San Anselmo Shelter Allowed Smoking

The REST shelter at St. Anselm's school has closed.  Apparently, the Town Council of San Anselmo considers it a success.

I am not sure how they make that measure because the shelter did not conform to the rules that were set in place by St. Anselm Church and School.

According to a report by councilman Tom McInerney at a San Anselmo town council meeting August 5, 2015, smoking in supervised areas did take place. (Listen to the meeting audio minute 1:20 - 4:59 are germane.)

This is contrary to the policy approved by Msgr. Michael Padazinski, Pastor, St. Anselm Church and School, that there would be no smoking on school grounds or in the building.

The men were supposed to be contained on school grounds. If they were smoking on the sidewalk that abuts the school grounds they were breaking the law. San Anselmo has restrictive laws about outdoor smoking near areas used by children.

4-15.02 (b)(5)(ii): ​The area must not include, and must be a reasonable distance from, unenclosed areas primarily used by children and unenclosed areas with improvements that facilitate physical activity including, for example, playgrounds, tennis courts, swimming pools, and school campuses

Despite the fact school was closed, children used the playground for basketball and other activities throughout the summer.

School is supposed to be a sanctuary for children. Too many rules were broken to provide temporary shelter for homeless men at the expense of children and neighbors. I talked to Central Marin Police Authority Records manager, Dana Unruh, and many calls were made to the police about the shelter, not two calls as per Mr. McInerney.