We are all aware of the SLO city ordinance that says there is to be no overnight camping within city limits (there is a sign that I drive by on Foothill each time I enter the SLO city limits).

So I have been wondering why is it that the early bird shoppers camped out in front of Best Buy the night before Black Friday for the purpose of getting a bargain on a TV or such, are allowed to pitch a tent on the sidewalk, in front of the store, and spend the night in order to assure that they have a place at the head of the line when the store opens in the morning.

This has also happened, and apparently is allowed, for special movies (at the Freemont Theater for Star Wars movies opening night.)

I know people that sleep in their cars on the street or try to spend the night on a bench in downtown SLO are asked to move along and sometimes are even ticketed for breaking the law that states that there is no overnight camping allowed in SLO ... so what gives? Why the double standard? Why allow overnight camping in order to be first in line and score a bargain but not allow someone the rest and the sleep that they need in order to stay healthy and alert enough to get through the next day?

It’s question to be answered ... .

-- Barbara Schippers - San Luis Obispo

-- Barbara Schippers - San Luis Obispo