Panhandling Ordinance in Coos Bay, Jan. 16

Drivers who stop at an intersection, or business driveway, to give money to a panhandler, will now face a $100 fine if caught by patrolling police. An ordinance crafted after a similar one in Roseburg has gone into effect within the city limits of Coos Bay. It basically prevents panhandlers from standing on a curb to ask passing motorist for money. The ordinance, which does not disallow panhandling but addresses public safety issues of vehicles on a roadway, was approved by the City Council last August. New signs have been installed in some of the high panhandling use areas of the city.