Jackson Update

Jackson was arrested on 12/28/10 in Los Angeles while trying to rob a catering truck. Did not see this news in local newspaper; just happened upon it today, 01/20/2010.

Homeless Man Disappears

A homeless man, Todd Jackson, was severely beaten in the Belmont Shore area of Long Beach in August. He disappeared from the hospital where he was confined. Jackson's mental illness and brain injury means he can hardly speak, other than a few words. P-T article by Staff Writer, Phillip Zonkel, says Belmont Shore residents interviewed said Jackson, age 42, was "sweet", "nice", and "never panhandled".

From description and small photo in newspaper, do not think I ever saw the man.

Some Reasons for Homelessness

Library upgraded their system a few months ago. Ever since, when I click on links in my gmail account, they open a window that says done but is all gray. Because I subscribe to many Associated Content peers, I have to copy the URL, open a separate window by doing a Google search via gmail, to view the articles.

Blogger decided that I can not open this blog unless I have the gmail account open. Which makes it hard as I have one spam-free email where I get my subscription notices. In other words can not simply open, read article and then share link here. Normally I would comment on what I read.

Doing it the long way around (copying URLs to a Word document, closing one gmail account to open the other so I could post here) I have not yet read the following articles. I also did not think to copy titles. Both titles are Some Reasons for Homelessness, with the added Part 1 and Part 2. Hopefully it does not matter which part we read first.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2409140/some_reasons_for_homelessness_part.html

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2473622/some_reasons_for_homelessness_part.html

Rentals In Long Beach

The article about Anthony and Becky mentioned that the vacancy rate for apartments in Long Beach has risen. In 2007 the vacancy rate was just below 3% and is now 5.3%. Mellen states: "Housing and Urban Development sets the fair market rate in the Los Angeles and Long Beach area at $1,137. for a one-bedroom apartment." Fair?


The article also states that over half of Long Beach renters pay 30% or more for housing. 75% of my income pays rent. I do not have gas or the cost would be higher. My apartment is a typical Single ~ old building built for Navy personal, the built-in Ice Box cabinets still exist in most of the units; most of the Murphy beds are gone.

A 72-year-old man recently wrote to the P-T complaining about reductions to his Social Security benefits. He said the reason was because he earned $100,000. the year prior. If he were paying 75% of his income for housing, that would leave him about $25,000. to live on, which, for me, is doable. While it is great that a 72-year-old had a job, seems to me with unemployment so high, it would be better if he let a young person have it ~ especially at that income level.

A two income household, such as a couple, are able to afford one bedroom apartments at Long Beach's going rate ~ even after taxes and other payroll deductions decrease their spendable income. As far as rents are concerned, no one said life has to be fair. Yet if the City and its citizens want others off the streets, rent control is a good place to start. That 75% (or 30%) goes to one person (or firm), whereas paying less rent means more money to others, such as the grocer.

Anthony & Becka Happy Christmas

A Press-Telegram article by Staff Writer Greg Mellen reports that Anthony and Becka were placed in an apartment Tuesday night. I met the couple within weeks of beginning my street living adventure. Months down the road when I was introduced to them, one of them reminded me that we had already met. They were regulars at the Promenade arena or what I called The Fountain. The news article refers to her as Becky and it is possible I got her name wrong, especially since I did not remember being introduced to them.

Whenever I go to the Main library I would see Becky sitting on one of the walls or on the grass with Anthony at Lincoln Park in their spot. I would think about her often, simply wondering about her life. She and I never spoke much tho' I saw them often. Anthony and I had the same conversation time and again. He would say hello and I had no idea who he was. "You know me," he insisted, "Anthony."

He would ask for a cigarette, dollar or food. The last time I recall speaking to him was when I had a bag of food I did not want. Perhaps it was a tin of cookies someone gave me as a holiday gift and other goodies I knew I would not be using. I suggested sharing if he did not like the selection and he said something like he would be eating it all. With Becky of course!

The article says Becky became homeless eight years ago when she was age 51. Even when the Promenade was their home, she never left the area except for meals. I wondered if homelessness was her lifestyle, that she traded the Promenade for Lincoln Park, the sky the roof, the park being bedroom, living room and dining area. I would be so bored never straying from home and wondered if she was simply used to it or liked living that way.

Reading quotes in the article I believe she did not like it anymore than I did. She is delighted to be off the streets with a real bed and planned on cooking Christmas dinner. I did not know that Anthony had brain surgery due to an aneurysm in 2008. Their move from the streets to housing was made possible by Kingdom Causes that co-ordinates various charities resources to make it happen.

