For Bill Walton, the homeless crisis has become personal

[@TheThemattyo1]

I work in downtown, I get off at 12:am in the morning five days a week. On 10/15/22/ time 1:15am I was struck on my right forearm while riding home on my bicycle by a homeless person that was most likely mental and on meth. As I maintained my grip and kept riding I noticed another person waiting in the bushes, I feel that I was struck so I can fall off my bike. I continued on my way . Two days later my bike was stolen as it was secured with lock in a bike rack at my place of work . Two Days after while walking now, I see the back half of my bike sticking out of a tent. I secure my knife and secure my pepper spray and semi ran up to three male occupants in the tent .I yanked my bike out , kicked over their BBQ grill and ripped a blue tarp from an adjacent shelter after I drilled one right on the mouth knocking him down and out. Now I know what I did was stupid and high risk , but I'm a fourth generation san diego native and in the streets you can't ask for your stuff back , you have to take it and I did because I worked for my bike .I'm convinced that downtown and across the street from Roosevelt Jr high-where I attended) consists of all stolen bikes because none of the homeless work. All this in the same area as this video. BILL WALTON FOR MAYOR !

[@michaeldose2041]

Rambo is back. To bad you don't have it on video, it would be viral.

[@davidkeith7087]

Nice job! Your working for living& shouldn't tolerate animals stealing ur bike- I'd carry pipe w/me& whack them if they attack u on ur ride-if they hurt u no one will care or help u.Also get better lock or bring it inside work if possible.Its becoming wild west now

[@johnde2754]

Tremendous effort by you for taking a stand. Let us KNOW if there is anything we can do to help rectify this debacle. Complacency in local government will only serve to exacerbate this rapidly escalating dilemma. Many THANKS Yo ! 🗣 👌

[@situated4]

That's good you have to beat their a$$es. It's all they and Pelosi understand.

[@toadabc]

Well, CA voters seem to love their one party state

[@templeofthetree]

As a neighbor of Walton's I can vouch for what he is saying. It is an absolute disgrace what Gloria has allowed to happen. I have filled out countless "Get it Done' reports for these encampments. The police respond that they have been directed to not enforce the anti-encampment laws that are on the books. It is outrageous!

[@thomasautonomousanonymous]

I think it is outrageous for there to be any unhoused citizens in the richest nation ever...I am guessing you aren't part of the 2/3rds of the country that live paycheck-to-paycheck and aren't able to handle a $500 emergency, leaving more and more in danger of eviction as the wealth gap becomes more and more obscene as billionaires are trying to become trillionaires...

[@thomasautonomousanonymous]

@Danny Timms Thanks for the anecdote...It sounds like you want them locked up...Do you think that being unhoused helps the mental illness and addiction issues, something universal healthcare would help, especially in the RICHEST NATION EVER...Maybe if we send another $100,000,000,000 (US) to the most corrupt country in Europe, the unhoused issue will just disappear or something...

[@robbank8027]

@@thomasautonomousanonymous yeah working sucks... I rather lay around all day and get high. Thanks for the support, hopefully I never have do anything ever again and the government can give me house.

[@billdobbins8372]

@@thomasautonomousanonymous California is the wealthiest state in America and it's the worst state in America, only a gang of incompetent Democrat idiots can accomplish such a feat

[@emeraldforcier4098]

Gloria? Oh, no homeless issue with the last mayor? You blame the poor, but ignore the realities of unregulated capitalism. I hope they burn your friggin house down along with Bills.

[@Pattiannsplace]

This is paradise compared to what we deal with in L.A. County.

[@jackkennedy9475]

Elections have consequences

[@chiarosuburekeni9325]

Right? As an Angeleno I just kept thinking man these encampments look like paradise compared to what we deal with.

[@nadogrl]

Give it time…the Democrats are still working on it.

[@4absentfriends]

Proud of Bill Walton. Use your voice and stature to enlighten the people and expose the Political hacks everywhere.

[@jeddodon]

LMFAO he endorses all of the politicians that are in power. He's a Democrat.. it's all virtue signaling but you're welcome to keep playing along. I know how you leftists love emotions and feeling good. Y'all done this to yourselves 😂

[@cevinwillson9113]

I blame all of this on drug glorifying hippies

[@jackkennedy9475]

Bill Walton is a hypocrite. He voted for Todd Gloria. Stay in your lane Bill you wanted it you got it.

[@vzxvz9929]

Your idea of pride is very weak.

[@altovelli0883]

@@jackkennedy9475 yeah...he had no compassion

[@johnbruenn8755]

You go Bill! I so love San Diego. At least I used to. Praying you guys restore this formerly incredible city. Let me know when it’s safe to come back.

[@alexasaltz4229]

"Safe, secure, clean environments to live, work and play in." Isn't that something everyone wants and needs? I understand the frustration. I grew up in Sacramento, I spent a lot of time along the American River - swimming, rafting, fishing... I never saw anyone living outside. Now it is everywhere, parks, sidewalks, parking lots, under the overpasses, in the medians, everywhere along the river. And then...it happened to me. I live outside. Winter is coming, nights are already cold. The bulldozers will be here on Monday. I am packing up my things and trying to find somewhere else to hide. Hoping that I won't be made to move again until spring. I have to make a shelter that is both water and windproof. I am 57 with multiple sclerosis. I am sometimes scared that I won't make it through another winter. How come there are so many people living outside? Not everyone is drug addicted or alcoholic. It takes 3 times the minimum wage working full time to make enough to qualify for a crappy rental!!! If you are not fortunate to have family and friends to fall back on, you're done. I know the longer you live outside society, the less likely you will ever make it back.

[@walkinlove930]

I am so sorry for your plight - I think it has a lot to do with greed why are the taxes so high? Why are the rents so high? Why don’t people leave California go to states that are affordable to live? I live in New York, and I read this story and it scares me we are facing the same problems…..Voting the current administration out hoping for the best🙏

[@brianwimberly7937]

The necessities of living need to be reasonably priced. That is all our government should need to provide. Subsidize these types of products and services ONLY. Fuel, food, education, shelter, clothing, medical, transportation, etc. TAX the hell out of ALL luxury items.

[@tmo4330]

@@brianwimberly7937 Is it the governments job to provide this? People are complaining about taxes now.

[@tmo4330]

You must get a spouse to have these things. One person can't make it alone anywhere normally.

