9 June 6th-June 12th, 2024 phoenixnewtimes.com PHOENIX NEW TIMES | NEWS | FEATURE | FOOD & DRINK | ARTS & CULTURE | MUSIC | CONCERTS | CANNABIS | to food,” he said, “trying to drive the home- less out by taking away food.” During the hearing, Tempe Municipal Court Judge Kevin Kane didn’t appear persuaded. He asked Facente whether the AZ Hugs gatherings are public or private affairs. Facente said they’re private, though it’s unclear how that distinction would affect the city’s permitting requirements. The city asked the court to prohibit Davis from holding further events during the case. That would benefit Davis, the city prosecutor argued, because he’d rack up violations otherwise. Kane appeared skep- tical. “That’s a risk the defense would have to assume,” he said. Facente submitted a motion to have the charge dismissed. Kane denied it, setting an evidentiary hearing for June 13. ‘Influx of homeless and drug addicts’ The city of Tempe isn’t the only entity at odds with Davis. AZ Hugs’ gatherings have generated complaints from some residents. At a Jan. 11 Tempe City Council meeting, about half a dozen homeowners read prepared statements complaining about the AZ Hugs feedings. Resident Bruce Nester said he favored “supporting initiatives like AZ Hugs without compro- mising the well-being of our neighbor- hoods.” Lane Carraway said the feedings were bringing “an influx of homeless and drug addicts” into his neighborhood and asked the council to stop the events. Drugs also are a concern for Kelli Cholieu, the founder of Clean Up Papago. In a statement to Arizona’s Family, she said her organization has found more than 300 used syringes in the park, including near playgrounds. Davis said he and other volunteers work to keep the space clean, and the park appeared relatively tidy when Phoenix New Times visited it during feedings in April and May. But Cholieu believes AZ Hugs and other groups feeding the homeless inadvertently contribute to the issue. “Their unsanctioned feeding events attract over 150 homeless individuals and drug addicts,” her statement read, “signifi- cantly impacting the preservation of our natural spaces.” After his May 23 hearing, Davis laughed and sighed when asked about the complaints. “I’ll never own a home, prob- ably,” he said. He’s convinced that some who do simply want unhoused people to disappear. But he has managed to sway some resi- dents, he said. One Tempe resident who lives near the park now volunteers with AZ Hugs at picnics. And more than 30 people attended Davis’ hearing on May 23 to support him, including one man — who identified himself as “2-KLIX” — who said that Davis helped him obtain permanent housing. The drama between Davis and the city isn’t poised to end any time soon. The June evidentiary hearing looms, and in the meantime, Davis is sure the city is watching him. In March, the city erected surveillance towers as part of a “real-time camera pilot project” meant to “address the communi- ty’s feelings of safety,” as stated in a flyer distributed to residents. But according to a voicemail a resident received from a city official and shared with New Times, the Papago Park camera is aimed at the parking lot and north section of the park — where Davis distributes food — but not the dog park and playground on the south side. The pilot program was supposed to last 60 days, a term that has since passed. But the camera tower remains. Every Sunday, the city can see Davis there, continuing his mission to feed the hungry. Otherwise, until he blinks or the city does, they can also see him in court. No Good Deed from p 7 Austin Davis (right) and his younger brother Zach (left) feed the homeless on Sundays at Papago Park. Tempe officials said the gatherings violate city ordinances. (Photo by TJ L’Heureux)