Happy Christmas to Anthony and Becka.

Christmas of the Homeless

Christmas of the Homeless by Mary E. Coe:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2459458/christmas_of_the_homeless.html

Why Don't Homeless People Just Get Jobs?

I have mentioned reasons why homeless are unable to get jobs ~ lack of address, telephone, place to wash both themselves and their clothes in preparation for job interviews, as well as showing up for work. I have also mentioned that a number of homeless people do work, generally of the temporary job variety.

Author of Why Don't Homeless People Just Get Jobs?, Kylyssa Shay has experienced homelessness and often writes on the subject. She earns a very little page view bonus, so if you have time, check out what she has to say on the subject.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2526465/why_dont_homeless_people_just_get_jobs.html

Dude, Where's My Country?

From Dude, Where's My Country? by Michael Moore:


"Letting people live on the streets without a home is evil."

Taken out of context of the paragraph makes the statement appear worse than it actually sounds. Turning people who are without a home into criminals is wrong. All things considered I do not think either scenario is evil. So much worse comes to mind. Truly it is the things that are evil that can lead to homelessness, including senseless wars.

Book is out-dated (Let Us Impeach Bush!); being homeless, never read it, although I do know Moore from later Internet research.

Gerrie Schipske

Long Beach Councilwoman, Gerrie Schipske was reported* having said "...she was concerned that Long Beach would become a magnet to the homeless if other cities don't step forward to deal with homeless issues." Or she was opposed to Councilman Dee Andrew's proposal to provide a car park for homeless in each district.

Other cities in nearby California already have places designated for homeless living in vehicles to park. I did meet two homeless guys who were drawn to Long Beach for services at the V.A. Hospital. I met many non-California residents on the streets. Many were Carnival people, most who left town when carnival season started up again. Others were fleeing warrants in their home state. Many were young guys, basically seeking adventure. They did not stick around Long Beach for long.

The only people I knew who talked about seeking places with better services for homeless people, were local people who told me about many Orange County places. I also had an online friend suggest I try San Diego. Long-time homeless people I met would make the rounds between L.A., Long Beach and Orange County utilizing all cities services. I also met homeless from places like Santa Monica who said thing got too hot there for him ~ hot as in police bothering him, usually deservedly for crime.

Basically people who become homeless become homeless in the city they live. Long Beach government does think if they provide a year-round homeless shelter it will encourage people to be homeless in Long Beach.

Councilwoman Suja Lowenthal was quoted in same article saying "....the crime believing the problem of homelessness goes away if we ignore it." She does not feel it is a crime to aid homeless programs.


*December 16, 2009 article by Press-Telegram Staff Writer, Greg Mellen.

Winter Shelter Open

Press-Telegram article does not say where space for the Long Beach Winter Shelter was found. According to article by P-T Staff Writer, Greg Mellen, it opened 17 days late. I was surprised that Jim Lewis, CEO of the Rescue Mission who runs the shelter said that last winter with the exception of two nights, the Winter Shelter only had 135 homeless utilizing it.

Much different from my experience Winter 2004/2005.

Until Proven Guilty

From Until Proven Guilty by J.A. Jance: "The bums don't bother me...", "Panhandlers pick out soft touch from blocks away." The character was not bothered by bums because he was not a soft touch. I often wondered, prior to becoming homeless, why panhandlers asked me for money when it was obvious others around us had more $$$ than myself. A soft touch?

Among patrons at a late night visit to McDonalds: "There was a genuine bag lady with her multi-layered clothes."

Dee Andrews & Homelessness

Dee Andrews is a Long Beach City Councilman who cares about finding solutions for homelessness. I did not remember to keep the article about the Thanksgiving meal and food give-aways hosted by Andrews. Over 1,000 served, if I remember correctly.

Andrews wanted a "car park" for homeless people who sleep in vehicles to stay. He revised his initial proposal to suggest that nonprofit or private property owners "...can legally provide safe parking destinations."

I knew that sleeping in vehicles in Long Beach was against the law long before I became homeless. Despite knowing I was breaking the law, I did sleep in my vehicle several times. Later I sold it and began sleeping on the streets. A whole lot better to sleep sheltered in one's vehicle than out in the open ~ also illegally ~ on sidewalks. Just to stay in out of the rain is helpful. A back seat is more comfortable than concrete. Wind is blocked, making it a bit warmer. It is definitely safer, especially for an older female.