[@robanderson9565]

I met Bill maybe 10 years ago and I often say he’s my favorite human. This backs that up

[@BST-lm4po]

He's as big of a hypocrite as the Martha's Vineyard hypocrites! He supported the Left-Wing hippie lifestyle for the past 5 deacdes! Now he's mad because his paradise is being encroached upon by .... hippies!!

[@jackkennedy9475]

He voted for this

[@austindenotter19]

Boom! Read Jacks comment.

[@james-he7xv]

Bill was my neighbor in Hillcrest. We have since fled to the mountains of western North Carolina due to everything he said in this story. Listen to bill he makes absolute sense

[@JerichoMile4]

6'11 Bill Walton makes "sense"

[@sammyvh11]

The entire country is under fled. Good hard working law abiding fleeing from lawless drug addicted types.

[@nadogrl]

@@sammyvh11- Mostly just the Democrat-run areas.

[@jillionairess]

What's the solution? I think we'd all love to hear it. Thanks Bill.

[@MrKewlplayer]

HE IS SAYING CLEAN IT UP!

[@cantrelllabs]

How about start with stopping corporations from putting limp wristed midgets in charge of the city

[@kenkunz1428]

He has no solution. Homelessness is a reality that is not going away.

[@BooBat1960]

@@kenkunz1428 Round them up. Put them away or give them a bus ticket. Zero tolerance.

[@cesarcoelho7227]

@@kenkunz1428 not Every human was blessed to play at NBA 😂

[@jimcook8852]

Years ago myself and two buddies snuck into a party at his house. We were 14. He confronted us and he said no alcohol or drugs other than that we could stay. What a stud Bill is. Ill never forget that night.

[@rhondaroe8197]

I was just in downtown SD. On one street nothing but bodies lying on the concrete sleeping. Then on another street people in tents. It has gotten really bad to the point that Im afraid to go downtown. My heart goes out to the homeless. We need more resources that are expedited so that people can get help and not have to wait so long for housing, food ect. Homelessness is like cancer, it dosent care who you are, rich, poor, working or not. When it takes hold it will spread and for some they may never get out of, especially when you need to make 3 to 4 times the rent to move in.

[@MerrySpinster]

Pot needs to be illegal again. THE REASON the streets are overflowing with meth, crack and heroin now is because marijuana was decriminalized. The illicit drug peddlers had to change products to make a profit. They're salesmen, it's their job to get people to sell and buy illicit drugs, which is why people get sucked into being corner salesmen and new users. SHOULD'VE LEFT POT ILLICIT.

[@washredskin887]

Try living it it. I owned a condo right near Petco. I left last year. It was disgusting.

[@Silence_Duder_Gooder]

@@washredskin887, the inaction is more disgusting. It's like screaming at a newborn because they crapped in their diaper.

[@networth00]

You do NOT need more resources. Homelessness is NOTHING like cancer, it doesn't strike the rich and working people. Gawd you people need help.

[@sidjbel]

It's a fact that San Diego's homeless situation has escalated beyond what the City and County is willing to make an effort to fix. To many times we blame the homeless as if one day the homeless will solve its own problem.

[@restezlameme]

Truth!

[@TonyWinston57]

I'm so sorry to hear this Bill. We all deserve better.....

[@douglascarlson9006]

No, no, no ... THEY deserve better!

[@jackkennedy9475]

@@douglascarlson9006 what’s your address? I work with them and can send150 to your house for a better environment

[@tropics8407]

Calling them addicts yet ? Let us see. The first step in solving a problem is to first honestly recognize the problem.

[@anthonydavis3424]

Or bums

[@tmo4330]

Many people just don't want to work.

[@bobwallace4198]

WE ALL SUPPORT YOUR VISION BILL, THE PARK SHOULD BE CLEANED UP NO CAMP[NG EVER !!!!!!!

[@jackkennedy9475]

We had it before he voted for defunding the police and Gloria. Keep on the path you were on. It’s what you wanted right.

[@donnasloane9031]

Yah, i guess then all your problems will vanish...

[@worldwideveteran]

Lived in San Diego from 2012-2018 in Pacific beach and the crime and violence and homelessness downtown by Horton plaza and the Padre stadium is frightening

[@jackkennedy9475]

Elections have consequences

[@SD-Rob]

Its all over PB now

[@networth00]

Who did you vote for to fix the problem? The same people who created it or someone new?

[@LonnieLawless]

Bill Walton is a true San Diegan, and a legend. I know where he gets his sense of civic duty from I believe as well. His mother (RIP) was on the board of " Friends of the Library" at the old Central Library location off of E street downtown when my mom worked there. The Walton's have always cared about our city and its inhabitants.

[@austindenotter19]

Yep it's so easy to care and so hard to actually do something like get your hands dirty which he will never do.

[@LonnieLawless]

@@austindenotter19 I see your point and think that is a fair assessment for most people on the issue of homelessness. However, Bill has a platform and a larger voice if you will. Perhaps he is using his platform to push for political change on the local level. Say as, for a candidate that will do more to solve our cities homelessness issues possibly?

[@nyk3334]

@@LonnieLawless he votes progressive this is what he gets.

[@seanyglass14]

Stick to basketball bill

[@austindenotter19]

@@seanyglass14 exactly.

[@daveedgeguitar7051]

I used to live for many years across the street from Balboa Park where I ran daily, played tennis, badminton in the federal building and had a zoo membership that I enjoyed greatly. It became very dangerous to run in the park with so many people sleeping there. It's so sad to see how it's become such a mess. Keep up the fight Bill.

[@Silence_Duder_Gooder]

While you jogged through the park, did you ever think how our economy would create such a mess? And did you go to city hall on Tuesday nights and ask them to do something tangible to help people who were going to ruin your jogging experience? Everyone seems to see the biproduct of a problem, just never the breadcrumbs littered everywhere before their day was ruined. Hey, who's the crazier person? The person who screams at a stop light hoping it will change from red to green, or the person screaming at the person who's screaming at the stop light hoping it will turn from red to green?

