Just hours after dozens of people spoke up Tuesday against the Silverado Canyon proposal to open a homeless shelter at a closed elementary school, the Orange County Board of Supervisors struck down the idea.
"The homeless need access to medical care, job training and mental health facilities and this rural library is not a good option,” Supervisor Todd Spitzer said. “I want to thank all my constituents for showing their concern by attending a town hall last night and the Board meeting today. The residents of Silverado take great pride in their community as do I. This site is just too geographically isolated and the Board has heard your concerns."
South Orange County residents voiced their concerns Tuesday after 13 mayors chose to open the homeless shelter.
The prospective site is Silverado Elementary School, where a public library and preschool continue to run. The school was purchased in 2013 by county government after it closed in 2009.
Mayors decided on the site Thursday, April 19 in a meeting. The location may house transients from the Santa Ana riverbed.
Protesters created a petition online decrying the proposal attended the Board of Supervisors meeting at Santa Ana’s Hall of Administration.
