Mayor addresses city panhandling

Despite the hard times, some panhandlers remain in high spirits. Some residents have complained to Mayor Diane Joens about the homeless, but begging in public, done non-aggressively, is legal.
Zack Garcia/Larson Newspapers

A new state law against panhandling in Arizona has been signed by Gov. Doug Ducey, placing restrictions on where people can ask for money.

The law is aimed at preventing people from feeling uncomfortable or threatened by people asking for money on the street or in other public areas.

People asking for money isn’t an uncommon sight in Cottonwood.

Quite frequently people can be seen near the entrances to the parking lots of big box stores and other areas asking for some help.

It’s become a concern for some residents of the city, many of whom have called the city with complaints, according to Cottonwood Mayor Diane Joens.

While the new law does put restrictions on panhandling, Joens said that it’s not illegal for people to ask for money or assistance in most places.

To read the full story, see the Wednesday, April 15, edition of the Cottonwood Journal Extra.

Mark Lineberger

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