Berkeley began clearing a long-standing homeless encampment on Tuesday after a federal judge rejected advocates’ bid to block the sweep.
The city posted notices at 8th and Harrison streets ordering residents to remove tents, structures and other property from the site, which officials declared a fire hazard and public nuisance. The action follows a deadly leptospirosis outbreak linked to rats at the encampment, which has occupied the streets since at least 2023.
The bacterial disease infected at least two people this summer, killing one and hospitalizing another. Hundreds of rats can still be seen at the location, according to local reports.
Jacqueline Mendoza, who lives at the encampment, expressed despair about the forced removal. “Where are we going to go? There’s really nowhere for us to go,” she told ABC7.
The sweep has been delayed repeatedly by legal battles, with the encampment remaining under federal court supervision. A federal judge last week denied homeless advocates’ request to indefinitely postpone the clearance, while requiring Berkeley to consider potential relocation sites for residents.
The ruling mandates special accommodations for disabled residents, including storage assistance and help moving their belongings. Individuals living in vehicles may remain in their cars at the site.
Yesica Prado, cofounder of the Berkeley Homeless Union, accused the city of refusing to collaborate on solutions. “The city doesn’t want to work with us. They’re just nitpicking about how much space people can have,” she said in late August, following a tour of potential relocation sites that ended without agreement between advocates and officials.
The Berkeley Homeless Union stated that advocates will be present during the sweep to help residents find housing. Posted notices warned that anyone refusing to leave may receive a citation or face arrest.
Nearby business owners have grown frustrated with the prolonged situation. Emily Winston, founder and CEO of Boichik Bagels, told ABC7 that conditions have deteriorated while the process dragged on. “It’s taking forever, and frankly it’s just gotten worse,” she said.
City officials, in a statement, said they remain committed to finding a solution that is “lawful, compassionate, practical, and focuses on safety and dignity of everyone involved.” In late August, advocates and the city toured multiple vacant lots as possible alternatives, but the two sides could not reach agreement.
Residents of the encampment reported that the forced evictions have caused them anxiety as they face uncertain housing prospects.