[@jeanbryant4180]

Thank you Bill! I remember you from the Trailblazer Championship in which you brought us to victory in Portland. You were great then and you are now. We are experiencing the same here in Portland Oregon, though the homeless appears much worse up here. One can't go to a park without hearing and seeing mentally ill and homeless people

[@Dwightstjohn-fo8ki]

The tipping point is already well passed in a lot of areas. Even where I am in rural Canada in the Rockies I went to the small employment office to do my invoices (I'm retired and don't have Excell on my laptop). A woman my age locally raised was now homeless and REALLY stressed out. A nice guy with a big friendly dog (dog came inside the office; we allow that up here). But even though I have an extra room if I sign up to "help' someone out I could just as easily be thrown out of my own place if things go sideways, and they "project" their frustration onto me. It's too great a risk. There are no rents from Tijuana to Toronto. None.

[@Longenecker1776]

God forbid they would restrict the homeless from sleeping in Parks.

[@jazz2020]

@@Longenecker1776 I hear you, but where should they go? How do we get them there?

[@jackkennedy9475]

He voted for defunding the police and Gloria. You can’t possibly believe he’s great. He’s a hypocrite or ignorant. Elections have consequences

[@jackkennedy9475]

@@Longenecker1776 yeah let them sleep anywhere they want including Walton’s house

[@danielhuynh9368]

I sympathize with what Walton is saying but this is just part of a bigger issue in America. Homelessness is connected to cost of living, mental health, drug addiction, and just many things. Both political parties have failed.

[@tmo4330]

And low life people who refuse to work.

[@spickertbaseball1586]

"Parks are a critical element of a functioning society". Well said Bill! Now more than ever we need parks. The larger and safer the better!

[@thomasautonomousanonymous]

You know what else is a "critical element of a functioning society"?...Housing might be right behind Food and Water

[@jackkennedy9475]

Elections have consequences

[@OldskolFan]

So is housing, healthcare, food, and it’s affordability. He has no solutions but outrage. Make housing affordable and get the drugs off the street. It starts with the police gang who allows drugs to proliferate.

[@Silence_Duder_Gooder]

@@thomasautonomousanonymous, as Barbaric as the Romans were, they at least knew that taking care of their most vulnerable was beneficial to their overall survival as a State. As they did not wish for their kids to get ill from other kids who could not afford luxuries only afforded the wealthy of their society. As Christ once pointed out, the definition of a healthy society includes how we take care of those less fortunate than ourselves. We're dumb.

[@thomasautonomousanonymous]

@@Silence_Duder_Gooder We are not dumb, we are ignorant, we put the *'ignore'* in *ignorance*, especially ignoring what history has already taught us

[@lamarbrown619]

Bill Walton is a San Diego Legend Helix High School Mr. UCLA❤️Bill Walton is a Great Guy I’m 35 years old I was Born at Balboa Naval Hospital in the 80’s I Grew up in The South East Section of San Diego SkyLine Spring Valley section of San Diego. I remember as a Young Kid growing up in the City going to Bills Basketball🏀Camps he use to Host at Serra High School in Terrasanta. Great guy with a lot of Wisdom✅

[@rmadiller]

I met him over 50 years ago.

[@washredskin887]

I use to live downtown near Petco. Couldn't take it anymore and sold my place. Haven't been back since. I use to take my dog all around where Bill is showing in the video. So sad to see what's happening to SD.

[@jamesd242]

I was there last summer, shitsville

[@johnpcunninghamdavis43]

Bill Walton for Mayor.

[@daledickerson8835]

Amen!!!!!!!!!

[@nancyhelgeson9934]

Why isn't he stepping up for that role?

[@travisyarbrough4033]

Love Bill Walton !!!!! He is well thought out and not afraid to speak up. He Cares !!!!

[@jackkennedy9475]

Bs, he voted for defunding the police and Gloria. Elections have consequences. Are you better off now than when Trump was in office

[@nancyhelgeson9934]

It's one thing to highlight a problem that everyone can see. Where is he creating solutions? That takes a lot more.

[@msdecemberloveangel8236]

This issue is not only in San Diego but across the country. It seems to me that this Government has taking all the wealth and benefits for themselves and leaving this mess for us to look at. What do we do as a country?

[@thairob]

I love Bill and agree with everything he said, but the huge question that he and everyone avoids is, what are you going to do with those homeless people?

[@davidpeck596]

Human nature is strong. If you make it easy for people to be homeless, you will get more homelessness. If you make it more difficult most will find another way. Oh, and we need to quit glorifying drug use as a society.

[@DS-kp4ch]

Throw them in jail.

[@hosoiarchives4858]

Jail or mental institutions

[@altovelli0883]

@@davidpeck596 How much are housing prices? 800k? How about the average yearly wage of the middle class?

[@NedReck6967]

The question was posed by a leader of the WEF; "What are we going to do about all of these useless people?"

[@austinhorrorcreator4982]

I understand your concerns. And you're right to be upset. I live in Austin and I don't want to see someone strung out on K2 laying in front of my favorite music spot anymore than anybody else. But I have to ask you WHERE do you want the homeless to go? Do you think arresting someone who has nowhere to go, throwing away what little they own, and putting them in jail for a day/week/month, and then releasing them back out onto the streets is actually going to SOLVE anything? Like so many others, is it just"out of sight, out of mind" with you? Or are you willing to accept that the homeless crisis in this country is a symptom of much larger issues. I'm willing to discuss this further and welcome the opportunity.

[@captainlongjohnson9743]

you smart

[@TheSimplyIncrediblePodcast]

I've been to San Diego Comic Con a few times and the number of homeless people shocked me. There were places with feces on sidewalks in certain places. It really made me sad to see. Keep up the fight Bill.

[@elosoguapo8137]

Walton is full of crap. I hike that exact trail every week and I’ve never been hassled by anyone. I also like how he’s complaining about trash covered hills and no littler is in sight.

[@NP-io4ol]

I went to San Diego in 2011 and it was so precious and special. Its shocking to see and hear this

[@Steve-mp7by]

The greedy corporate fucks destroyed it. They are the scum of the Earth. When I got there 20 years ago a 1 bedroom apartment in nice area was $850. Now they want $2,500. I left the state

[@waynepovilaitis2305]

This is what a Democrat run city or state turns into.

[@Steve-mp7by]

@@waynepovilaitis2305 Wrong moron there is more crime in red states its not publicized as much. You wouldn't know that because you've never been to college or read a book in your whole life

[@nancyhelgeson9934]

@@waynepovilaitis2305 If that's the case, then why is this also an issue of Republican cities?

