The homeless in Anaheim and Harbor Boulevard

[Sun_soakin]

If you want to be shocked by the number of people smoking visit Europe. Seems like almost everyone smoked when we visited Italy and Greece a few years ago.

Yeah, that’s why I said states/countries. It’s not just Europe either. I guess when we travel abroad they are expecting cultural differences vs domestic travel.

 

[RedVines2001]

Again, America is a very big place. The suburbs where I live, you will see a few of then panhandling on the street corner, but not to the extent where you see them sleeping in doorways. I know there are more homeless in the downtown area of the city, mostly because of the dense buildings. But the city where I live, once you get out to where I live, everything is too spread out. They tend to stay closer to where the shelters are and not travel out to the suburbs. Like I said, every place is different.

To take this a step further, the proverbial “street smarts” is a localized skill set. I may be very savvy with the places I’m familiar with and while some of those skills transfer to other places it’s not always the case.

I had a friend visit San Francisco from New York. I told her to avoid certain streets because of the transients. She rolls her eyes and says “I’m from New York I’m used to it”. I see a couple of days after she gets here and she’s like OMG the homeless people here are aggressive. I dropped the biggest I told you so in my life.

From my personal experience I can say that local policies towards homelessness greatly influences the behavior of transients. Even if you’re very familiar with transients in your hometown you can’t assume transients in Anaheim are gonna act the same way. That’s why people come here and ask that question. They’re smart enough to know that they don’t know much. And it’s great that there are people here that are happy to help out.

 

[Lilsia]

If you want to be shocked by the number of people smoking visit Europe. Seems like almost everyone smoked when we visited Italy and Greece a few years ago.

I hate that so much. You had to go inside to breath fresh air it was so bad in the Countries that we went to. I don't know how those people can stand it.

 

[Tinkaboo]

May 2019 it was horrible. I guess because it was warmer than our normal December trips. There was a woman sleeping or at least covered up outside 7-11, she was there every day for three days; I swear I thought she might be dead. Finally on our last day, saw cops rousting her out. Scariest was walking back to Candy Cane one night on the sidewalk closest to Disney, a guy came stumbling out of the place where the bushes surround the transformers. Scared the heck out of us! Just more to remind me that DL is NOT WDW. You no longer have the insulation from the outs world.

It was so bad , I asked the cops stationed around the property why they didn‘t do anything. The nice policeman chatted with me extensively about how they couldn’t do anything and that there are several shelters within a mile of the park but they won’t go there, since most are addicts, alcoholics or mentally unstable.

And that was really when Disneyland started to lose its charm for me.

 

[Wesley815]

Yep, police can't do anything- and when a family or individual gets attacked they cut and paste news headlines "shocked, sadden, outraged, thoughts & prayers"

I won't get into political debate.... this is CA, which could be one of the most beautiful states in the country if laws supported it. Hear about all those recent smash & grab high end store robberies? Everyone arrested is back out on the street in less than an hour due to no bail policy (I'm not being sarcastic, they literally are all released since it's no longer a crime.)

Sorry had to vent, to go back on topic- I think overall you're safe if staying nearby Disney, just stay alert/aware of surroundings and try to avoid walking alone.

Just more to remind me that DL is NOT WDW. You no longer have the insulation from the outs world.

Excellent point! Guests of Disneyland & DCA need to remember parks are built in the middle of a city, not 50 sq miles of empty land like WDW/FL where literally no one is nearby unless they're going to the resort.

 

[Astylla]

Yep, police can't do anything- and when a family or individual gets attacked they cut and paste news headlines "shocked, sadden, outraged, thoughts & prayers"

I won't get into political debate.... this is CA, which could be one of the most beautiful states in the country if laws supported it. Hear about all those recent smash & grab high end store robberies? Everyone arrested is back out on the street in less than an hour due to no bail policy (I'm not being sarcastic, they literally are all released since it's no longer a crime.)

Sorry had to vent, to go back on topic- I think overall you're safe if staying nearby Disney, just stay alert/aware of surroundings and try to avoid walking alone.


Excellent point! Guests of Disneyland & DCA need to remember parks are built in the middle of a city, not 50 sq miles of empty land like WDW/FL where literally no one is nearby unless they're going to the resort.

