HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-24-2024_SM_Suarez, VictorFrom:Victor Suarez
To:PublicComments
Subject:SPF violationMayor & City Council Public Comment (10/24/2024)
Date:Thursday, October 24, 2024 12:05:14 PM
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Dear Mayor Tran and Members of the City Council,
I am writing to express my deep concern and frustration with the current approach the City of
San Bernardino is taking toward the eviction of homeless individuals from our parks. The
situation is both heartbreaking and alarming, not only for the displaced individuals but also for
the surrounding neighborhoods that are now bearing the brunt of this poorly executed plan.
The city is moving too quickly to clear the parks without having a thoughtful, humane, and
sustainable solution in place. This lack of foresight is irresponsible and will have dire
consequences for both the homeless population and the broader community.
While I understand the urgency in addressing homelessness, it is reckless to simply push these
individuals out of public spaces without a comprehensive plan for their relocation and support.
The homeless population is diverse, consisting of people struggling with mental health issues,
drug addiction, and poverty. Among them are families who have been devastated by economic
hardships. By evicting them without providing alternative solutions, the city is effectively
forcing them into our neighborhoods, which are not equipped to handle the influx. Already,
we have witnessed homeless individuals seeking refuge on private property—showering with
garden hoses, sleeping on porches, and even starting fires in alleys. This is not a solution; it is
a shifting of the problem from one area to another.
Moreover, the recent endorsement of a city council candidate who proposes to "clean the city
by any means necessary" is deeply troubling, especially given this candidate's history of racist
and prejudiced actions against minorities. It is shameful that you, Mayor Tran, would lend
your support to someone whose platform promotes division and hatred. In a city as diverse as
San Bernardino, we need leadership that advocates for all residents—especially those who are
most vulnerable—not leaders who foster discrimination.
Mayor Tran, since taking office, you have repeatedly failed to offer any concrete solutions to
the homelessness crisis. Your lack of vision and leadership is evident in the hasty decisions
that are now threatening the well-being of our entire community. It is not enough to simply
clear out the parks and hope the problem disappears. We need a multi-faceted approach that
addresses the root causes of homelessness, such as affordable housing, mental health services,
addiction treatment, and job training programs. The city should be working with local
nonprofits, healthcare providers, and housing advocates to create real, long-term solutions—
not just sweeping the problem under the rug.
This issue is too important to be handled with the superficial tactics we are seeing now. We
need leadership that prioritizes the safety and dignity of both the homeless and the residents of
San Bernardino. We need leaders who will invest in the future of our community, not leaders
who simply advocate for their political gain. I urge you to reconsider your current approach
and develop a comprehensive, humane plan that addresses homelessness at its core.
San Bernardino deserves better, and we demand better. The residents of this city, both housed
and unhoused, depend on you to lead with compassion, intelligence, and foresight.
Sincerely,
Victor Suarez