The city leaders who don't want to address this issue need to step down. This is a health issue to all , it's unsafe, illegal to sit,lie. Until people live near an encampment it's easy to dismiss and make excuses. Solutions need to happen. The more u ignore this situation, The more resentment people are going to feel . Stop the excuses for one group of people. Cleaning them up once a month is a waste of money when they are allowed back. Shame on the city of Oakland. .

I agree this is an important issue, but the photograph shows very little.

LCL Guest can u get a better picture ?

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Thanks. Now I see they are hidden up on the edge at the top. Thanks for the pictures.

The occupants are "hidden" up top because all the junk, stolen garbage bins, pottery, old mattresses etc that they'd accumulated on the sidewalk was hauled away last week, presumably by CalTrans (thanks CalTrans). But the area up high is owned by BART from what I recall, and they re generally unresponsive. Neither party is willing to install fencing. I'm probably getting the politics wrong but you get the gist.

You are correct. Bart, Cal Trans, OPD, Highway Patrol been bounced around by all. Tempted to contact news stations!!! Maybe that will cause someone downtown to take some action...or should I say do their job!!!

That's would be great. These encampments are getting out of control. I just want city leaders to start addressing the issue instead of acting like it doesn't exist.

This is the worst that I have seen. LOL. I really think KTVU 7 or KRON would be interested in reporting on this. This is truly a public hazard. Thanks for posting.

Sorry about the LOL; not intended autocorrect issue.

A news reports by someone would be good . It might wake up a few city leaders (maybe) and than a follow-up story to see if anything has actually been done.

Id' like to see the city of Oakland offer more services for the homeless, but if they allow people to live under overpasses, they should at least install trash cans, restrooms and drinking fountains - as there are at any campground. I'm tired of seeing trash everywhere and stepping in poop.

From a source I talked to they are offered services and they don't want them. U can't help those who don't want it. But instead of letting them do as they please they need to start making them follow the rules like everyone else. Trashing Oakland should not be an option. I agree with the restrooms, but they won't do it because of their drug habit and a place to do whatever they do. Trash cans definitely.

A chicken in every pot and a porta-potty on every corner??? So if they fall-roll down the grade can they sue the city/state. They need to be removed for there own safety.

What source did you speak with? I am an employee of a homeless services nonprofit that provides direct services to the individuals you have identified. Your facts are way off. What services and resources are available? I truly would love to know if you have any leads. Although I believe nobody should be left without housing or basic necessities, I think your perspective might change if you had to navigate the terrain of homelessness and survival even for one week. People aren't to be "cleaned up" like a pile of debris. These are human beings you are speaking about. Even the constitution acknowledges that.

Alameda County Homeless Division is who I've been in contact with, which is absolutely no help if people don't want to receive assistance, I realize that they are human beings but tier lifestyle is barbaric and a health issue. Housing and basic necessities are something that the City should be offering , but they don't. However , the burden shouldn't be placed on residents. Invite them to your neighborhood to help them navigate through your terrain. From the sounds of it vermin and human waste should be tolerated because they cant do better.This situation has been going on since 2011 and enough is enough.

I talked with someone whose number I was given through operation dignity, who helps veterans only I guess. He told me when the encampments are cleaned he goes and offers shelter and medical attention, which they refuse. Until u live near an encampment, you don't know what it's like. Illegal dumping, they used our yard as their toilet, Cars broken into., they carted in tons of furniture, the drug use.It took one of them to go 51/50 to have the encampment removed permanently. I blame the city and the government for not helping people with mental issues. Residential areas should not have to stand for it.

I have been dealing with some of these homeless for 10 plus years. They have been given housing. They leave why because there are addicts and mentally ill. They have burned all there bridges. As a Keep Oakland Clean volunteer its hard enough to keep up the chronic litter bugs and illegal dumpers. Now add the endless debris and human waste trail these people leave behind. The whole shuffle system is not working look at Santa Clara Co they spent more than 500 million just dealing with the homeless last year and not coming up with any solution. If they cannot be a productive part of society then find a place for them that's not on the streets, parks ect. The problem has been allowed to grow past 600,000 and growing with 25 plus percent living on the streets in Calif. A complete fail by our tax payer funded Government agencies. Yes I am fed up maybe one to many flying toilets.

Until advocates get a clue, nothing will change. The homeless know how to play the system. If they want the homeless to do as they please than they need to clean up their campsites every week, not months later. It's a health issue to everyone in the areas and letting one group of people do as they please is unacceptable. The excuses need to stop. If the advocates want to help, than how bout finding them a suitable place they can camp? People aren't going to change unless they want to. The sympathy card only goes so far.