[@jackjohnson7396]

With illegals streaming over the border about 16 miles away. One would have to create a secure border to start with as a first step.

[@sarbantz]

Nowadays street homeless and are fentanyl addicts, and not capable of doing anything no matter how simple it is. Street encampments are open air drugs markets brewing all sorts of crime. Majority of them will die from fentanyl overdose, or drugs related violence. Second hand fentanyl smoke can easily kill you in no time. Street homeless gradually destroy everything around themselves. We will never reduce street homelessness without reducing the amount of fentanyl drug available on our streets. If they can afford, they smoke fentanyl up to 100 times a day. That's how all these fires are started. Homeless advocates are mentally stuck in Pathological Altruism, and all they do is enabling fentanyl addicts remain as close as possible to their fentanyl dealer.

[@jimmcnevin9367]

You are obviously clueless, the border is secure or should we just consider the money we spend on border security, US Customs agents, the INS, the US BORDER PATROL, and other agencies a total waste? You guys are total boneheads that pretend that no one is down there and it's wide open, which it isn't. The USBP uses technology in ground movement, air and video observation and many other methods. So either they are doing their jobs and controlling our borders or they aren't and if that's the case we need to disband the USBP, because of the fact they are just not doing their job and wasting taxpayer money, which was $17.7 billion in 2021. You guys need to get in the real world.

[@jimmcnevin9367]

@SD Padres What does that have to do with anything. You still mad about failing your GED?

[@jimmcnevin9367]

@SD Padres What are you talking about?

[@jimmcnevin9367]

The budget of the US Border Patrol is $17.7 billion dollars. Are you saying they aren't doing thei job and wasting taxpayer dollars? And Biden has requested another $8.1 billion dollar request does include $3.8 billion for ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations, and $527 million dollars for alternatives to detention programs. We do not have open borders!

[@augthedog55]

I have a different view of Bill Walton than many of his admirers. I lived in San Diego for a couple of years (2001-2003) . This of course was before the homeless problem there became what it is today. I worked at the airport as a baggage service agent (claims for lost luggage). On the arrival of one flight a surf board and golf clubs come out on the oversized belt. I saw 2 skycaps check the nametags and walk away. I check the tags and see they belong to Bill Walton. I thought I would get a nice tip. I load the items on a cart (saving Walton $2.00) when he arrives I take them out to the curb for him. After doing this, all I get from that cheap a$$ Walton is a thank you. That's what Walton will always be to me, a cheap a$$ SOB.

[@nancyhelgeson9934]

I don't think is someone who shares his wealth.

[@thanosandartemis5761]

Agreed. But do you have a solution for where the Homeless will go? Bill Walton will never suffer homelessness. I agree with his vision but have an answer for relocation of the homeless as well please. As a former homeless person the homeless are looked at as just drug addicted crazy people. We’ll all are not. Some of us just lost our home due to unfortunate circumstances and are trying to just live day to day. 🙂

[@Errr717]

If he had a solution he'd be a politician and city leader. He's just calling out the mayor for not doing his job.

[@ezautorepair5143]

Ok. So maybe, bill Walton, the community, the mayor, give solutions. I don't know. Maybe require and enforce, you come here you work. Hand mow the park. A manual mower.

[@ezautorepair5143]

Rake leaves, homeless shelter you pay with community service. Give solutions!!

[@yobringitondown5565]

It is not Mr. Walton’s personal responsibility to find a solution to other people’s problems. Nor is it mine. We all have a right to walk or drive or bicycle through town without having to experience all of these issues caused by homeless people with drug addiction and mental illness issues. Todd Gloria has emergency powers that he can use to clean up San Diego but he refuses to use them. Case in point: Coronado. Go there. Look around. You will not see these problems. It is not because homeless are hiding better, it is because the city of Coronado does NOT ALLOW this problem to exist. The citizens of Coronado, through the Police department and city council, actually TAKE ACTION to safely maintain their city and public rights of way, as it should be, unlike Mr. Gloria.

[@rem1762]

Yes round them all up and put them in labor camps way out in the desert. Take them off the drugs and employ them on crews to clean up the road sides.

[@FatLu-zu2fb]

RIP...Bill Walton

[@jonathanc4166]

Way to go bill! Much respect! 👍

[@markkendall7381]

Your a moron !!! It's only a matter of time before the poor have had enough of the rich BS and have a good old purge !!!

[@jackkennedy9475]

He voted for this. Elections have consequences

[@radman1136]

It wasn't caused by anything your mayor did or didn't do. It is in every city. It is societal. Make it go away? How about offering solutions instead of just demanding it end and vilanizing politicians? Placing blame even if you were correct, does ... not ... help. Lead, follow, or shut up and get out of the way.

[@clydecordero]

We have the same problem where I live in Spokane WA. Bill Walton is addressing an an issue that is frustrating cities across the country. I would like to hear more details on the solution and how to implement? Best wishes and If SD solves this you will once again be "America's Finest City"!

[@networth00]

Democrats keep voting in bad policy makers and wonder why it keeps getting worse. You can't make this stuff up.

[@hutchinsonscott100]

One of the problems is that mentally ill homeless people can not get the help they need. The few mental hospitals that are available are not able to provide the services needed, and are not allowed to keep people long term. Also, renting a place in San Diego can be depressing. That's why you see more people on the streets , even people with jobs.

[@tangsoododannolan7105]

Thank you Bill...I grew up in North Park and graduated from St. Augustine High School..

[@sarbantz]

Nowadays street homeless and are fentanyl addicts, and not capable of doing anything no matter how simple it is. Street encampments are open air drugs markets brewing all sorts of crime. Majority of them will die from fentanyl overdose, or drugs related violence. Second hand fentanyl smoke can easily kill you in no time. Street homeless gradually destroy everything around themselves. We will never reduce street homelessness without reducing the amount of fentanyl drug available on our streets. If they can afford, they smoke fentanyl up to 100 times a day. That's how all these fires are started. Homeless advocates are mentally stuck in Pathological Altruism, and all they do is enabling fentanyl addicts remain as close as possible to their fentanyl dealer.

[@flatpat2988]

You said fentanyl too much

[@BooBat1960]

Round them up. Drug Boot camp.

