10 March 30th–april 5th, 2023 phoenixnewtimes.com phoenix new Times | music | cafe | film | culTuRe | NighT+Day | feaTuRe | NeWs | OPiNiON | feeDBacK | cONTeNTs | Panhandling Pushback Brother, can you spare a dime? Not in the city of Glendale. BY KATYA SCHWENK T he city of Glendale has issued warnings to dozens of people for asking for money since the city enacted a sweeping ban on panhandling last fall. Records obtained by Phoenix New Times show that the city issued 52 warnings so far since the new city law took effect in November. The city also took one man to court, fining him $225 for asking for money at an intersection while holding a photo of a sick child. The records provide the first detailed look at how the city has enforced its ban on panhandling, which has drawn condemna- tion from the ACLU of Arizona. “This latest information revealed by the city seemingly confirms the ACLU of Arizona’s fears that the ordinances were passed specifically to punish all speech by unsheltered residents, even in public spaces,” said Ben Rundall, a senior staff attorney with the ACLU of Arizona, in a statement to New Times. In the lead up to the Super Bowl in Glendale on February 12, the city passed two ordinances criminalizing panhandling. The broad restrictions prohibit panhandling at a bus or at a bus station, within 50 feet of any bank or ATM, within 25 feet of any private busi- ness, or in an “aggressive manner.” Requesting money from anyone in a car is also banned. The first violation of the ordinances is a civil offense with a fine. But subsequent violations within 12 months can bring a misdemeanor criminal charge punishable by up to six months in jail. City officials have said that the ordi- nances were intended to keep people safe by prohibiting them from walking in road- ways and asking for money. “The goal of the city of Glendale isn’t to generate revenue off these people,” Glendale’s deputy city manager, Rick St. John, told 12News in October. Yet the city has received significant pushback. On January 27, two weeks before the Super Bowl, the ACLU of Arizona demanded that the city cease enforcement of the ordinances. The orga- nization said the wide-ranging ban raised significant First Amendment concerns and argued that similar measures in other cities have been struck down by courts. Katya Schwenk | NEWS | >> p13 The city of Glendale is standing by a sweeping ban on panhandling despite criticism from the ACLU. Questions? Feedback? Email me at [email protected] • Follow me on RATING (out of 5 McFly’s) I’m gonna rock down to, ElEctrIc avEnuE: 2023 mErcEdEs-BEnz EQs 450+ 2023 mErcEdEs-BEnz EQs 450+ I ’m sure you’ve all heard, electric vehicles are a thing. Every manufacturer is rocking down to Electric Avenue, but Mercedes took it higher. The EQS 450+ is a step up from the average electric ride….. Here are the hits: The full screen dash, aka, hyperscreen package that includes over 42” of display screen on the entire front dashboard. The active interior ambient lighting. There are over 64 colors/ multicolor options to choose from. Set’s a rad vibe at night. A couple other gems are the exterior sound generator to keep pedestrians safe, the augmented reality navigation system and the side mirror and front grill projectors that shoot Mercedes logos all around. It’s a trip! The EQS 450+ also delivers 355 horsepower and 419 lb- ft of torque while keeping a solid charge of over 350 miles but felt like a lot more. The cabin is incredibly spacious, comfortable and luxurious AF. Anything you can imagine from a technology standpoint is delivered. Air control with HEPA filter, heated/cooled everything, soft close doors, chargers galore, an acoustic comfort package and 3D surround sound by Burmester. It’s an amazing whip. Pricing comes in at $124,420 so the EQS 450+ isn’t for everyone but for those lucky enough to make the purchase….enjoy! Pick-Up: Handling: Comfort: Passenger Comfort: Safety & Security: Sound System: Access to Controls: Bells & Whistles: Overall: Looks:
