Homeless advocates and those affected grapple with the new regulation; the city aims to improve safety and sanitary conditions.
SAN DIEGO — The city of San Diego has activated a contentious anti-street camping ordinance, aimed squarely at disassembling homeless encampments. The law, which has stirred widespread discussion within the city’s homeless community, commenced operation on Monday.
Throughout the morning, a team of five officers patrolled the popular site of Balboa Park, confronting the homeless occupants of the campgrounds. The officials communicated the violation of the newly enforced regulation, extended assistance offers, and finally proceeded with dismantling the existing encampments. Enforcement actions varied from issuing warnings to detaining those with outstanding warrants.
San Diego Police Department Capt. Shawn Takeuchi voiced his stance on the matter, saying, “It’s not acceptable to be out here living on the streets. It’s not safe, it’s not safe for the individual and it’s not safe for the community.”
The ordinance has outlined a prioritized approach, focusing initially on clearing encampments in parks and areas surrounding schools.
However, the recent enforcement has sparked anxious discussions within the homeless community, leaving many uncertain about their next course of action. Homeless advocate, known as Mama Heather, noted the shifting landscape, saying, “The ordinance is from downtown all the way over to Old Town and now people are heading to the beaches.”
The ordinance explicitly criminalizes urban camping, with the authorities poised to offer assistance services thrice to an unsheltered camper. Refusal or failure to accept help or vacate the streets after the third contact could result in arrest.
Critics of the ordinance point out the desperate need for drug rehabilitation within the homeless community. Former homeless man, David Kolloo, provides a poignant insight into this issue to Fox 5 news, stating, “This for homeless people and drug addicts is like Disneyland … I fell in love with it, who wants to live indoors … but later it becomes a party you can’t get out of.”