[@tropics8407]

You should say fentanyl and drug addict more, homeless maybe once…at least you are more honest than most 😢🤦‍♂️

[@anthonydavis3424]

Thank Mexico for the drugs

[@BooBat1960]

@@anthonydavis3424 Sure Anthony. How about blaming the homegrown, red blooded Americans who continue to make bad choices and are losers? I have 100% access to "Mexican" drugs......yet, somehow, I don't take them. It's called personal responsibility, Stop playing the "blame game". The reason homeless continue to stay homeless and behave badly is we allow and tolerate it. Period.

[@darthsigil]

This is a problem decades in the making an now he expects one major to take care of it? People with money cannot buy an affordable housing all over Cali. People are active getting evicted. This is the mayor’s fault? Most drastic plans are met with protests and lawsuits. The people protesting won’t provide their homes, but they will protest. Bill should not visit LA, Portland or SF… He would drive his Tesla off a cliff. Even if they were to build a shelter, no one wants it near them. I get the frustration, but spread the blame evenly.

[@allmantree]

Dude!! I just can't understand this comment.

[@andrewchewygallo6705]

A lot of these homeless people are dangerous!! I’ve been threatened multiple times downtown. One guy pulled out a machete on me and my wife after a concert. We were scared for our lives. Not all of them are bad, but a lot of them are.

[@Silence_Duder_Gooder]

A lot of human beings have the capability to be "dangerous," Bub. Just ask 1 million dead Iraqis.

[@alciao3441]

If you'd had a tool you could have done society a favor

[@kenjohnson8752]

Vote in politicians that care about the city, won’t defund law enforcement and put law abiding citizens first! It’s an epidemic in this country, the open boarder and the pathological corrupt administration in Washington!

[@christiana8820]

Bill is an awesome human being! Since he was a high schooler in San Diego he has been a positive force for the area. Such an amazing guy and he deserves a frickin statue downtown! (Though he is so humble it would probably embarrass him.)

[@jamescoleman5317]

He is a good person but the Bill Walton I hear has expounded a lot of wrong ideas - not all of them but he has supported a lot of bad politics - most recent his Covid19 draconian support of useless masks an mandatory vaccines to healthy people and children. Go back in history and look at the politicians he praises. Bill is an good guy with a big heart but not always logical.

[@ronaldmitchell3665]

The Woke lefties would pull it down,… u know why…

[@nancyhelgeson9934]

Can you please share what he has done to contribute to the solving this issue?

[@thomasautonomousanonymous]

Where will the homeless go?...To somebody else's neighborhood?...Why are there so many unhoused in the richest nation ever?...EVER...If only Bill could help address the problem of why they are unhoused, especially many, many, many veterans...I never heard a peep from Bill about homeless issues until it affected his backyard...He went from being a so-called hippie to a NIMBY warrior...

[@justicegusting2476]

How about we set aside an area at the Miramar landfill for them? They can just move around that place as they rotate the trash and the littering would be tolerable.

[@xpicklepie]

Jail and/or a mental institution. Is there a problem?

[@thomasautonomousanonymous]

@@xpicklepie I most certainly have a problem with jailing the mentally ill, especially because it is not a crime...Many homeless ACTUALLY DO WORK and jailing them would make them jobless, too, which worsens the issue in a compounding way...This isn't civilized and I am not going to blame the victims for problems that are systematic...Since Reagan gutted mental health funding and Clinton(s) gutted welfare and the continuing corporate capture of my/our government helping turn us into debt slaves Joe Biden made worse by making it way harder to discharge debts, especially credit cards and student loans...TRUE STORY: The number one reason, by far, for bankruptcy, is medical debt because we live in a system where "It's your money or your life" or the definition of 'aggravated robbery'...Do tell me more about these criminals who burn your eyes like a Roman with their eyes on fire

[@thomasautonomousanonymous]

@@highguycomics3869 I am sure with a name like yours that you deal 100% with reality...Forced Labor?...If only there was some history to learn from so we would know how terrible an idea that is...I know, how about making them canon fodder on the front lines of the next rich man's proxy war, sacrificing them for toxic AF resources that are obscenely profitable...Hey this is fun...

[@blackmarketarmy]

"I never heard a peep from Bill about homeless issues until it affected his backyard" Better late than never!

[@EasylikeSunday]

I lived next to Balboa Park for 4 years and have been living in the area the past 7 years. This problem has been getting worse and worse since 2015. There is not enough space on here for me to write about the crap that goes on. It’s definitely more of a drug issue and not a “homeless” one. People that are genuinely homeless do not sit around a park and inject black tar heroin all day.

[@johnnyrice3754]

Not all homeless people are bad or drug addicts I'm homeless I live in my car I don't do drugs I don't have a police record and I have a job what I do need is help I'm in debt because of a hospital bill and the high rents in this city have pushed me to live out of my car and the cops instead of catching criminal they mess with homeless people and give them tickets and make them criminals and they harass people all day long plane and simple I love San Diego it's my home town but just because I'm homeless San Diego has made me feel not welcome everything was okay when I had everything together but now that I'm in this situation I'm not welcome anymore 💯💯

[@tmo4330]

Get married.

[@denisceballos9745]

Another once beautiful area being trashed and ruined.

[@johnwright9372]

The problem is nationwide and it is happening across Europe too. Look beyond your own neighbourhoods at the world's economic system and ask if it because there is a general decades long problem with tax breaks and subsidies for big corporates and the rich plus the flight of capital, technology and jobs to the cheapest sources of production in the world.

[@DaveM-FFB]

Bill, I get it and I agree completely. So what is the solution that you are proposing?

[@doublequin]

Wondering if it's an angle to run for mayor

[@sacareapyro6326]

reopen alcatraz put em all on an island away from our cities

[@networth00]

He keeps voting democrat and wondering why it's getting worse. CA has a $60 billion budget to fix homelessness and it only gets worse. Where is the money?

[@DaveM-FFB]

@@networth00 Tell me your solution first. Then we'll talk about voting.

[@networth00]

@@DaveM-FFB Well I know one thing for sure... Democrats DO NOT have the solution. What's it going to hurt to try something else. Surely a moderate independent can give it a shot. Throwing money at it does not work, that's been tried too many times. But, they will keep flushing money down the toilet and you'll keep voting for that madness.

