Council will cast final vote Monday on banning panhandling

With the ink still wet on its new ordinance outlawing street vendors from selling their goods on public property, the Simi Valley City Council is set to vote Monday night on an ordinance that would make it against the law in the city for panhandlers to solicit money from people in cars.

According to a staff report, "the city is experiencing problems with persons soliciting contributions from drivers of motor vehicles in public rights-of-way and in commercial parking areas."

Because panhandling on sidewalks is considered protected speech under the First Amendment, the ordinance would only apply to those who solicit along the public right of way and at the driveways of private, commercial parking lots.

The draft ordinance is based upon a regulation adopted by the city of Camarillo in 2005.

The council is set for a final vote on the measure when it meets at 6:30 p.m. March 5 at City Hall, 2929 Tapo Canyon Road.

- Kyle Jorrey