DATE: December 9, 2003
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT: Taking Back Lindo Lake Park

SUMMARY:
Reference
Community members, law enforcement officers and business leaders have voiced concerns over the growing number of transients making Lakeside's Lindo Lake Park their home. This increase in the number of transients sleeping and lodging in the park has resulted in unsafe and unsanitary conditions, an increase in garbage and violations of the County alcohol consumption ordinance. Families visiting the park frequently complain about being harassed by inebriated and disorderly individuals. Law enforcement needs a tool to address the vagrancy and disturbances.

Today's action will direct the Chief Administrative Officer, while working with County Counsel and appropriate County departments, to draft an ordinance that will prohibit sleeping, lodging or camping in Lindo Lake Park and return to the Board within 30 days for consideration.

Recommendation
VICE CHAIRWOMAN DIANNE JACOB
Direct the Chief Administrative Officer, while working with County Counsel and appropriate County departments, to draft an ordinance that will prohibit sleeping, lodging or camping in Lindo Lake Park and return to the Board within 30 days for consideration.

Fiscal Impact
No fiscal impact will result from these actions.

BACKGROUND
Lindo Lake County Park is the recreational center of the Lakeside community, with family and group picnic areas, dance facilities, play areas, softball field, horseshoe pits, fishing, and tennis courts. The Lakeside Community Center and the newly opened Lakeside Teen Center sit on the shore of Lindo Lake, and offer a wide array of programs and services to the youth, adults, and seniors of Lakeside and the surrounding area. The park is also home to the local County library.

Community members, law enforcement officers and business leaders have voiced concerns over the growing number of transients making Lakeside's Lindo Lake Park their home. This increase in the number of transients sleeping and lodging in the park has resulted in unsafe and unsanitary conditions, an increase in garbage and violations of the County alcohol consumption ordinance. Families visiting the park frequently complain about being harassed by inebriated and disorderly individuals. Law enforcement needs a tool to address the vagrancy and disturbances.

Today's action will direct the Chief Administrative Officer, while working with County Counsel and appropriate County departments, to draft an ordinance that will prohibit sleeping, lodging or camping in Lindo Lake Park and return to the Board within 30 days for consideration. I urge your support.

Respectfully Submitted,

DIANNE JACOB
Vice Chairwoman