NOTE TO READER: As you read this sensitive and caring article from the Sunday Sentinel, remember that the Sentinel barely reported the 37 homeless deaths a year ago (our count was 43). Nor is there any mention of whether Wagner had a blanket at the time he died. Use of such a blanket is illegal under MC 6.36.010 section B. The article does not mention whether Wagner had availed himself of the emergency shelter services of the ISSP program. The ISSP does not accept inebriated individuals. The city's Homeless Issues Task Force of 2001 issued a recommendation calling for a "wet" shelter where those currently suffering from substance addiction can find shelter. That recommendation, along with 26 others, was dumped by the Santa Cruz City Council. The council currently refuses to place reform of the Sleeping Ban and Blanket Ban on the city council agenda despite major lobbying by advocacy groups to do so. --- Becky Johnson



FROM THE SANTA CRUZ SENTINEL
December 5, 2004


Robert Wagner, 58, died of exposure during cold spell
By TOM RAGAN
Sentinel staff writer

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