COUNCIL RESTRICTS BEGGARS : CRITICS SAY LIMITS CAN'T BE ENFORCED.

Byline: Rick Orlov Daily News Staff Writer

To critics of the panhandling ordinance that the Los Angeles City Council adopted Wednesday, it's an unenforceable ploy that politicians expect will show they are tough on crime.

But supporters insist that the ordinance, adopted on an 8-4 vote, sends an unequivocal message to beggars that the city will no longer tolerate harassment of Los Angeles denizens.

``This is good news for people who want to be able to walk the streets of Los Angeles without fear of being abusively panhandled,'' said Mayor Richard Riordan's spokeswoman, Noelia Rodriguez.

Riordan and City Attorney James Hahn proposed the measure, making it a misdemeanor for a beggar to touch, block the path or use profane language to someone being panhandled. The ordinance also prohibits begging at ATM machines, asking motorists for money or soliciting people in lines at movie theaters, buses and trains or in public buildings.

The law would take effect 30 days after Riordan signs it.

It calls for a $50 fine for a first offense, and subsequent violations could result in fines up to $500 and six months in jail.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California opposes the measure and is considering fighting it in court.

``There are already existing laws to prohibit what this will do. It's so foolish. All they're doing is sending a message to the rest of the world that we'll be tough,'' said ACLU director Ramona Ripston. ``The real problem is there aren't police officers around to enforce this, and the jails are already overfilled with serious criminals.''

Councilwoman Jackie Goldberg, who was joined by members Nate Holden, Cindy Miscikowski and Rita Walters in opposing the measure, said existing laws are strong enough to deal with any problems.

``All we'll be doing is criminalizing people,'' Goldberg said. ``No one wants aggressive panhandling. I'd be the first to support stopping that. But I think all this will doing is change the attitude of people asking for money. This pollutes the emotional and political behavior because aggressive panhandling is already illegal.

``And this will do nothing to prevent the predators out there. They will be able to pay the fine and stay on the streets. It is the real homeless who will be going to jail.''

Holden said he believes the measure, like one that has been prevented from going in effect at city airports to outlaw solicitations, will be found unconstitutional.

But Councilman Joel Wachs said the measure is needed to protect people including himself. He said a panhandler at a market intimidated him into giving money.

``This wasn't a homeless person,'' Wachs said. ``It was some strapping young guy hitting me up. I don't think people want to feel intimidated when they are going to a 7-Eleven or an ATM machine.''