The county Board of Supervisors directed its attorneys Tuesday to study the possibility of establishing a buffer zone around the Department of Public Social Services and other county buildings to prevent "predatory" solicitors and vendors from targeting people visiting the facilities.
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A motion introduced by Supervisors Janice Hahn and Holly Mitchell states that "individuals and vendors engaging in predatory or obstructive practices" have been reported outside some offices, potentially disrupting operations or interfering with people's ability to access public services.
DPSS officials have also received reports of some solicitors asking people visiting facilities for copies of sensitive documents, including their EBT cards, unemployment statements and wage statements.
"This practice potentially subjects customers to EBT theft or exposing their personal information for nefarious purposes," the motion states. "DPSS customers are reminded of the importance of not sharing their personal information with solicitors/agencies by DPSS workers and through social media channels."
The motion asks that county attorneys report back to the board within 60 days on the feasibility of enacting an ordinance barring such soliciting in front of DPSS and other county offices.
Hahn noted during the meeting that attorneys will have to consider possible free-speech/First Amendment concerns in attempting to impose such a buffer zone.
"The families who turn to L.A. County for help are already some of our most vulnerable, some at the end of their ropes," Hahn said in a statement after the vote. "No one should be able to exploit that vulnerability to make a quick buck. Whether it's help getting food to feed their families, cash assistance, healthcare, or job opportunities, L.A. County is a critical safety net for thousands of residents. It's our job to protect them, and that has to include keeping them safe from bad actors out to prey on them."
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