the scriptures!


“Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.” ( 2 Peter 1:20)


Good day.


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What are YOU doing, Ted would be the more appropriate question…?


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You are correct about signing onto her policies. That is exactly one of the main reasons that the safe parking program doesn’t have a chance. These people have to submit to more supervision than a paroled felon. No kidding, check it out. Even the people that desperately need help understand this and are not willing to forfeit their freedom.


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Cindy


You really need to go wash your hands with soap and warm water if you are going to pull facts and numbers out of you butt. Seriously, that’s really gross!


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This position will do nothing to reduce homelessness. It will just be another government position that will be so far away from the situation that it will more than likely make the process more complex and difficult to deal with. That is what government job security is all about. Have you ever seen a government agency that actually runs efficiently and achieves what they were established for? Just another day with government. Another fat cat at the top.


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“Have you ever seen a government agency that actually runs efficiently and achieves what they were established for?”


Yes I have. The United States Mint is very efficiant at making money. Then, the IRS is very effective at taking that money away from me.


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I don’t want to see my tax dollars going to feed bums. Or, for that matter, to government officials who use my tax dollars to feed them.


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Fedex,


See, this is what happens when non-christians like you spew forth your hatred to mankind! The non-religious are truly in abundance, not only on this forum, but through the entire county!


Screw the misfortunate, that though no fault of their own, have lost their jobs because of both parties not watching the store! The right wing giving to the rich so they can get richer, by deregulation, Bush tax breaks, two un funded wars, Medicare part D, etc.! The Dems giving up Glass-Steagall, and imposing NAFTA!


Yes Fedup, let these bum’s children starve, live out in the cold, wake up in their cluttered tents or RV’s before going to school. As long as they’re not your children, who gives a F*&K?


You must be so proud in making unchristian like statements like you do, that albeit you get some sort of deviant sexual gratification when doing so!


Christians are FED UP with your kind!


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There is nothing more deplorable in the world than a self-righteous Bible thumper who wants the government to confiscate money from hard working people and give it to people who don’t work.


How many homeless people are camped in your yard or parked in your driveway? I thought so.


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Fedup,


I am FEDUP with weak analogies that you and your equally hell bound friends keep bringing up in this forum relative to the homeless!


It’s not whether they camp out where I live, it’s the fact of the City to come up with a plan to fix this problem! Get it? I gave a plan, where the churches in this town open up their parking lots for the homeless and start practicing what they preach about the poor of this land! Remember?


How many homeless children would you stop to give money or food to so they can not be hungry for just a day? I thought so!


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We do not need to hire from outside….Supervisors must offer this position to an existing employee.

FOR ONCE, LET’S GET SMART AND ECONOMICAL.


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The “supervisors” no doubt “created” this “position” for one of their cronies and/or relatives…Corruption is alive & well in SLO County…


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Of course they created it for one of their cronies and they have set the starting salary at $106K plus benefits of course. This is a waste of money. 106K for someone to co-ordinate all the other agencies helping the homeless. What a joke. What do you want to bet that Adam Hills GF gets the job?


RIDICULOUS waste of money, IMO.


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I am going against all conventional wisdom and responding to this type of nonsense but since the “moderator” doesn’t feel compelled to supply the facts, I will.


Cindy and others,


This position was created, will be hired, and supervised by Lee Collins from the Department of Social Services. The starting salary is not $106K, actually $106K is the total annual compensation including benefits. I am not and will not apply for this position. I am not advocating for the position one way or the other but I feel it’s important for you to have the FACTS so that you can make informed and thoughtful judgements.


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We’ll be watching you, Dee…We KNOW about YOUR “connections”…


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Oh please, you ‘know’ about the gossip you hear.


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DeeTorres says:

“but since the “moderator” doesn’t feel compelled to supply the facts, I will.”


Fact checking the comments is not part of the moderators gig (the moderator who did not write the article or the comments).


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I’m glad that you checked in and set the record straight on this item. First I would say that you might want to let the Tribune know that they misstated the starting “salary” as being 106K. That is where I initially got the salary quote from (second to the last line in the Trib’s article). I have no reason to doubt you on this so it is no longer an issue where you’re concerned in my opinion since you won’t be applying for the position. I will now leave your name out of criticism when I comment on this item.


I do have a concern about the “parking plan” that you presented to the SLOCC with the assistance/backing of Adam Hill. . It is clearly stated in the SLO city staff report that you are quoting a cost of 80K to oversee 5-6 parking spots. What is equally unreasonable is the project model that you have outlined. From what I have read, you plan to require that these individuals must sign up with you for over sight services that even include turning any pay checks that they might earn over to your agency so that you can take control and oversee the participants spending. Who in their right mind would want you or anyone controlling their lives to that extent in exchange for a place to park at night? You seem to think people who have lost their homes need a “foster mommy”, I can assure you that they won’t appreciate your attempts to mind all their personal business.