I wonder about inebriated individuals sleeping it off in the car. Safer than driving drunk. What purpose does the law serve? Is City government afraid people will opt to live in vehicles rather than rent? Other cities in California do designate safe areas for homeless to park and sleep. Andrews' idea is a great one met with, of course, resistance. Thank you Mr. Andrews for caring.

Political Cartoons

Homeless people are sometimes the subject of political cartoons. I imagine they are available for viewing online, but links have a way of disappearing, so not doing a search for recent offerings.

Jerry Stahler has a group of carolers singing: "I'll be homeless for Christmas."

Mike Luckvel* has a two story decorated house complete with snow and a Foreclosure sign outside. Above the cartoon is the start of the Christmas ditty "...when all through the house not a creature was stirring...". Man in driver's seat of car says "..'cause we moved into the car, even my spouse...".

I have seen more, but did not bring them to the library with me today.

*did not bring magnifying glass, so will edit name after checking it at home.

Street Crazy

Street Crazy: The tragedy of the homeless mentally ill, copyright 1998 by Stephen B. Seager, M.D., is as much of a memoir of the psychiatrists time dealing with mentally ill homeless in a Los Angeles hospital, as an expose on the sorry state of affairs that leaves mentally unstable people roaming the streets.

Sandwiched in the 197 book, Seager does give history lessons, regarding both mental illnesses and their treatments and homelessness. I have heard so often that Reagan "set them free" (mentally ill) that he is the cause of so many mentally disturbed people living on the streets, that I believed this was true.

Seager's book traces this happening back to President Eisenhower in 1956 forward. 1965 President Johnson, Medicare bill gave insurance to elderly with no regard to income, followed by Medicare which provided federal funds to "state run health programs for the indigent" with no age limitations.

Seager states the most common mental disorders among street people are: major depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Major depression could lead to homelessness as well as finding oneself homeless could lead to suicidal depressions. I suspected that the bipolar label was just handy to stick upon people because I met so many bi- polars in Long Beach ~ both homed and homeless.


Being quickly labeled as such myself which I disagreed with after reading a lot on the disorder, only intensified my suspicion that many of us are being misdiagnosed. Seager wrote: "...loud colors traditionally appeal to bipolar patients...". Of course that may not hold true for all those with the disorder, yet I never liked loud colors. My style of dress tended to be woman in black, like Johnny Cash. I like solids, dislike with a passion, stripes, polka-dots and patterns.


The exception to that is when I bought L.A. Gear high-top sneakers with double laces. One pair standard black, the other neon green. Other than that I always preferred clothes that let me blend in with the wallpaper.


I am like many Seager spoke about, refusing to take prescribed medications. I am glad that people have a choice and can just say no to drugs. Yet some of the homeless in Street Crazy truly should not be on the streets or allowed to refuse treatment. I have read about that minority among the homeless, that costs the government the most money. Seager's tale gives examples of some of those people who are admitted to hospital after police find them wandering down the middle of the 91 Freeway ~ for instance ~ discharged only to return a few months later.


Some of those individuals are seriously deranged ~ read the book to find out exactly why. "How can someone make a choice when they're demented and psychotic?" was asked in Street Crazy.

There is a sample of the book online; did not load on library computer, so just linking the site itself. Though this book is small it packs a wallop.

http://www.streetcrazy.com/

Sleeping in Cars

Press-Telegram has published some articles about sleeping in cars. I know one of the four women interviewed for the first article. Surprised she was included because her situation is much different than the other ladies. Will leave it at that.

I left a comment via the P-T's Speakout line in reply to another caller's comment:


The caller who said people sleeping in cars should get a room does not know that the cheapest room in Long beach costs more than the least expensive apartment. Duh. If they could afford either option they would not be sleeping in cars!

Hilltop Park

Took these photos in July. Guess I never made time to write about days I spent at Hilltop Park in Signal Hill. Images do not do justice to the views of the ocean (top) and Los Angeles area (bottom).

Name Withheld

Name Withheld by J.A. Jance is a J.P. Beaumont Mystery. Wanted to start reading the series in order they were published but does not appear that library has all the novels. The library, btw, is hooked up with sites like Amazon with a book wish list. Any who want to help, can purchase specific books wanted by library which will automatically ship to Long Beach. Library web page has links to type of media needed. Check it out using this link.

I am becoming a book critic. Jance and Edna Buchanan are fast becoming favorite authors ~ both are much published authors ~ yet I find sentences like this (okay, part of a sentence) "...became a pioneer in installing in-ceiling or wall-mounted security systems." Too many in's in a row for me. Deleted and stopped recording double words, specifically "had had". She had had a bad day. Ouch. Quite common grammar usage among authors and English was not my best subject in school, so...

