SACRAMENTO—
Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson has called on his staff to choose three locations within the city that could be the permanent spot for a "Safe Ground" facility.Mayor Johnson, who has been a vocal proponent of permanent housing for Sacramento's homeless community, said at a press conference Tuesday that issues surrounding "Safe Ground" had been some of the most frustrating during his term.
"It's a thorny issue, but it's one that I don't mind being out in front of," Mayor Johnson was quoted as saying in the Sacramento Bee newspaper.
The issue of a safe ground -- a place for Sacramento's homeless population to gather as a community -- rose to prominence after several "tent city" communities were highlighted by journalist Lisa Ling on an episode of the " Oprah Winfrey Show."
Ling praised Mayor Johnson's efforts in being proactive about permanent housing for Sacramento's homeless population during an interview on FOX40 Live Wednesday.
"I really respect Mayor Johnson for taking this issue head-on," Ling, who hails from Sacramento, said in the four-minute interview aired Wednesday. "I think as Sacramentans, we should be proud that this could be a city where homelessness could be eliminated."
Mayor Johnson, who camped out with members of the homeless community last year with former FOX40 reporter Natalie Bomke, called on the Sacramento city council to debate the issue of a permanent safe ground in future meetings. Recently, the council has been asked to place moratoriums on city ordinances that prohibit camping outdoors within the city of Sacramento.
