The Homeless Raise Issues of Discrimination in Pacific Beach

[nadinbrzezinski]

Video Tom Abbott

Photos: Tom and Nadin Abbott

Dec 17, 2015 (PACIFIC BEACH) Reporting San Diego had the chance to talk to some of the homeless in San Diego. They raised issues of discrimination, in particular by one business. This is the McDonalds at 1121 Garnet Avenue. According to Nate Nicholson the restaurant does not like to serve the homeless, though it depends on what manager is on duty.

He told us of a homeless veteran. “he served in Desert Storm, came in here about a week ago to get a burger. They told him no, no they weren’t going to serve him. He talked them into serving him, but he was told to take his meal to go.” This is how our conversation started. Nicholson also said that this has been going on for 10 years, that he knows off, and that people go back in spite of the horrible treatment.

Nicholson also pointed out to the 30 minute time limit for people to eat their meals, which is only enforced on the homeless, according to Nicholson and a friend of his, Rando Cashloose. Yet, there is a parking sign on the parking lot that allows people to park for an hour.

Nicholson also said that friends of his who were paying customers, were charged to use the restroom. He compared this to his experience at Starbucks which is down the road. There, the “girls are super kind to me.” He also said that there is no homeless issue. People come, pay, get their coffee and move on with life.

GD: http://www.democraticunderground.com/10027457409

Working Poor: http://www.democraticunderground.com/1284553

[2naSalit]

1. Been that way around there for a long time

I remember just being poor, not homeless, and living near there... and I sucked waaaay back in the 1980s.

It's a hard place to be poor and far worse if you're homeless.

[nadinbrzezinski]

2. It is cold, ok not by your area of the country standards

but it is cold. As we walked away, one of these gents has a sleeping bag with him. I am sure this will be a long night.

[2naSalit]

3. Indeed.

It gets down right bone-chilling, for around there, especially with the moisture at the beach. I went out to the desert to get out of the city when I did actually become homeless, and it gets cold there too this time of year. At least he has the sleeping bag, hope it's a warm one.

[w0nderer]

4. K & R for visibility of this N/T