San Diego has a valid claim to the title of America’s Finest City. But to keep it in that position, we need to be diligent in our search for ways to continually improve our hometown.
A recent article in Times of San Diego noted how showers donated for use by the homeless have been truly transformative for those who have been able to use them. That is a wonderful development, not just for those who otherwise have no place to shower, but for the city as a whole.
But there is further room for improvement. One of my pet peeves is that the C Street side of the Civic Center Plaza consistently reeks of urine. Surely, there are ways to clean it more frequently and thoroughly.
More importantly, where there are significant numbers of homeless people, we should provide public bathroom facilities, so they don’t have to urinate on the streets. Many cities have done this, including Kansas City, Milwaukee, Richmond, San Francisco and Salt Lake City.
There’s a national ranking of the cities with the best public toilets, but San Diego is unfortunately not near the top.
San Diego should provide such facilities for reasons beyond ridding our Civic Plaza (and streets generally) of the stench of urine. Any city that wants to claim the title of America’s Finest City should do its best to follow the Golden Rule that we were taught as children: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
This precept is embraced by virtually all religions and ethical codes. We owe this to our fellow citizens, especially to those struggling with homelessness and often also mental illness.
David B. Zlotnick practices law in San Diego.
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