Thanks Karla for constantly reporting these encampments. Just because one is homeless doesn't mean you can do drugs in the open, steal, illegally camp, block public places, trash neighborhoods, defecate all over, harass people etc. What is it that homeless advocates do for the homeless, besides give them their daily dose, a tent and send them on their way. It makes no sense. Yes I know there is a lack of mental health services which doesn't make sense either

Greetings City staffers,
For the last seven months, there has been growing piles of garbage, medical waste, human feces and organic compost accumulating on the three corners of 35th St and Peralta Ave in northwest Oakland.

I, being a homeowner, business owner and taxpayer, have lived in this neighborhood on and off for 30 years and have never seen it this bad. Daily, I drive, bicycle or walk past this stench. Live rats are abundant in broad daylight. I can smell it with the car windows rolled up.
I have never seen the City make any attempt to clean this up, or forcibly remove the drug-abusers and vagrants that have completely blighted the intersection.

This mess constitutes a major health hazard and severely degrades and devalues our quality of life, safety and property values.

The intersection was clean and free of squatter camps for years. However last December, the permanent camp appeared. 7 months later, it appears that the City is attempting force upon the neighborhood a permanent tent city which directly endangers and degrades the quality of life for those of us who are responsible citizens who are invested in the neighborhood. This thoroughfare is also an important entrance point and transit corridor for many out-of-town shoppers and visitors. In its present state, is a disgrace.

Winter is over. There is no excuse for the City to continue to allow these squatters to reside under the "shelter" of an overpass. We need this cleaned up promptly and have it stay clean.

When can we expect this major thoroughfare to be cleaned up and returned to normal?

The present situation is no longer acceptable, it is abusive and cruel to continue allowing these squatters to live under these conditions. If we don't see an immediate improvement to the situation, we will be forced to take legal action against the City for not living up to the minimum obligations that taxpayers are entitled to.

Sincerely,
A neighbor.

Thank you Watcher, for this post.

I agree with this Post. Thank you Watcher