10News just announced that they have an on-going poll among San Diegans about the anti-homeless sticker being sold by The Black. Most respondents don’t like the sticker.
The news show is asking readers and viewers if they think the “don’t feed our bums” sticker is appropriate or inappropriate.
56% of San Diegans think it is inappropriate, and 37% think it is appropriate. 7% said they were not sure.
Sign Online Petition Requesting The Black to Remove Anti-Homeless Merchandise
Here is the Petition – just click on the link – and follow the instructions to register your voice against the anti-homeless bigotry. The owner of The Black has said he will consider removing the merchandise if he is presented with a petition asking that with hundreds of signatures.
{ 23 comments… read them below or add one }
I wonder how many of those 56% actually live in OB or come here daily.
Pickin and choosen what fits the cause, take a look at the rags own weekly poll.
Same thing with the petition – I signed, but it looks like the vast majority of people on there aren’t even US nationals, let alone OB locals…wonder just how widespread the media coverage on this has gotten.
It’s definitely world wide. I just counted of the 78 signed right now as of 9am Tuesday, 28 were from California, and I recognized most of those being from San Diego.
More great evidence that polls are, for the most part, useless.
What is this thing about whether people live in OB or not? Are not the issues here transcendent of the boundaries of 92107? If a TV station with a signal that’s carried up and down the coast runs a poll do you really expect only OBecians will answer? Maybe we should import that Sheriff from Arizona to check ID’s at Sunset & West Point Loma. Get a grip, people. The homeless are an issue that impacts every community.
bump up
I think what the poll is showing is that other San Diegans are more tolerant than some in OB. OB is not an island – we are connected to the mainland. The problems of San Diego and California and the nation are our problems and vice versa.
See the article in the UT today about the “white supremacist” counterfeiting ring that’s been passing all those fake $100 bills. Note that the ring was centered in OB and El Cajon. Who says we don’t have bigots in OB?
nobody with any sense says that. OB is full of H.A.’s , nazis, tweakers, thugs, and criminals. I love OB but I’m aware of my neighbors. The idea that you lump someone into this category over a sticker or even their, (my) disgust with aggressive kids on the street, is lunacy. I wonder how many who protest the black, have ever done a thing for or homeless neighbors? For many of you, a protest is like the high school dance.
Someone painted a swastica on the sidewalk on Niagara near the pier. It appeared sometime in the last week or so.
ok, dear…. it’s a swastika.
…And I’m the Grammar Nazi for pointing that out…..
Hey! Somewhere there’s a dead horse awaiting a mate. Maybe this whole story will find “marital bliss” with that one entity. ;)
Eyes are going to be on OB for a while, I think. What will they see? People doing the hard work of struggles for justice or folks looking for easy ways out of serious social issues like homelessness?
Being tolerant and compassionate of less fourtunate people who are down on their luck is an admirable thing.
Being tolerant of aggressive panhandling, vandalism, trash on the streets, public urination (all of which hinder local businesses) is just plain lunacy.
Yes but trying to push them along by depleting a food supply is NIMBY. Let’s try to get some real solutions.
Speaking for myself, I feel like The Black’s position on this sticker is a cop-out. Maybe they thought they were being clever with the wording of this message, Don’t Feed Our Bums…. They say it’s a take off on Don’t Feed Our Bears”, and they say it’s targeted at the “New Breed” of homeless. I say if it was targeted at them then why doesn’t it say “Don’t support aggressive panhandlers”? Because it’s not catchy? Why does it have a picture that makes me think of an old person with an old downtrodden dog?
If we stop feeding the “bums” is that going to stop aggressive panhandling? I doubt it. If someone brandishes a weapon at you and demands money, that is armed robbery and an issue for the police. I, in no way, support people being aggressive or abusive to others, whether it be panhandlers or merchants. Not all homeless are aggressive and not all business owners are profiting from the sale of derogatory merchandise.