[@JB-tr6nu]

Politicians on both sides have destroyed our social safety nets like HUD that dealt with low income housing ,that is now gone. It's made some developers billionaires thanks to greed & politics. Our elected officials can help but the public needs to see what certain Politicians don't want us to see.

[@ricoflores8993]

Thank you Mr Walton, you're right about Gloria and what is happening to Balboa Park. I remember when the 163 was called Cabrillo Highway going through Balboa Park, back then it was beautifully landscaped and it was safe.

[@dexterjankaren]

WHY is there so much homelessness? That should be the question. I say it's because of the diminishment of the middle class and the open borders that further exacerbate the problem. There's a lack of hope in any kind of future for them or America in general, not just in the homelessness but the nation as a whole. I say vote MAGA!

[@artgrusensky121]

Bill, left LA for same reason. Homeless decided to set up tents and spew trash right in middle of our commercial area in Mar Vista adjacent to Venice. Some judge in Ca. ruled they could not be removed without housing them. But what about the public space that belongs to all of us?

[@aarongerdts216]

Didn't look bad at all compared to the other places I've seen

[@SeaTurtle515]

My thoughts exactly.

[@rhena229]

But this is San Diego, America’s finest city. Very sad to see this…..

[@charleswesley9907]

Should vote for better politicians ,

[@bobbyjocowpoke1057]

You get what you vote for.

[@Heartford]

It’s called a democracy, not the Jan 6th solution!

[@networth00]

@@Heartford Again, you get EXACTLY what you voted for. Odd how your type brings up Jan 6 when the only person killed was a Trump supporter but you don't want to talk about the 500+ RIOTS in 2020 and BILLIONS in damage and lots of people killed. You deserve to live in this mess you helped create. Please never move out of SD.

[@networth00]

YOU VOTED FOR THIS MESS, ENJOY IT.

[@brianadams1318]

I don't live but I work in San Diego and bill is correct it sad to see this beautiful city falling apart somebody needs to do something before it resembles los angeles

[@MegaPugsley1]

From a San Diego Native, I lov(ed) SD, saw the writing on the wall, left 27yrs ago, sad to go, only a neutron bomb going off in SD would allow me to come back to the most beautiful, innocent, American way of life I once knew and LOVED!!! Now only the most slimey, disgusting HELL on earth existence can be had in this place. All I have are beautiful memories, riding horses through Balboa Park with my father and brothers, soo many GOOD times, never again will be, not there.......ever again...sad, sad 😢

[@Americaone1]

Bill San Diego needs to do what other cities and states do,I'm sure San Diego County has plenty of land in Santee that will not be used for residential or commercial make a big tent city with a curfew showers and portable toilets it works everywhere else but not near residential or businesses🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲

[@tommiller5231]

The people of San Diego voted for the people that allowed this to happen.

[@golferpro1241]

Exactly

[@williamdukeofnormandy1403]

This has happened everywhere. Our parks have been taken over by people who don't pat taxes.

[@UKBLUE1]

Also, I stood next to you once in Orlando (magic game) and feel only a maniac would chase you... You're a BIG dude with capital B.

[@jareddavidmanifold313]

He's gotta be the biggest most famous greatful dead fan ever. I like Bill Walton. Ucla and the 1977 blazers. What an icon

[@jamiecrawford8133]

If not for all his injury issues I think we would be the Goat of the NBA

[@jamiecrawford8133]

We=he

[@jareddavidmanifold313]

@@jamiecrawford8133 the goat at center In that era? He was very good early on in his career and in 1985-86 Boston Celtics nba Champs. The guy played with absolute legends.

[@FirstNameLastNamescar]

I have personally seen chill at over 98 grateful Dead shows last time was Chicago for the 50th

[@jareddavidmanifold313]

@@FirstNameLastNamescar seen chill? Is that bills nickname?

[@widescreennavel]

Jerry G was practically living in his car when he was arrested the last time. I think Bill's a great player but he, in his Tesla, complaining like a Karen is a sad, sad look.

[@erickelly7161]

This is a great video. I live in Ventura county and homeless are a issue here as well. What I never see talked about is WHERE to put the homeless. We need a safe facility for the "down on your luck" types, jail for the criminals, and a mental facility for the crazies and addicts. Until we make room for them the ones taken off the streets are just moved around.

[@foresttemple1380]

What ya do..is ship em to the northern islands of Alaska. It can be done. It NEEDS to be done

[@jackkennedy9475]

@@foresttemple1380 or Australia. The home of penal colony

[@cocofellas]

@@foresttemple1380 naaa we need to ship them all to the moon without space helmets. Or the bottom of the ocean. Or right into the sun cause they’re the dregs of society.

[@anthonydowney4383]

It's because they make money off the homeless the funnel money into programs in the hundreds of millions yet nothing works and your social worker basically never helps you find work or housing. California has spent 7.6 billion to fight homelessness and churches and other organizations have also spent billions. They really want you to stay homeless so they can keep funneling money to this programs that have no accountability and are completely dysfunctional and mismanaged. This is why the problem is growing because the people who have already been in shelters with "programs" never left.

[@pickettmandi]

@@cocofellas or society turned them into dregs.

[@newworldconcepts583]

Many years ago (2010ish I believe) I was approached by some tourists from a different contry. I was hanging out by the Court house in downton. They asked me "why are there so many homeless people here. It's so beautifull." I shook my head, and didn't know what to tell em. The problem is still here today.

[@irenem3854]

So so sad. I recently went to Balboa park and it was tragic seeing all the homeless. Democrats are not compassionate. Leaving people in their addiction and mental illness is not compassionate, it's actually cruel. All they care about is power, and they'll climb over anyone to get it.

[@mikeyposs3132]

Yep! It’s always the libs fault. Maybe it’s time to watch real news with facts, not conspiracies and hate ?

[@networth00]

Exactly. Democrats are evil. They get billions to fix the homeless problem yet it gets worse. Where is all that money going?

[@carlbowles1808]

Bill Walton is speaking up for San diegans ignored by the mayor and city council. Sandiego is no longer America's finest city. San diegans must elect better leaders. Thank you Bill for bringing the truth.

[@largecarken8504]

I don’t hear Bill’s solution. He is just stating the problem.

[@chizmo7]

It’s everywhere. Not just SD. Something has to change.

