Had a very pregnant-appearing young woman approach me in a mall lot a couple months ago. I said I didn't have any change, but could use some clean-up around the house (walking distance away) and would pay a reasonable rate ($12-15/hour in this area) for her to do so. She took my phone number, but amazingly, never called. Go figure.

As for people begging in front of 'now hiring' signs, that's not particularly ironic. If they don't have a contact phone number or references, they're not going to get the job offer.

It should just be a new rule... don't give hand-outs.

Eventually they'll just migrate back to Los Angeles.