There's no doubt that in the short run, this will reduce the number of encampments on Skid Row and increase property values, but in the long run, I fear it could make things worse by serving as an excuse to turn to police to clear people off sidewalks.

Gary Blasi

Gary L. Blasi is Professor of Law Emeritus at UCLA and an active public interest lawyer and advocate in Los Angeles. Regarded as one of the best lawyers in California, he has been recognized for his legal and policy advocacy to end homelessness (particularly among veterans), eradicate slum housing conditions, and improve learning opportunities in substandard schools. His academic research draws on cognitive science and social psychology to better understand such problems as how people understand the causes of problems like homelessness or poverty, how advocates can best deal with the consequences of racial and other stereotypes, and how large bureaucracies can better respond to the needs of poor people and people living with disabilities.

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