Nipomo Residents See Panhandling Increase

From freeway ramps to downtown street corners, residents in Nipomo are growing concerned with what they feel is an increase in panhandling.

Locals spoke to KCOY 12 about the issue they say has brought a number of new panhandlers into town in the last few years.

“This is a small town so you see the regulars,” said Joey Britton, a resident of Nipomo.

Britton says he’s seen newer faces panhandling downtown.

“I will actually go buy food for people but I won’t give them money because I know how it is to starve,” said Britton.

The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office says deputies have actually received very few complaints about them in Nipomo.

Not everyone has had a negative experience with these panhandlers.

“I’ve spoken with quite a few of them and they’re always very shy if anything, you know very thankful and grateful to us,” said Linea Johnston

Members with the South County Advisory Council say they’ve been approached by locals complaining of not only an increase in the number of panhandlers but of more aggressive panhandling.

“This is a safe, very good community but when constituents are complaining about it and people don’t feel safe going to the grocery store, something needs to be done,” said Michael Pieper, the District #1 Representative with SCAC.

Pieper says he plans to address panhandling at the next Nipomo Community Services District Meeting on June 22nd.