I still feel Disneyland area is one of the safest for travelers as people do walk in large groups in most areas. It's also why I say staying onsite or across the street is best to limit any lengthy walks in unfamiliar areas. Now with that said I grew up in a very poor area and have lived in all sorts of settings , even being homeless briefly myself. I think unfortunately people who don't live in California or understand the ridiculous cost of living paired with the most recent worldwide issues can't always understand why it seems so widespread in the immediate area. It's something that was always a possibility for me and now working in law enforcement I see all sides of it.

My advice is a single female traveler who does solo trips 99% of the time is this :

1. Walk with purpose , speed walk if you will. Don't have your nose down in your phone if looking for directions. Make sure you look at maps before you head out and keep any navigation on silent if you must.

2. Be in touch with someone locally or otherwise where you are going and when you expect to return. In some circles these are called "safe calls" but apply to anyone.

3. Take time to do some basic research about any area you plan to visit.

 

[RedVines2001]

Yep, police can't do anything- and when a family or individual gets attacked they cut and paste news headlines "shocked, sadden, outraged, thoughts & prayers"

I won't get into political debate.... this is CA, which could be one of the most beautiful states in the country if laws supported it. Hear about all those recent smash & grab high end store robberies? Everyone arrested is back out on the street in less than an hour due to no bail policy (I'm not being sarcastic, they literally are all released since it's no longer a crime.)

Sorry had to vent, to go back on topic- I think overall you're safe if staying nearby Disney, just stay alert/aware of surroundings and try to avoid walking alone.


Excellent point! Guests of Disneyland & DCA need to remember parks are built in the middle of a city, not 50 sq miles of empty land like WDW/FL where literally no one is nearby unless they're going to the resort.

Honestly the value of staying on property at DL is to have an escape from the state of California and all its vices. You can let loose and spend a few days on vacation without ever setting foot on a public street. For me it’s well worth the money.

 

[PirateBrigade]

This is a tough subject for most Californians, but personally I’ve never had issues with the homeless/unhoused along Harbor. However, I’m used to San Francisco-level of homelessness and aggressive panhandling +\- mental illness breaks, and usually am well aware when I walk. I can 1) avoid/ignore/not engage, 2) run away, and 3) fight back, if necessary (never had to do 2 or 3). I’m also a dark brown male with angry face when I walk.

The perceived safety issue comes when I’m with kids, because then I’m forced to consider their safety, vulnerabilities, limited understanding, and other limitations in these scenarios. If I had feces thrown at me or I am exposed to hepatitis, TB, etc… I’m a full grown adult and can manage the sequelae and treatment, or if I see what I’m about to experience, I know how to evade/minimize risk. I’m not really looking forward to putting a 5 year old on an antibiotic, TB, or antiviral regimen in that scenario + physician visits.

For that reason, and because I can financially do it, family visits are now in the bubble (on-site stays) or we stay somewhere south of the 55 (949) and drive in. Adults only vacation to Disney (ie F&W), though, any hotel.

Anecdotally, the homeless safety concerns increased dramatically from 2019 to now. We adjust as best we can.

 

[MillauFr]

We just got to Disneyworld yesterday. The drivers doing 100+mph on the 4 are far more dangerous than a few homeless on Harbor. I drove from Tampa and set the cruise control at 68 and didn't pass one car the entire way.

 

[DCLMP]

When we were at Disneyland in August there was a homeless woman turning over tables and throwing things on a patio at a restaurant on Harbor. After she got booted from there she started pulling up flowers and plants along harbor blvd. The next morning she was hanging out in front of our hotel on Katella. We have homeless in our city, but I've never seen them destroy property. The police and community would not tolerate that here.

 

[Lilsia]

Honestly the value of staying on property at DL is to have an escape from the state of California and all its vices. You can let loose and spend a few days on vacation without ever setting foot on a public street. For me it’s well worth the money.

Same for me. I either travel there solo or with my daughters. I feel much safer just staying on property, even if that means that I postpone my trip to save up for the extra cost. I would not feel comfortable walking back to my hotel, especially after dark. I like my life thank you very much.

 

[RedVines2001]

This is a tough subject for most Californians, but personally I’ve never had issues with the homeless/unhoused along Harbor. However, I’m used to San Francisco-level of homelessness and aggressive panhandling +\- mental illness breaks, and usually am well aware when I walk. I can 1) avoid/ignore/not engage, 2) run away, and 3) fight back, if necessary (never had to do 2 or 3). I’m also a dark brown male with angry face when I walk.

