AN AGREEMENT creating two zones for handling the homeless problem has been reached (Shutterstock).

UPDATE: The settlement agreement on homelessness reached last week was signed by all parties today (Tuesday) and filed in the courtroom of federal Judge David O. Carter.

The settlement, negotiated for Orange County by First District Supervisor Andrew Do, is applicable to the North and Central service planning areas of the county.

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A settlement of two federal lawsuits regarding the treatment of homeless people could clear the way for more consistent handling of the problems of the unsheltered.

On Tuesday the Orange County Board of Supervisors voted to approve an agreement that creates two zones for coping with the problems caused by and services needed by the homeless.

The first zone would allow law enforcement officers to immediately arrest transients at the John Wayne Airport, flood control channels and “high risk” wilderness areas,” according to Andrew Do, a member of the county board of supervisors (First District).

The second district’s rules will require sending social workers to engage with the homeless. If help is refused, arrests can be made lawfully.

Additionally, the settlement bans the Orange County Sheriff’s Department from invoking anti-camping laws in cities where the OCSD provides law enforcement unless that city has “adequate shelter” for the homeless.

 “Spider-Man” swings into Westminster

A free screening of “Spider-Man Into the Spider-Verse” will be offered on Thursday (July 25) at the Civic Center Sunken Gardens in Westminster.

“INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE” will be screened for free on Thursday in Westminster.

Sponsored by the city, the event’s pre-movie festivities will start at 6:30 p.m. with games, face-painting and a special visit from and photos with Spider-Man from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m. The movie will start shortly after sunset.

Residents should bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating. Food items will be for sale. Admission and parking are free.

The gardens are located at 8200 Westminster Blvd., between Beach Boulevard and All American Way.

It’s cool to avoid heatstroke this summer

Parents and others who care for children are cautioned not to leave youngsters in a parked automobile.

The Huntington Beach Police Department is reminding the public that  – outside of automobile crashes – the leading cause of vehicle-related deaths of children is heatstroke.

July 31 is proclaimed National Heatstroke Prevention Day. In 2018, 52 children died in the U.S. as a result of being left in a hot car. That’s 21 percent more than in 2017 and the highest number in over 20 years.

What’s the cause? The parent or other caregiver simply forgets they are in the car.

These safety precautions are urged.

• A visual check before leaving the car and locking it should be a habit. As a reminder, put a stuffed animal, purse, phone or wallet next to the car seat as a reminder.
• Always lock your car and keep the keys out of the reach of children.
• If you see a child in a hot vehicle who seems to be in distress, call 911 immediately. Try to find the parent.