From Name Withheld: "Downtown here, it's mostly ordinary muggers and homeless lowlife panhandlers." Character called them "equal-opportunity criminals" ~ they do not "care if you're gay or straight." Of course, there are homosexuals, lesbians, transgener and bi-sexual people among the homeless population.

Perhaps it is only my own paridigm that homosexuals were nice to homeless people. I liked when I lived on Broadway in a mostly homosexual apartment complex. My assumption was that because LGBT are often outcasts, they were kinder or more accepting of others like them, on the fringe for one reason or another.

It does seem that downtown areas are often rift with homeless panhandlers. I do not make the low-life assumption myself, but many people view homeless as such.

Margin of Error

I was disappointed reading Margin of Error by Edna Buchanan because I thought it was gointg to be about finding the serial killer who cuts out victims hearts. I thought it would be learned that this killer was also responsible for killing livestock draining them of blood. Those mysteries were not solved.

The novel seemed more of a romance than murder mystery, tho' there were several murders solved, including the death of a homeless man. Identifying the man was difficult because "The homeless are rarely reported missing." Homeless in Long Beach came and went quickly, leaving those of us left behind curious as to what became of them. I did it myself when I went back east, not telling anyone my plans. "Have you seen...?" is a common question. Of course, we would not think to report a peer missing.

It was also said that the murderer would have "...no difficulty luring a street person..." to the home where he was murdered "...with the promise of money, food, or clothes." Mostly true.

After an extravagant gala a character loaded the leftover food in vehicle to take to a food bank at a homeless shelter. "The homeless will dine well."

Yes, I had that kind of treat while homeless. Sometimes there might be meat ~ like roast beef or pasta leftovers. Often there were a lot of fresh cakes and other pastry. This is how I learned food from weddings or City Council (et al) meetings was commonly distributed among homeless people or places that feed them, such as shelters. Film crews likewise shared their food with homeless ~ often on location such as at the Alamitos beach picnic area while filming automobile commercials.

Street kids witness a shooting and are wise beyond their years able to identify guns used in the drive-by. Another incident cos also canvassed "...among the street people..." for witnesses to a crime. One was an "unkempt middle-aged man" with "...several layers of clothing and a tattered gym bag." Staying warm, even in summer is the reason many of us wear layers of clothing. Often see the tattered gym bags at Main library while a homeless guy is using the Internet. I much preferred a backpack than the gym bags or suitcases so many of my peers used.

Telling a newcomer to Miami about the beach, character said "To say nothing of the wandering homeless...". Homeless do wander the beaches; daytime sleeping is a common sight. I know homeless who slept on the beach overnight without getting rousted, but never tried it myself.

Reading "She was stunning in a sparkly silver sheath." confused me. Flipped back a coupld of pages which stated the character planned to wear "green velvet". Okay, people do change their minds about clothing; yet for fiction, seems the clothing details were not needed: does not advance story.

Cold Hit

A homeless character in Cold Hit by Linda Fairstein fished up an arm ripped from socket of cement-bloci drowned corpse.

Slide

Slide by Ken Bruen & Jason Starr was more of a comedy than murder mystery, tho' there were plenty of murders in the book. Not that murder and torture are comic, just the way the fast-paced novel (read 5 chapters waiting upon computer yesterday) was told that made it an enjoyable read.

After some bad moments a character was asked by a homeless person: "Yo buddy got anything for a man down on his luck?"

Spoke to my manager yesterday. He asked if I still go to the Village. I told him "No" and the reason. He obviously has had the experience: "Gimmie a dollar" or "Gimmie a cigarette" is common and it is annoying. "May I bum a buck?" or "Can you spare a cigarette?" is less demanding.

Neighbor, Doug, who still goes to the Village told manager what he told a guy "Just today...". I am much more polite in my noes. The guys all want to know where I live and (is that a threat) promise to come visit me. I feel for anyone sleeping outdoors on cold concrete and know how much a private shower is appreciated, yet no way could I help them. Guys have one thing on their minds and no matter how many times and how many ways I say "Not interested," they persist.

The other reason I do not tell my homeless peers where I live, I can not risk one of them showing up uninvited, especially drunk at 3AM, yelling for me at front gate. Knowing I am gonna get all the gimmies when I go to the Village, I avoid going there.

The character in the book looked like he could afford to share with someone down on his luck, but the character seemed that typical gimmie type and got the same kind of answer Doug gave ~ "Just toady...".

