U.S Congressman Alan Lowenthal, who represents Long Beach in California’s 47th District, spoke at the Bluff Park Neighborhood Association Town Hall meeting in Long Beach on March 18.
The Congressman discussed a variety of issues during the meeting including climate change, construction in Long Beach, and State Assembly Bill AB-302, which would allow homeless community college students to sleep on campuses in their cars.
If passed, this bill will be implemented at LBCC, possibly opening up the Veteran Memorial Stadium parking lot for overnight use.
Lowenthal only has the opportunity to vote on federal legislation presented on Congress floor, he cannot vote on a State Assembly bill.
“We need to have housing. We need to have people in housing. I think there is a huge homeless crisis. As a interim solution, if it’s safer then sleeping on the streets then I support it. I think it’s the right thing to do and I would only do it because of safety issues and because of security but I don’t believe that we should just say that’s the solution.. If we have the space on campus and we can monitor it just to be sure that these cars are safe. I say why not,” Lowenthal said.
If given the opportunity to vote on the bill, Lowenthal would support it.
Long Beach resident Chris Byrne attended the event to support the neighborhood association.
“I never heard Alan Lowenthal talk although I met him a few times I never really been to a talk of his. I am in a different party so I wouldn’t say I support him,” Byrne said.
Familiar with the homelessness issue in California, Byrne does his part to help out by volunteering at a homeless shelter in Orange County and donating old items at the Long Beach Rescue Mission.
“When I initially hear about it (AB-302) I don’t have a problem with it. I would have to know more about it but I guess I really don’t have a problem with it,” Byrne said.
Former LBCC student Jerry Hardison, was not keen on the idea of using school property to house homeless students overnight.
“I don’t know if that’s a good idea. Is there an option B? I would hope there would be an option B,” Hardison said.
Hardison’s alternative plan to the bill would be to use a larger space off campus to keep the homeless students sheltered overnight.
No official vote has been passed in regards to the bill.