BERKELEY, Calif. — Amber, 24, who’s been living on the streets half her life, was sitting on a sunny sidewalk in downtown Berkeley, cuddling her three-month-old puppy and talking to a friend. But if voters approve a measure the city council placed on the November ballot, sitting on the sidewalk — after a warning — could cost her $75.
“That law will give us tickets we can’t pay, then we’ll have warrants and end up in jail,” said Amber, who “spanges” — asks for spare change — to feed herself and her unborn child. ...