Orange County:City OKs no-trespass law

City OKs no-trespass law
Law will limit where day workers can gather in the city to look for work. Two other cities have passed similar laws.
By ANGELA POTTER
The Orange County Register

DANA POINTDana Point became the third city in south Orange County to pass a no-trespassing ordinance on Tuesday night after the City Council voted unanimously in favor of the new law.

The ordinance prohibits groups – such as day laborers, the homeless and teenagers – from congregating on private property, and is similar to ones passed by Lake Forest and Mission Viejo in the past year.

Jean Silva, manager of business properties on Doheny Park Road, where day laborers gather, was pleased by the council's decision. "They go there to drink, play cards, gamble and urinate and defecate all over the place. It's horrible." About the law, she said: "I think this is great. The families don't have to be afraid to walk through there anymore." Silva had met with sheriff's deputies about the loitering.

Once the ordinance goes into effect, owners could contact police and make a citizen's arrest if someone refused to leave their property. The ordinance, which drew applause from residents at the meeting, also requires signs to be posted advising people of the law.

Dana Point Police Chief Mark Levy said the property owners seemed "more than willing" to cooperate with the new law.

Contact the writer: 949-492-0752 or apotter@ocregister.com
http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/ho ... 641121.php