Editor, Manteca Bulletin

Ben Cantu’s lies and more lies. At this past October 16th City Council meeting, our Council made a very hard decision to “not” declare a homeless crisis in Manteca. If you watched that entire homeless presentation at the meeting and listened to what Chief Estarziau (with the guidance and recommendations of the City’s litigation attorneys) and CRO Phillips had to say, you would have understood why the decision was made. It was not the narrow-minded “Pick the part that suits you” synopsis Ben Cantu provided in the Manteca Bulletin opinion section. 

A very hard decision was made, but one looking to the future. As Police Chief Jodie Estarziau explained “un-declaring” a “Homeless Crisis” could present future unknown consequential issues. It is known the City has already had to litigate a homeless case in the past. Trying to “declare” and then “un-declare” a homeless crisis in the future, based on a volunteer “count me” count, would have been unreasonable and irresponsible.

All of those organizations who spoke are dedicated to helping those in need. All will agree:  “together” a plan must be sustainable and best for the Manteca community as a whole. The Council’s decision did not prohibit those organizations from applying for grant funds, it only limited what the grant funds could actually be used for. None of these organizations operate on a single grant for sustainability. 

As for the “baby-sit” and “dehumanizing” comment, Ben Cantu forgets that same program, which was implemented by this same Council in June of 2016, has helped over “200” individuals get into recovery programs, secure housing and actually prevented some from becoming homeless. More importantly this program has reunited or attempted to reunite them with their families who were willing to help them get back on their feet……. Ben Cantu what was your excuse?  The City’s homeless program is so much bigger than the tunnel-vision view Ben Cantu is trying to portray it as.

Maybe Mr. Cantu, you should go on a ride along with Officer Kelly or Officer Phillips and see what is “actually” going on, but be prepared to eat the words of your last letter.

Nick Obligacion