The perceived safety issue comes when I’m with kids, because then I’m forced to consider their safety, vulnerabilities, limited understanding, and other limitations in these scenarios. If I had feces thrown at me or I am exposed to hepatitis, TB, etc… I’m a full grown adult and can manage the sequelae and treatment, or if I see what I’m about to experience, I know how to evade/minimize risk. I’m not really looking forward to putting a 5 year old on an antibiotic, TB, or antiviral regimen in that scenario + physician visits.

For that reason, and because I can financially do it, family visits are now in the bubble (on-site stays) or we stay somewhere south of the 55 (949) and drive in. Adults only vacation to Disney (ie F&W), though, any hotel.

Anecdotally, the homeless safety concerns increased dramatically from 2019 to now. We adjust as best we can.

You hit the nail on the head. Transients know who they can pick on. I know how to handle myself also but I'm not an intimidating looking person. Put a spirit jersey on me and add two kids in a stroller walking down Harbor Blvd and I look like babe in the woods. Not a situation I like to put myself in with my kids on any given day, but especially not on a vacation and after a long day in the park. The last thing I want to do is getting into an altercation with my kids there. I also agree that the homelessness around the park has increased dramatically since 2019.

When we were at Disneyland in August there was a homeless woman turning over tables and throwing things on a patio at a restaurant on Harbor. After she got booted from there she started pulling up flowers and plants along harbor blvd. The next morning she was hanging out in front of our hotel on Katella. We have homeless in our city, but I've never seen them destroy property. The police and community would not tolerate that here.

Unfortunately (or fortunately depending on your perspective), that sort of behavior is increasingly tolerated in California.

This goes back to the OP's point about being used to homeless people in European cities and being surprised that the sight of transients in Anaheim would elicit such concern from so many people. I'm willing to bet money that the transients the OP is used to are a far cry from your average transient walking down Market St in San Francisco, which is exactly what your post just described.

 

[OhDannyBoy]

There are a lot of homeless people in my town. Sadly, many of them have serious mental illness /addiction problems.

Funny, I was at one time homeless and now live in a gated community. I find I know more mental unstable aggressive people with addiction issues living behind gates than on the street.

Their behavior can be unpredictable and aggressive at times. I think that's what makes people leery.

I bet they feel the same for the never ending stream of tourists that step over them every day.

The ones I saw are not people needing a helping hand, they were addicts, aka bums and junkies. [/quotes]

That was really nice of you to stop and ask them what their situation was instead of assuming like most people do.

Is it politically correct? Of course not. I'm tired of renaming everything to try to be politically correct. There are resources for the homeless, but addicts don't want that help they want their next fix.

You ever tried to get a bed at a homeless shelter before? You better line up at 7 AM because man, if you think Disney Genie reservation go fast, try landing a spot at a shelter in a big city.

There are things that can be done to slow the infestation of the new meth... but because the last president was involved, nobody wants to talk about it. Lives are being destroyed (permanent brain damage) and here we are with the drugs nearly free flowing right across the border. We need to stop the flow of this awful new form of meth with every method at our disposal. The Atlantic is about the only news outlet that dug into and reported the problem, I've tired to find other media getting the word out about the problem. Consider how long this meth has been around and look at the explosion of homeless and addcits and you can see the parallels of the two issues. But the homeless issue has become big business for agencies and governments. The LA Times said "California will spend a record $4.8 billion over two years..." and that is after the AP Reported "California has spent $13 billion in the last three years..." That's Billions!!! So we keep throwing money at homelessness instead of the root causes (of which there are more than just one), if you can stop (or lessen the flow) of drugs maybe we can help those that are not hooked on the drugs.

The root cause? You think it's drugs? Drugs are a symptom. You know why homelessness is so rampant in California? Google how much a 1 bedroom studio apartment costs just about anywhere on the left coast. Google unemployment rates.

 

[BadPinkTink]

I'm willing to bet money that the transients the OP is used to are a far cry from your average transient walking down Market St in San Francisco, which is exactly what your post just described.

