Clovis Homeless Ordinance

Clovis, CA Families pass unnoticed by Clifford Hartmann who spends his days on the streets of Clovis. Hartmann said: "I'd rather be in Clovis than in Fresno." Clovis Police say they've seen more and more people like Clifford sleeping out in the open, near businesses, in the parks, and along the trails. Captain Drew Bessinger said: "Part of it is an increase of homeless in our region. We're getting some belled over from Fresno."

That's why the police department is pushing for an ordinance making it illegal to camp out between 10 at night and seven in the morning. The penalty is a citation, and maybe jail time.

Letterman Park has been one of the trouble spots. Police say at one point, the homeless moved in, made themselves their meals here, and used the facilities, chasing families away.

Sunny Singh who manages a liquor store said something has to be done. Singh said: "It's a bad thing because they're lying outside my store and they pee there and do everything there." Paula Mills agrees, wishing she could then take her kids to "any" City Park. Paula Mills said: "They're hanging out smoking, sometimes drinking. There's little ones around so I kind of go to a different park."

But without a homeless shelter in town, critics argue citing people like Clifford Hartmann is a waste of time. Hartmann said, "It's not going to work. Police, though, disagree, calling the ordinance another tool to keep the city safer.