Finding the Common Ground

Tensions between church and state can flare up over many matters, from displays of religious symbols to prayer in school to zoning conflicts. In Buena Park, it has been zoning and a church’s efforts to help the homeless.

Last week, Municipal Judge Gregg L. Prickett did the sensible thing, sparing the Rev. Wiley S. Drake a jail term but warning him that his church has to make its homeless shelter meet city regulations. Prickett sentenced Drake to 1,500 hours of community service but noted that he had fulfilled that through his work with the poor. He also suspended the $100 fine.

A jury convicted Drake over the summer of four misdemeanors for violating building and zoning laws. The trial stemmed from the church’s construction of makeshift quarters in the parking lot and patio that became a temporary home to up to 75 men, women and children. Several jurors said they were unhappy with the law but had to heed it. Judge Prickett said he was unhappy the case ever came to court.

Unfortunately, neither side seemed willing to yield. Now is the time to find common ground.

Buena Park has said it will increase the number of vouchers it offers to the homeless to enable them to stay in motels, a start. But it needs help from other cities and Orange County government.

There are far too few beds for the homeless, a situation that has existed for years. Cities worry that if they get too far out in front in offering shelter, they will become magnets. The way to avoid that is to tackle the problem on a regional basis, with all cities recognizing their obligations.

Drake has indicated a willingness to build a more permanent facility for the homeless, which city officials said they would be happy to have. More beds for the homeless should be a common goal, and one achievable through cooperation and compromise.