Share
OAKLAND — Officials in Oakland approved a contentious new policy that will allow encampments, but prohibit homeless people from setting up tents in parks or near homes, businesses, schools and some churches in the city that has seen a recent spike in the homeless population.
The Oakland City Council unanimously approved the measure Tuesday after more than 100 community members spoke mostly against the rules that also allow homeless encampments in certain areas of the city as long as they follow safety and sanitation rules.
Mayor Libby Schaaf said the policy, which will start being enforced in January, establishes Oakland’s first citywide rules on homeless encampments. She called it “a compassionate response to an unacceptable condition.”
“I’m grateful to the City Council who voted unanimously for a new encampment policy that will help us improve the well-being of all our residents, housed and unhoused,” she said in a statement. “Ending homelessness is a moral imperative.”
The Homeless Population Has Jumped by 63% Since 2017 in Oakland
The homeless population has jumped by 63% since 2017 in Oakland, where there are at least 140 encampments of tents and RVs, according to the city.
“The problem has outgrown the City’s current policy environment,” Joe DeVries, director of Interdepartmental Operations, said in a report.
Under the new rules, homeless people won’t be allowed to set up camp within 50 feet of “high-sensitivity” areas, including homes, businesses, playgrounds, public parks, soccer fields, tennis courts, basketball courts and places of worship. Tents will have to be 150 feet away from a middle school, preschool or child care center and 100 feet away from high schools.
They will be allowed to set up tents in “low-sensitivity” areas. But they will be limited to one side of the streets and can’t block sidewalks or bike lanes.
Homeless rights advocates criticized the measure, saying the rules will push the homeless population away from the city and into desolate industrial areas near the Oakland Airport and the Oakland Port.
Ex-US Rep. George Santos Sentenced to Over 7 Years in Prison for Fraud and Identity Theft
10 hours ago
Selma Mayor Charged With Electioneering Violation on Election Day
11 hours ago
Stocks Rise With Tech-Related Shares, Notch Weekly Gains; Dollar Up
12 hours ago
Conflicting US-China Talks Statements Add to Global Trade Confusion
12 hours ago
Fresno Police Arrest 17 in Domestic Violence Crackdown
13 hours ago
Virginia Giuffre, Voice in Epstein Sex Trafficking Scandal, Dies at 41
7 hours ago
Categories

Virginia Giuffre, Voice in Epstein Sex Trafficking Scandal, Dies at 41

Higher Taxes on Millionaires? Trump Says He’s Open, but Many in His Party Are Not

Ex-US Rep. George Santos Sentenced to Over 7 Years in Prison for Fraud and Identity Theft

Selma Mayor Charged With Electioneering Violation on Election Day

Stocks Rise With Tech-Related Shares, Notch Weekly Gains; Dollar Up

Wired Wednesday: What’s the Future of Fresno Unified and the Superintendent Position?

Zakaria Draws Parallels Between Trump’s Tariffs, Failed 1930s Economic Policies