Many people think we should have just let the whole issue go. That bringing it to light only stirred things up and maybe that part is true, but it needed to be brought to light. What if we hadn’t said anything and this campaign against the “bums” escalated on it’s own? We would have been criticized for collusion in our silence? People have questioned our integrity because we don’t live in OB right now. People didn’t ask where we lived when we were fighting for the fire rings, trying to keep the library open or trying to help clean up graffiti… wtf? I thought OB was an attitude, not an address… or maybe it’s just beside the point.
Campaign against the bums?? there was no campaign until obrag made one.
Just because you weren’t aware of it, does that mean it wasn’t happening?
Thanks to all who have signed the petition online. It’s only been up for about 17 hours and nearly one hundred (92) have signed it. Now not all are from California but over a third are.
Here are a few of the comments:
“The issue of homeless is a complicated one, and not helped by treating them like animals. As a resident of OB for over a quarter of a century, I would hope our merchants woulld take a more sophisticated approach to this issue. Please stop selling such offensive material. ”
“It is just flat out wrong to devalue any class of people, based on the actions of a few… I am a member of the OB Community and think it is important that we each do all that we can to be a good neighbor to all of our citizens….both those who have homes and those who do not…. i find the sticker to be counter to the spirit of OB ”
“Dehumanizing people is a precondition to acts of violence directed against them.”
“If there is a problem, this is NOT the way to solve it. It’s mean-spirited, and it hurts good people. ”
“We are our brother’s keepers and hate is not a family value. Do unto others as you’d have done to you. You don’t have to support feeding the homeless and I don’t have to shop at your store. Simple, but not a great way to build community.”
“To those who are in question here (street kidz): juggle, play an instrument, macrame, paint faces, anything other than just sticking your hand out. “
So we boycott our hard working neighbors because we don’t find the humor in something? You can misinterpret this all you want, but artistically, it’s great! Also, of all the things sold in the black, THIS is what you choose to get bent on??? If I took this seriously for a second, I would have to conclude that all who boycott on wed. are so removed from the real world that I should just smile and wave when I see you. And that’s what I’ll do, smile and wave. Meanwhile, those of us who really care will tackle real issues, like feeding those less fortunate, providing outreach and support. You likely have no idea how many of our neighbors are on the verge of becoming homeless. I just spent my entire savings on life saving emergency surgery and the resulting hospital stay.
I have known many of our local “homeless”for years and I can tell you that they are victimized by these young rats just as others are. They suffer when our community is fearful of these little thugs. So you attack the black instead of the real problem. Just what I’d expect from some hippies! Don’t do anything, just protest!! I know you feel you all are more “OB” than the rest, but similar arguments have been in existence long before OB was here. won’t waste my time. You remind me of territorial surfers who refuse to grow up though they are in their fifties. You want to protest and have found a target but wouldn’t that energy be better spent elsewhere?
Protest is easy but my silence implies my consent. Also lots of aid directed at all the problems the homeless face are meant to be anonymous like drug recovery programs. Surely you don’t think these kids’ only problem is an aggressive attitude?
Here’s a list of non-“boycott the Black” Stories about OB that we’ve done since the first of the year. So much for your “all we do is protest meme”. Sorry to disturb you with facts:
Looking Back at 2009 – Ten Things We Did at the OB Rag
Poll Shows Broad Support for Fire Pits and ‘Adopt’ Program
BREAKING NEWS: OB Planning Board Opposes Removal of Fire Pits
State Appeals Court exonerates OB lobster poacher after questionable traffic stop
Possible flooding in OB during high tides Wednesday – Thursday
Why Ocean Beach Is Loved … a photo gallery
Getting to know our public servants: David Surwilo – Community Relations Officer
Saratoga Park Condo Site Up For Sale?
The Pacific in OB’s Front Yard – Photo Gallery
Moonbeam reflects on origins of People’s Food Store
Is the deluge over?
Dog Beach contaminated by Linda Vista sewage spill : The signs are up
Turf Wars in the Surf at Sunset Cliffs
Breaking news on Newport, naked man nearly incites riot
Who Was That Naked Swimmer Anyway?
The “Kids” Speak Out on the Homeless, Traveling, and the Naked Swimmer
Local Newspaper Tackles OB Homeless Youth Issue – Without Talking to the Youth
Reader Rant: OB Hot Dog Cart “Wars”
The Other Side Answers in OB’s Hot Dog Cart “Wars”
Serious Cuts Looming for San Diego Schools
Should OB Have a Town Hall Meeting on the Homeless Youth and the Police ?