OP here, you owe me 5 Disney dollars Ive seen transients on public transport in my neighbourhood with a spoon and a lighter, I've been on public transport in my neighbourhood and had stones and rocks thrown at the bus, Ive been on a bus in my neighbourhood when someone got beaten up and the police had to be called. What @DCLMP described, and you comparing it to San Francisco is what Dublin city centre is like too. Its just that the Irish Tourist Department make sure THAT side of Dublin is hidden and the wealthy Americans that come here looking for their Irish ancestors just known about shamrocks, Guinness, Lepraucans , U2, Enya, Riverdance, Michael Flatly and pots of gold under rainbows!!

 

[BrianL]

OP here, you owe me 5 Disney dollars Ive seen transients on public transport in my neighbourhood with a spoon and a lighter, I've been on public transport in my neighbourhood and had stones and rocks thrown at the bus, Ive been on a bus in my neighbourhood when someone got beaten up and the police had to be called. What @DCLMP described, and you comparing it to San Francisco is what Dublin city centre is like too. Its just that the Irish Tourist Department make sure THAT side of Dublin is hidden and the wealthy Americans that come here looking for their Irish ancestors just known about shamrocks, Guinness, Lepraucans , U2, Enya, Riverdance, Michael Flatly and pots of gold under rainbows!!

That's like everything Irish I can name!

 

[JC1984]

P

OP here, you owe me 5 Disney dollars Ive seen transients on public transport in my neighbourhood with a spoon and a lighter, I've been on public transport in my neighbourhood and had stones and rocks thrown at the bus, Ive been on a bus in my neighbourhood when someone got beaten up and the police had to be called. What @DCLMP described, and you comparing it to San Francisco is what Dublin city centre is like too. Its just that the Irish Tourist Department make sure THAT side of Dublin is hidden and the wealthy Americans that come here looking for their Irish ancestors just known about shamrocks, Guinness, Lepraucans , U2, Enya, Riverdance, Michael Flatly and pots of gold under rainbows!!

You forgot Jameson.

 

[DLgal]

This is a tough subject for most Californians, but personally I’ve never had issues with the homeless/unhoused along Harbor. However, I’m used to San Francisco-level of homelessness and aggressive panhandling +\- mental illness breaks, and usually am well aware when I walk. I can 1) avoid/ignore/not engage, 2) run away, and 3) fight back, if necessary (never had to do 2 or 3). I’m also a dark brown male with angry face when I walk.

The perceived safety issue comes when I’m with kids, because then I’m forced to consider their safety, vulnerabilities, limited understanding, and other limitations in these scenarios. If I had feces thrown at me or I am exposed to hepatitis, TB, etc… I’m a full grown adult and can manage the sequelae and treatment, or if I see what I’m about to experience, I know how to evade/minimize risk. I’m not really looking forward to putting a 5 year old on an antibiotic, TB, or antiviral regimen in that scenario + physician visits.

For that reason, and because I can financially do it, family visits are now in the bubble (on-site stays) or we stay somewhere south of the 55 (949) and drive in. Adults only vacation to Disney (ie F&W), though, any hotel.

Anecdotally, the homeless safety concerns increased dramatically from 2019 to now. We adjust as best we can.

My one run in with a violent homeless person, he attacked my 11 year old autistic son. It was in SF inside the Macy's in Union Square in 2017. I will never forget that, and my son was traumatized for a long time because of it. We will not stay outside the DL gates either. We stay on property or we stay home (which is elsewhere in OC...the "949" if you will).

 

[PirateBrigade]

but it’s not like DL is in South Central LA.

You mean the super gentrified, median home price of nearly $600,000, safer than Hollywood and Chinatown, South LA/South Central LA?

Shows the staying power of 1990s gangster rap describing a place that existed 30 years ago. Grandpa Warren G and Grandpa Tupac would be proud, lol.

 

[PirateBrigade]

shamrocks, Guinness, Lepraucans , U2, Enya, Riverdance, Michael Flatly and pots of gold under rainbows!!

I grew up watching those Michael Flatly TV specials on public TV here in the states

 

[OhDannyBoy]

You mean the super gentrified, median home price of nearly $600,000, safer than Hollywood and Chinatown, South LA/South Central LA?

Shows the staying power of 1990s gangster rap describing a place that existed 30 years ago. Grandpa Warren G and Grandpa Tupac would be proud, lol.

I really love this post. LOL