University Heights Community Development Corp.

I am sincerely concerned for the safety of motorists and the individuals on foot who panhandle on the thin concrete islands and dividers for money from motor vehicle drivers at the following busy intersections and entrances:
- Carmel Mountain Road & Rancho Carmel Drive
- Mira Mesa Boulevard & Black Mountain Road
- World Trade Drive at the stop sign near the pet grooming store and across from the condominiums (the back entrance to the shopping center

The rationale for my concern is based upon the following:
- the concrete islands and dividers are not intended for pedestrian navigation and do not allow for safe clearance of SUV, EMS and commercial truck door mirrors when someone is panhandling on them. In addition, these intersections are not illuminated at night and the person panhandling is at greater risk secondary to decreased driver visibility. The persons panhandling are not the only population at serious risk for injury, motorists and their passengers are also at increased risk.
- some motorists are briefly ignoring a green light to give the person panhandling change, thus increasing local traffic congestion. This reason is far less important in my analysis, but is noted for your consideration.

As a healthcare professional and concerned citizen I applaud driver generosity by giving money, but patronizing panhandling at these intersections on thin concrete islands and dividers is dangerous for all involved. Although no comprehensive national study has been conducted to date, ''The Austin Chronicle'' published that 17 panhandlers were killed when hit by motor vehicles in Austin, Texas from January 1st to September 2, 2007 alone.

Please contact the San Diego Police Department at (858) 484-3154 if you live in the 858 area code to note similar concerns for the safety of these persons. All persons deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, including those less fortunate who place themselves and others in danger by panhandling at these busy locations. I am sincerely concerned for their safety and that of the motorists who pass by. Thank you.
Very respectfully, James Reilly RN, BSN, CEN, CNOR

someone should tell the IRS to "red line" them

 

This is very humanistic and caring of you.  However, let's focus for a moment on the poor panhandlers so distressed that they put themselves in peril everyday while the shoppers of Carmel Mountain go about their routines.

I have personally witnessed this phenomenon I call the Beggars Guild.  It's not new, something like it has been around since Early Modern Europe, 14th century in an official capacity.  The beggars, if you have taken the time to notice, have a regular or favorite spot in Carmel Mountain.  They get off the bus, yes, they have money for the bus, they smoke their cigarettes, pricey nowadays I think, and then they work it out amongst one another who will get what corner. 

I believe the best and most sought after position is by the carwash next to the gas station in the Ralphs parking lot.  You can't avoid the person, usually a female. 

I would not want thier lifestyles for anything in the world, but  these poor  unfortunate souls as you would have us believe, rake in an amazing amount of TAX FREE CASH.  I am not talking $5.00 per day either.  Just for kicks, here's an analysis in one town from,

According to Michael S. Scott, the director of the Center for Problem-Oriented Policing, says in his online article "Panhandling": http://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/2255/how-much-money-do-beggars-make

Estimates vary from a couple of dollars (U.S.) a day on the low end, to $20 to $50 a day in the mid-range, to about $300 a day on the high end. Women, especially those who have children with them, and panhandlers who appear to be disabled tend to receive more money. For this reason, some panhandlers pretend to be disabled and/or war veterans. Others use pets as a means of evoking sympathy from passersby. Panhandlers' regular donors can account for up to half their receipts.

 Yeah, I don't feel bad for them when I see them walk off the bus, limp free, go to their spot, and assume the position.  Yeah, I don't feel for these beggars when they take the bus to Mira Mesa and stand on the same corners vying for those valuable positions.  Watch them with their cardboard signs, it's a real art form.  Don't kid yourself, these people are making money, bottom line.

There not stupid enough to get hurt, but some people would try to pursuade you of their fragile humanity.