You might mean well but you’re way of thinking isn’t only pricey but its a failure before it even starts and a big waste of taxpayer funds in my opinion.


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Cindy,


I want you to know that I am concerned at how the Pilot Prado Parking Program was reported on this website as it is all wrong. For your information I have sent Karen Velie 2 requests to retract all of the false statements and to date she has refused. Contrary to what was reported here, our program was estimated to cost a maximum of $18,000 for 6 months. This total includes equipment such as a portable toilet/video cameras, on-going program supplies/ food/bottled water etc, and minimal staff time. You may be pleased to hear that since the City Council meeting we’ve been able to chip away at the estimated amount , bringing it down to $10,000 by stretching existing supplies and staffing. For the record none of my time has or will be billed to this program.


Another misconception is that we anticipate serving only 5 individuals/families in the 6 month period. Please be advised that 5 is the maximum amount of cars that may stay in a given evening. Please remember that this is a temporary housing program. We have no intention of people living long term in the parking lot. With the help of our case management program we anticipate serving and housing many more than 5 during this time period.


As for “taking peoples’s checks and acting as their mommy”, that’s another misconception. The goal of case mangaement generally is “housing”, and housing anyone without money is virtually impossible. So we do require that clients with income save a “portion” of it for their housing. We generally ask that they save 50%-70% each month while we do our best to provide basic services for them at no cost. I say generally because we do make exceptions if there are extenuatinng circumstance, each individual is different. Often times we work with individuals who have no income, so their case plan would include setting goals which would lead to income.


We are very proud and fortunate to have this program and it is tremendously succesfull in helping people get off the streets, out of the shelters, and into a home of their own.


As always all of our programs are public and transparent, feel free to contact me with any genuine concerns and/or questions.


dtorres@capslo.org


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Thank you so much for clearing that up. Keep up the good work regarding the homeless and please post when you see this type misinformation, the lies spread like a cancer. Someone needs to post facts to help clear up the gossip.


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Again, I’m glad that you checked back and offered your perspective on this Pilot Parking Program. I did quickly review the staff report a couple of weeks ago and it does indicate that 80K was the anticipated cost for the program but perhaps they misunderstood or perhaps other $$ have been calculated (by the staff) that are outside of your control. This wouldn’t surprise me in the least as we all know how city gov seems to spend 3X more than ……….yak yak yak.


Back to your project, 10K to implement the program that you describe sounds reasonable and since you’re working towards getting these people into their own homes they do need an incentive to save and no doubt your project is designed to assist them in accomplishing that goal (thank you for clarifying the misunderstanding). After hearing from you, I feel that for those who really want help and are willing to work that your program can be a God send for them. I think it would be good for you to contact Karen and ask her to interview you. I believe that her initial story was taken from the SLOCC staff report so I doubt she will retract anything unless the city staff corrects the report but she can certainly elucidate as to what your position and intentions are.


Good Luck, I an an advocate for the homeless and do what I can here in Atascadero to help the needy. I’m all for anything that is reasonable/viable in helping them to help themselves.


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Will the theme song be “Home, Home on the Range” for the new post?


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Sad waste of scarce tax dollars.


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Just what we need, a manager to manage the other managers. My question would be when are the original managers actually going to manage? and what services are going to have to be cut to pay this managers salary + benefits + lifetime pension + lifetime medical? Why is there never already someone employed that can handle some extra work for far less than another fulltime salary? Part of the answer is it’s only taxpayer money not real money, and we can always scare them into voting for higher taxes when needed.


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Sounds like a job the Lee Collins should be doing already. But that’s just thinking aloud.


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His dept. is so overwhelmed, he’s a busy man. People can only do so much. I’ve had dealings with his dept and you just can’t expect him to take on a new thing like this. His social workers have 30-40 cases each. That is an incredible amount of responsibility when your dept is being cut, more cases less money. No this is the right thing to do. If they don’t do something these people will be living on the streets in motorhomes in front of peoples homes. We need to find a solution instead of just bitching about the lazy worthless veteran and disabled homeless population (not my opinion).


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Will Adam Hill be able to appoint his girlfriend to the position before we oust him at the end of the year?


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Didn’t Hill hire some homeless cordinator I think her name was Miss Gonzalez anyway I remember she was making a 6 figure income. What the heck is she doing giving Hill lip service?


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Where did you get that? As far as I know, HIll has been seeing the woman who runs the homeless programs for CAPSLO. (She’s not named Gonzalez either.) There are certainly government funds helping pay for her position but not all county funds by any means. It might be suspicious if she was appointed to the newly created position — particularly if it involved a pay increase — but let’s withhold judgment unless/until that happens.


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I think it was his “GIRL FRIEND/MISTRESS…Dee Torres, I think…


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Not applying for the position and not anyone’s mistress, ever. Why don’t you start commenting on things you are knowledgable about, as this is just vile garbage with not an ounce of truth to it.


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