[@gerrithoevers]

I don't think it's necessarily one man's responsibility. Placing blame on Todd Gloria isn't going to fix the problem. He'll spend more time defending himself than trying to fix the problem. It's a nation wide problem, Bill. It's something we have to resolve collectively. I'm not defending Gloria, I'm looking at the bigger picture. Expecting Gloria to fix the problem is kind of silly. I mean sure, he could change your scenery but what about the rest of our city? And that's kind of been the band aid thus far. Encampments are just being moved around San Diego. They'll be removed from your scenery but those same encampments with just pop up somewhere else. I hope you're not making this just about you and what you observe because it's the same view everywhere you look in San Diego. How do we fix that? I do maintenance at an apartment complex in the heart of City Heights. Right nextdoor to us is a park that used to be a beautiful park. Now it's a park we spend thousands of dollars on to clean-up every few months because of the homeless. There are at least 10-15 tents there a long with a "bike shop". We call PD but they can only do so much. And that's just my park. The rest of San Diego is starting to look the same. Not just your view or Balboa Park. It's the entire city. Hell, the county I grew up in, Summit County, Colorado is starting to look like this. It's high up in the Colorado Rockies surrounded by ski resorts. One man is not going to fix this problem. Trash talking the mayor certainly doesn't help either. All that does is make him defensive but it doesn't help to remedy the problem. We need a realistic solution.

[@johnm994]

You are right. It is Fletchers fault too. I'm ashamed we shared the same uniform. Well...not really. Military officers are brainwashed hacks of the system who are destroying our military from within. They care more about woke ideologies than preparing for war. I was all for giving Democrats a chance in San Diego after years of GOP lead corruption, but the Dema just made things worse.

[@Maxumized]

Agreed.

[@scotnick59]

What happened to Bill's right hand?

[@markkemp7608]

I remember walking from Albatross St and West Grape , by myself as a 3rd-4th grader, to Balboa Park and the Zoo. Never had an issue. Under 16 was free at the Zoo. Very sad how my former city is going these days.

[@ME-gz8yi]

Hi Mark!

[@marlin3043]

Todd Gloria is a horrible mayor He does not address citizens concerns He is more concerned about his political career

[@nutzoo]

Someone should tell Mr. Walton that we once had a civilized society. Tell him that once parks were safe for families to go to. Tell him that his generation and the hippies that he celebrated taking over San Francisco’s Haight Ashbury District are now in charge or their policies are in effect. He won the cultural war. Tell him to reap the rewards.

[@gymshoe8862]

I like Bill but nutzoo is making a good point. Bill is a life long dead head and now his fellow dead heads are in charge with predictable results.

[@boogitybear2283]

He’s your common stupid Liberal Democrat.

[@firstlast8258]

Or move

[@davidkeith7087]

Amen!

[@brianwimberly7937]

Remember, the great Bill Walton once told his college basketball coach that he wanted to have facial hair the coming basketball season. HIs coach, John Wooden, wished Bill good luck in his future wherever he chose to attend. Bill remained at UCLA, without a mustache.

[@zachgates7491]

Maybe the beginnings of a grassroots campaign against the awful Newsom regime

[@jimmyamico4713]

This is what makes Bill Walton a WORLD CHAMPION!🌏 Respectfully, JimmyUSAF 🇺🇸✈️😇💜🙏✝️👍⭐️🇮🇹🎄

[@mikeyposs3132]

I live downtown. I see the problem get worse every day. I’m as liberal as they come but it’s time to protect taxpayers and homeowners.

[@henryjoshual1848]

Just stay where you are and suffer, you liberal insect. You brought this all on yourself. Don't move to a Red state; no one wants your toxic liberalism there.

[@mikeyposs3132]

@@henryjoshual1848 coward using the shield of cyberspace to bully!! Go back to Fox and watch more BS and lies!!

[@networth00]

Maybe you're not as liberal as you think. If you keep voting for liberals you deserve to live in that mess you created.

[@aljosia6525]

A true warrior and human being! I admire your Basketball game now I respected your resolve

[@thomasmichaels6850]

More folks need to stand up and tell the city leaders that this is unacceptable.

[@fearsomebeard4290]

Bill speaks the truth. It’s a disgrace what has happened to Bill’s neighborhoods which is also my neighborhood. It’s never ever been like this in the more than 30 years I’ve lived and owned my home here. One of San Diego’s best treasures is Balboa Park and right now it isn’t safe, clean nor desirable.

[@J0hnny0]

Why can't we build a bunch of big rocket ships, load them up with the homeless, then send them on a one way trip to the Sun?

[@cocofellas]

Right? That’s what I’m saying! They’re nothing but burdens on society and a waste of oxygen.

[@briangarza7532]

love Bill Walton, I have raised the same concerns with countless e-mails to Todd worthless Gloria. of course no response from his office. I attended Roosevelt Jr. and San Diego High, the same stretch tour Bull took us on was once fabulous, clean parks, no bums, no tents, no trash, no drugs. This is the result of 40 yrs of democratic control of our city, but not just our city, look at our state of California!! full of homeless people, bums everywhere. what is the saying...if you give a stray cat a saucer of milk, that cat will come back every day for milk, this is what Gavin Gruesome is doing with the bums, giving them 300.00 EBT cards, and an extra 100.00 if they take in a dog. This is not a solution it's a problem!! If bill needs help spreading the truth about our good for nothing Mayor Todd, he can count on me!!!!!!

[@jamesd242]

the politicians dont give a flying FUDGICLE

[@ericr1035]

Walton feels he can’t ride his bike, and clearly wants to endeavor in politics. He keeps saying, he has a vision BUT he absolutely has No Plan.

[@pedrovazquez4508]

Maybe Walton should stop complaining, roll up the sleeves in his shirt and run for office to see if he can do any better. His rant about the homeless crisis belongs in The Hall of Shame. And keep in mind, this is not to defend Todd Gloria, far from it. But to be ranting about the less fortunate doesn't cut the mustard. These are people facing challenges obviously not consider by Walton. Many of these people are veterans of war affected by PTSD, they are the mentally challenged, the physically disabled, even those affected by substance abuse and many others who through no fault of their own ended up living on the streets. It is very easy to drive around Balboa Park and other parts of the city sitting very comfortably inside of aTesla pointing out the problems but yet he offers no solutions. Homeless people don't attack and/or assult anyone. Maybe Walton is leaving part of the story out of his encounter with them. Obviously harassing someone has consequences.