An Ode to OB – Why I stayed in my adopted town …
Ragster Rant: the OB Planning Board – An Institution In Crisis
Response to ‘Ragster Rant’ on OB Planning Board Crisis
1953: A Vestige of Old Ocean Beach
Police Crack Down On Rampaging OB Youth
Blame Yourself and Your City Leaders – not the Kids
Local TV station raises issue of public drug use in OB
Reader Rant: Police Response Was Too Overwhelming, Costly and Wrong
OB Town Council to Hold Planning Board Candidate Forum and Discussion On the Homeless
OB Planning: Brief Breakdown of the Board
Answers to some common OB planning questions
A “Traveler” Speaks Out
36 Years ago today: February 22, 1974 – the Day Ocean Beach Became an Armed Police State
Live blogging at OB Town Council Meeting
TV Show “Terriers” Looking for Local OB Extras
Impressions of OB Town Council Forum
OB Library Stays Open But Hours Are Cut
Another Report of the OB Town Council Forum On the Homeless
Mindy Pellissier – from a dog wash to serving Ocean Beach for 17 years
Series of powerful waves rush over seawall, drenching surf contest spectators
If This Old Pool Could Talk
OB’s Missing Fire Pit ‘Found’ and Other Updates
The Ocean Beach Connections in Mayor Sanders’ Latest Scandal
OB Planning Board Election Results
Famous OBcean and Major League Pitcher David Wells Honored
TV Show “Terriers” Filming Again at Newport Ave Restaurant
Newport News – OB’s Main Street and Beyond
The Power That One Family Has on Newport Avenue
Dark Days At City Libraries Go Into Effect
‘We’re Watching You’ – Surveillance Cameras to Be Installed On OB Pier and Around Mission Bay
Peninsula Singers At Carnegie Hall
OB Coffee Party: People Over Corporations
Local OB Veterinary Clinic Smack Down
San Diego Online News Site Pokes Fun at OB’s “Purity”
Cliff Swim Turns Into Cliff Rescue – Photo Gallery
Creeping Big Brother in OB and Beyond
Jeoff Gordon, MD: Busy OB Doc Has Time for Social Justice
Movers and Shakers – Ocean Beach Comedy
Online Reviewers Rate Local OB Veterinarians
San Diego Coffee Party Welcomes Bob Filner
OB’s Fire Pits – Still a Burning Issue
Local OB Architects Have Created One of First “net-zero” Office Buildings in County
Wasted Water in OB
In Search of the 420 Celebration in OB
Reader Rave: “Thank you OB, California, and America”
Save OB’s Few Remaining Fire Rings – Come to the Town Council Meeting Wed April 28th
OB Town Council Supports Keeping Fire Rings
OB and San Diego Fire Pits on KOGO Radio Saturday May 1
OB Riddle: Why did the baby sea lion cross the road?
Watch Channel 10 News Tonight About Surveillance Cameras
San Diego Fire Rings Saved … for now
Local OB artist creating mobile community mural
Ocean Beach Town Council Is Accepting Applications for Grants
Stormwater Decision by Planning Commission Will Adversly Affect Ocean Beach
Heathens Take Over Ocean Beach – NOT!
Woman Feeds OB Homeless Every Monday for 22 Years – Is Now Halted by Police
OB Exposed! Spotlights Local Photog Talent
OB Church Parking Lot Provides Sanctuary for Feeding the Homeless
Most of the coastal waters in OB get an A+ rating
OB Newbie Stabbed by Unknown Assailant
OB Homes Lose Water As Private Contractor Breaks Pipe
OB Street Fair T-Shirts Ripped Off!!
Nude Swimmer Disrupts Filming at OB Pier
The Bomb Drops on Ocean Beach.
San Diego Community Farms and Gardens taking root in OB
Will Ocean Beach come together and do something about our homeless?
Ocean Beach to Protest Off-Shore Oil Drilling – Noon on June 26th