Shadows

From Shadows by Edna Buchanan:


A developer accused of purposely exposing a deserted home to "the elements" denied it saying "It must have been the homeless."

Told that homicide detectives found a dead body, character asked "Was it a homeless person?"


Also finding a naked woman in his bed a character thought, "She doesn't look homeless." I am not sure a sleeping undressed woman could look or not look homeless, unless her body was covered with bug bite rashes or she had dirty feet, hands with dirt embedded under nails. Yet many homeless get that look, myself included.


Homicide detectives driving under a bridge reading homeless signs. One said Vietnam Vet (etc); the next sign said: WHY LIE? I NEED A BEER. One detective told the driver to slow down so he could give the second man a five; said he was tired of liars. The first sign holder was hardly old enough to be a Vietnam veteran, although he may have lost job, after the baby died, his wife may have run over the dog while backing out of the driveway in his pickup truck which she stole...

I read that the line that works with panhandlers is the Why Lie? one or "I'm gonna be honest, I need a dollar for a beer." Certainly worked on me prior to becoming homeless myself.

The Defense: A Legal Thriller

The Defense: A Legal Thriller by D. W. Buffa is a typical story about a molested child who ran away from home "survived living on the streets, selling herself and anything else that would bring a price." Four trial witnesses also "lived on the streets".

One, when asked how he supported is self after saying he had not worked in 30 or 40 years said: "Don't. Spend most of my time in jail. Spend a little time on the streets. When I need money, I steal a little...".

Both scenarios are true to life for many homeless.

Cruel Intent

Only near mention of the homeless in Cruel Intent by J A Jance is when a harried character is told she was wearing "...bag lady clothes...".

Reason I post this trivia is found on page 48 of the mystery novel: "...in a scheduled area half a mile from it's nearest neighbor...". I do believed the word was meant to be secluded.

Of course I make my share of typos too.

Miss Black America

There was nothing much about homelessness in Miss Black America by Veronica Chambers. A child's mother told her she could either pay rent or buy clothes and if she did not pay the rent, they would be out on the streets. She had seen evidence of evictions in her NYC neighborhood, but does not mention seeing the people evicted living on the streets.

Such a tiny mention hardly seems worth posting here. But 'tis the season...

The child's grandmother used to serve a fresh baked hot coffee cake on Christmas morning. She called it "Jesus' birthday cake". My oldest sister was the only person I knew who sang Happy Birthday Jesus with her children every year. She may have even put candles on a cake when they did so.

Sunday mornings, growing up, after church was always a treat for me. Dad stopped at a local bakery for crumb cake and butter square cake. Try dividing that up by for nine kids and two parents! The cakes were still warm when Dad picked us up at church, mouth watering could not get home fast enough. Just reading about a hot coffee cake awoke my taste buds. Entenmann's crumb cakes come close to flavor of those old favorite bakery cakes.

Transit Mall Homeless

The bus bench lights must have affected color of this photo. I finally figured out how to get images transferred here without the WiFi working on laptop. Took this image early evening. Attended Main Library's Haunted Tour. This is a common sight at the Transit Mall, although seems to be less homeless sleepers during the day then their used to be.

There was another man sleeping on the other side of the pole. Just as I framed the image of both men, the other guy started cussin' up a storm. Thought he saw me taking the photo out of corner of his eye and was upset with me. He quickly sat up, stomped off in the opposite direction cussin' the entire time as he jaywalked across the street. He is the type of homeless person who always scared me, even when living on the streets.

Most other homeless avoided that type as well. Too unpredictable.

My Top Seller

Basketball US Postage Stamp by alyceclover
Create custom postage stamps with zazzle.com

Had another Zazzle purchase. The basketball stamp is one of the first I created and a top seller. Thanks to everyone who has helped me pick up some spare change by buying them!

Winter Shelter

Another Press-Telegram article by Staff Writer, Greg Mellen regarding Long Beach's Winter Shelter. Mellen states "For the sixth time in seven years, the annual Winter Emergency Homeless Shelter will not open on schedule."

I no longer recall if the shelter opened on time in 2004. Do now there was a problem with it opening on time. A pastor made the basement of his church available and later homeless using the Winter Shelter were bussed to San Pedro. Already wrote about my experiences; took those blog posts off-line, now moved to disc, as is entire Homeless in Long Beach original blog posts or my story.

With an estimated 3 to 4 thousand people living on the streets in Long Beach, providing 200 beds for winter shelter seems inadequate. Guess it depends upon if people feel the government should provide shelter for the indignent.