This is nonsense, the representative population of Santa Cruz, does not agree or endorse this. As a "local" of 25 years, (yes I was born and raised here), I can not believe the deterioration of Santa Cruz's downtown in the past 3 years....Post 1989, the rebuilding...the business environment start to flourish and people felt welcome and comfortable in the downtown environment. Today we have individuals that "claim" it is their right to take back the Streets....whose streets are these? Who has contributed at all levels of society to provide this? WORKING PEOPLE, FAMILY PEOPLE AND CITIZENS. People who want to have children walk down the street irregardless of race, economics, sexual backgrounds, and not be HARRASSED.

Santa Cruz has digressed. and this type of demonstration does not deserve the attention it has gotten with the town council, and papers.

I believe in equal and fair opportunity, BUT I also believe IF the individual has CHOSEN street life as their path, then go make a living off of the land...I don't see any need for these people to beg. IF the circumstances are such that a mentally disabled person is in need, then it is our obligation as a society to provide for them. It is a crime and a shame for someone who is in this situation to be placed on the street.

HOWEVER>>>>> in Santa Cruz, OF ALL CITIES in USA we as a citizenship are the most proactive, compassionate town, and yet we get more whiners, who want more.

I say, go try another community, as you have exhausted the patience of this citizen and more.