Fresno’s homeless relocation and abandonment ordinance gets first reading

FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – A new ordinance was introduced to the Fresno City Council Thursday morning. It’s called the Anti-human Transportation and Abandonment Ordinance. If passed, it would be illegal to relocate the homeless population to Fresno City limits without proper coordination.  

Thursday was just the first reading of the ordinance, but it was approved unanimously. The community also had the opportunity to chime in; most opposed the ordinance, but one business owner was in agreement.

A.J. Rassamni, President of the Blackstone Merchant’s Association, says homeless encampments are seriously affecting local businesses. He knows some owners who are filing for bankruptcy, claiming homelessness is the cause.

“I am for the homeless is to find a solution for them, but they cannot be on the account of other hardworking people in Fresno, and I do support for the ordinance by the way,” said Rassamni.

The ordinance, sponsored by Fresno City President Mike Karbassi and Councilmember Nick Richardson, states that the transportation of a homeless person to Fresno City limits would be illegal. Any relocation would have to be approved by Fresno agencies.

“Every year when the warming centers open up, we literally get folks transported from the neighboring communities into the warming centers,” said Fresno City Vice President Miguel Arias. 

Karbassi tells YourCentralValley.com that there are multiple ongoing investigations regarding homeless people being brought in from outside Fresno County. We also reached out to Fresno City Attorney Andrew Janz, who could not disclose who might be responsible for triggering the new ordinance. 

“We have always welcomed them and provided them as much services as we can, but it has been a strain on city resources,” Arias explained. 

The enforcement policy would work on a report/complaint basis, Fresno Police would be in charge of enforcing the ordinance and the city attorney’s office would prosecute the cases.

Those found guilty would face a misdemeanor charge.

“This kind of activity has been occurring for years and continues to occur,” Arias added. 

The ordinance will be brought back for a second reading and another vote, at the next city council meeting.