Homeless forced to evacuate riverbed or face arrest
A homeless camp in the Salinas Riverbed just before the recent storms. Photo by DuPree Dial.
City moves forward in Salinas Riverbed evacuation
The City of Paso Robles has begun to deploy phase II of a progressive strategy to address homelessness and fully evacuate encampments along the Salinas River.
The Paso Robles City Council received a progress report on evacuation efforts at a study session held on Monday. Assistant City Manager Meg Williamson summarized recent actions including the identification of 46 river encampments last week, 24 of which were currently occupied. Police contacted at least one resident in each of the active encampments.
“In order to prevent loss of life in light of last weekend’s rain storms, residents were advised to evacuate and were provided with information about available resources,” says Williamson. “A March 10th deadline was established for residents to remove their property. In response, community groups including Paso Cares have stepped up their efforts in meeting an increased need for assistance to the homeless.”
Williamson says Paso Robles Police officers are continuing to make personal contacts with riverbed residents, outlining the city’s zero-tolerance stance on riverbed encampments.
While some of the homeless have complied with the city’s evacuation notice, others have been resistant. On Tuesday, March 8, five arrests were made for continued camping in the area, one additional arrest was made for an outstanding warrant, and five citations were issued for a delay in evacuating.
“To some, this may not appear to be a compassionate approach,” says City Manager Tom Frutchey. “It is, however, the best mix of enticements and pressure for achieving success. We need to do everything possible to both encourage and pressure riverbed campers to: first, understand the critical nature of the situation; and second, make the right decision.”
Paso Robles Police Lieutenant, Ty Lewis agrees. “It is unfortunate that we must resort to arrests at this stage. However, those who have been repeatedly warned of the dangers and remain intent on camping in the riverbed leave us with few options. We really were hoping for compliance. With additional rain expected, we still face a serious threat to the health and safety of those camping in the riverbed. The assistance of faith-based and other groups plays a significant role as we strive to compassionately work with the homeless. We are grateful for this support.”
Representatives from several homeless assistance groups spoke at the March 7 study session in response to the city’s efforts in resolving the homelessness crisis. These included Becky Jorgeson, founder of Hope’s Village San Luis Obispo; Cherie Michaelson and Ed Gallagher of Paso Cares; Laurel Weir, Homeless Services Coordinator for San Luis Obispo County; and Pastor Gary Jordan of the Second Baptist Church. The council lauded the commitment of outreach groups and has recommended the formation of a homelessness advisory committee to coordinate efforts and advise the city.
How many homeless people are we talking about? Would there be a place for them that is safe? Either way we don't want an unsafe environment, we don't want them to be a target for violance and we don't want high crime. Move them but just don't scatter them all over the city, the last thinig we want is for them to be hanging out in the park or our backyards.
Kick'em when they are down. I suspect there is more than the "welfare" of the homeless going on here. If they cared they would be trying to help them instead of arresting them.
Sad, it looks like someone took a lot of time to build their home. Too bad it doesn't fit into societies expectations of how people should live. Tough situation.
How many homeless people are we talking about? Would there be a place for them that is safe? Either way we don't want an unsafe environment, we don't want them to be a target for violance and we don't want high crime. Move them but just don't scatter them all over the city, the last thinig we want is for them to be hanging out in the park or our backyards.
Kick'em when they are down. I suspect there is more than the "welfare" of the homeless going on here. If they cared they would be trying to help them instead of arresting them.
Sad, it looks like someone took a lot of time to build their home. Too bad it doesn't fit into societies expectations of how people should live. Tough situation.