FRESNO (KMJ) — A proposed ban on drivers giving money to people standing within 200 yards of signalized intersections gets thrown out by Fresno City Council.
Thursday’s vote followed hours of public comment, including questions on why the homeless were being criminalized and declarations that the ordinance’s supporters were racist.
Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer categorically told councilmembers that he would not vote for it if it was his decision.
“I know what the outcome would be of that for us [the police]. But I’m not a councilmember. That’s a decision you guys make, I’m just saying what my position would be.”
If it had been approved, fines for drivers, passengers, or pedestrians caught giving or accepting something from a vehicle would have started at $75 and risen as high as $300.
Following approximately four hours of discussions, the ordinance was taken to a vote. Of the seven councilmembers, Steve Brandau and Paul Caprioglio voted in favor of the change. Luis Chavez, who had sponsored it along with Brandau and Caprioglio, abstained. Nelson Esparza was absent.
Esmeralda Soria and Miguel Arias, who had already voiced their objections to the proposal, voted against it. Councilmember Garry Bredefeld, who refused to state which side he supported ahead of time, also voted against.
Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
