Long Beach officials to kick off homeless encampment cleanup at 5 parks

Long Beach officials will move ahead with their plan to clear out homeless camps in the city on Monday.

Last week, it was revealed that city officials would identify “Priority Focus Areas in which to apply an encampment resolution model,” according to a memo by Deputy City Manager Teresa Chandler.

The five parks chosen to kick off the clean-up were Veterans Park, Jenni Rivera Memorial Park, Billie Jean King Main Library, Lincoln Park, and Gumbiner Park.

KNX News’ Jon Baird reported that the city will give the homeless 72 hours' notice, and offer services such as shelter. Those who refuse to leave could be either given a citation or arrested.

Long Beach City Councilman Daryl Supernaw told Baird the homeless can’t just move all of their stuff out of the park.

“Well, at a certain point, the items do have to be removed,” he said. “They’ve exceeded the deadline now as a matter of fact.”

A man who lives in the area told Baird he’s angry about what’s going on because the homeless don’t have any other options.

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“Where are they going to go? To the next park? Where are they going to go?” he asked.

This comes almost two months after the Supreme Court ruled that cities can enforce bans on homeless people sleeping outdoors.

More recently, Governor Gavin Newsom said he would withhold funding from cities and counties in California if they do not begin clearing out homeless camps.

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