[@mstrbillable]

Exactly right, just like a former President and his morally bankrupt supporters.

[@kenkunz1428]

Agree. There's something about a rich old guy running down homeless people that is cowardly.

[@TheSmartLawyer]

Bill speaks the truth. These people are a hazard to the health and well being of the good taxpayer's who deserve a healthy, clean and secure place to enjoy the outdoors

[@mstrbillable]

@@TheSmartLawyer He speaks the truth yet offers no solution. The best solution would be affordable housing.

[@gymshoe8862]

I have seen the homeless bums--there is no virtue in them and the veterans among them are damned few. They are there mostly by choice--they will avoid having affordable housing--what they want is drugs. They are human garbage.

[@johnnygarcia1403]

Man, you should see major portions of the Bronx, NY Bill Walton. Politicians of today are living on another planet....really a shame, shame on America. And then they want to criticize other countries.

[@williamwhitaker2928]

Similar situation in my neighborhood in Seattle, but a new moderate Democratic mayor and of all things a Republican city attorney have already made a great difference. Woodlawn Park in my neighborhood and many others as well as Pike Place Market and its environs have been dramitically cleaned up. People are once again being given a reason to hope and act for the better. There is a long way to go but in my opinion at least the curve has been bent for the better.

[@rockyracoon3233]

Political diversity is good for a city.

[@jackkennedy9475]

I grew up in Seattle and it is a cesspool. Will NEVER GO BACK. Keep your Marxist politicians and Seattle will be Portland in no time. People are leaving in droves. If they take their politics they will bring the problems with them.

[@networth00]

DEFUND THE POLICE AND VOTE FOR A SOROS DA.

[@akbradley01]

I know, lets open up the Southern Border and let millions of homeless people in from the Third World.

[@polecat4599]

Prison is the only solution, get them off of drugs and alcohol, make them earn their room and board with some sort of job that can be done in prison, and they will have a lot of free time to reflect on the miserable selfish choices that they have made in their lives. After 6 months or a year you release the ones who are coherent, and for the ones who are crazy, you just leave them there, because they are not actually human beings anymore

[@ethanblackhurst8593]

Prisons are already over crowded. Rents have gone through the roof.

[@mikeyposs3132]

@@ethanblackhurst8593 of course they are over crowded. That doesn’t mean we can build more space after giving all homeless a chance to better their lives. How much does it cost the city each day to deal with this situation? Eventually the threat of prison will help. Status quo only gets worse each day.

[@colinchampollion4420]

Bus them t.o Simi Valley to pick produce and that also solves illegal immigration

[@polecat4599]

@@colinchampollion4420 excellent idea, the only way the lives of these people will change is with a hard and painful lesson, and when they finish most of them will be grateful for going through it because they will appreciate how it actually saved their life

[@Jo71603]

I can somewhat relate to what you are talking about Bill, we have a big drain problem in our neighborhood. Our city can pass one cent sales tax to rebuild down town, they can pass a one cent sales tax to build a new library. When it comes to helping the neighborhoods out, I get an ear full of sorry we can not help you, you live on private property we can not help you. If you lived on public property we could help you. When these one cent sales tax get passed, where do you think the money comes from? It comes from people who live in the local neighborhood's. Why in the world can't local small business large local business come together and create some type of local grant money we can apply for.

[@darthsigil]

Yeah, I think locals knew all of those things. Does he give one solution? Many of the past solutions turned into ACLU lawsuits. The ACLU won. We get a tour and a breakdown of the problems, but how many solutions does he give?

[@templeofthetree]

Enforce the laws prohibiting encampments. Simple.

[@DemonBrandon]

ACLU sux dikc.

[@adammartinez9641]

In 2020 my dog got stolen from us by homeless people and 4 months later we seen her and got her back in the same area that she got stolen in.

[@pranksterguy1]

In 1968 if you were on a corner in downtown San Diego waiting for the light to turn green-if you stepped off the curb while the light was red a police car would stop and write you a ticket for jaywalking!!!

[@ronschaffer5959]

True. And now they give awards for Best Sodomite of the Month. Lame!!!

[@Crankerny58]

I worked downtown San Diego from 1998 - 2000! The homeless situation was bad then and out of control now! I could write a book on what I saw in those 2 years!!

[@networth00]

... and yet they keep voting for Democrats expecting it to magically change.

[@storytellerbookseller5448]

San Diego needs housing for these people. The entire country has had housing issues for a long, long time. This isn't Gloria's fault. It's just his time to hold the bag. BTW - He won the city by a wide margin, and the homeless problem pre-exists Gloria. I had to frequently work and visit San Diego during Faulconer's stint as Mayor, and it was horrible then. San Diego has ALWAYS been a magnet for homelessness, because of the weather. Walton was a great Center, and I enjoyed his commentary with the Clippers, but he's coming across like a Boomer Karen here, and is not really thinking in line with the Deadhead love your brother gobbleygoop that they espouse. Don't just say, my solution is a park, and Gloria's solution is a homeless encampment. That is simplistic, and even John Wooden would say, well beneath a Bruin. If you are going to say you are greenspace, and Gloria is Homeless encampment, then you have to provide the SOLUTION. The solution is not making the encampment a green space. The solution is HOW you make the encampment a green space, while also providing safe housing for the homeless people being uprooted from their encampment. That said, thank you for your role in the 1986 Celtics Championship. You were an awesome bench player. UCLA Class of 2002.

[@brianwimberly7937]

You forgot to mention Bill's HUGE BALLS for saying anything about it publically. We normally shut down things we disagree with, without offering alternatives. Bill offered one, a simple one that seems logical. Part of a solution. Did you expect a business plan provided during his video? Here's my issue: You can "put" homeless anywhere you want, but they need the visual stimulation that society offers. You can't just warehouse them. They need positive life simulations! Maybe we just give them all META goggles. jk

[@storytellerbookseller5448]

@@brianwimberly7937 Big Balls to be a big Karen without offering any solutions. You must be used to tiny balls, but that's ok. It's actually very easy to complain. It's being part of the solution that takes big halls.

[@jimmyjam26]

Bill has been like that since he was at UCLA a very thoughtful and educated man who wasn't just a athlete and actually was out there using his platform to help bring attention to really bad problems going on in the world today.