A few weeks ago, I saw a man sitting in the median of the Wal-Mart driveway in Simi Valley holding up a sign asking for help.
I just happened to stop right next to him. I was about to get out my wallet and give him a few dollars, but then I noticed he had something in his shirt pocket and had earphones in his ears. He was listening to an iPod. At one time, at least, the beggars in the streets looked like beggars.
I don’t know this man, but if he has an iPod and buys music to download to his iPod, he must have access to a computer. I kept my money. What if he were to use it to download a song I don’t like?
I had a cousin who chose to be homeless in Santa Monica. He would show up at his mother’s house every two weeks to wash his clothes and take a shower, but the next day, he’d be gone again. This was his choice and his lifestyle. And we’ve heard all too many stories about the money going for drugs, booze or cigarettes.
I endorse the city of Simi Valley in getting rid of these people from our streets. But they need to go somewhere— and I don’t mean Oxnard.
There are several organizations in Simi Valley that help homeless and destitute people. These people would be better served visiting the Good Samaritan center than begging on the streets. We have a free clinic, as well as a county mental health clinic, to help these people get their lives in order.
What if other homeless people hear we actually are helping those people? Will we become a haven for the homeless of Southern California? The city is tackling a difficult problem. I wish it well.
— John Agasse, Simi Valley
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