Who Is Burning Down the Homeless Camps of Fresno?

NOTES FROM NORSE:  The climate of darkening discrimination in Santa Cruz has not yet erupted into arson as against the most vulnerable (though several fires have been blamed on homeless people).

The new toxic climate that enables “trollbusting” has resulted in abusive police activity.

Incidents reported to me last night include reports of deputy theft and destruction of the blankets of a 50-year old woman and cops ignoring Santa Cruz Muni Code 6.36.055 which dictates that those on waiting lists for shelters are not susceptible to the Sleeping, Blanket, and Camping Ban laws.

Last week a homeless man reported he was given a 24-hour stay-away order from San Lorenzo Park for “sleepcrime” after his property had been twice stolen and thrown.  Now active apparently is  away the new “discomfort someone in the park with profane language, face a 6 months jail/$1000 fine sentence”.

Meanwhile the closing down of the  Page Smith Community House for three months renovation and the relocation of clients there into the spaces of the Paul Lee Loft, means there’s zero “emergency” shelter (though there’s been a waiting list for that for years as well).

In response to local discrimination, picketing against the liberal-in-label but bigoted-in-practice CruzioWorks is due to resume Friday 1 PM at their HQ at Cedar and Church streets.

THE FRESNO SITUATION (according to activist and writer Mike Rhodes)

There have been 2 major fires at homeless encampments in the last week. One was a confirmed arson and the fire department has not determined the cause of yesterday’s fire. The photos below show what remains.

When I was there this afternoon I did not see anybody from the City of Fresno, the Red Cross, or anywhere else trying to help the homeless who lost everything they owned. In fact, the City of Fresno has signs up saying they are going to bulldoze this (and other) homeless encampments in downtown Fresno starting later this month. The demolition notices do not explain how this city action will help the homeless or where they are supposed to go. All photos by Mike Rhodes

§Monterey and E street 1

by Mike Rhodes Monday Aug 12th, 2013 11:39 PM

The woman in the foreground was looking for anything of value left after the fire. The man behind the fence is putting up a new shelter.


§Monterey and E street 2

by Mike Rhodes Monday Aug 12th, 2013 11:39 PM

Looking north from California street

§Monterey and E street 4

by Mike Rhodes Monday Aug 12th, 2013 11:39 PM

A boat that burned on the north end of the encampment looks out of place

§Golden State Off Ramp 1

by Mike Rhodes Monday Aug 12th, 2013 11:39 PM

This is the fire that happened last week

§Golden State Off Ramp 2

by Mike Rhodes Monday Aug 12th, 2013 11:39 PM

Another View of the fire damage

§Golden State Off Ramp 3

by Mike Rhodes Monday Aug 12th, 2013 11:39 PM

This is the Homeless Encampment just south of the fire


§Golden State Off Ramp 6

by Mike Rhodes Monday Aug 12th, 2013 11:39 PM

Notices of the Eviction – next to homeless shelters on Golden State blvd.

§Golden State Off Ramp 7

by Mike Rhodes Monday Aug 12th, 2013 11:39 PM

The Homeless Have posted signs of their own

§Santa Clara Street (looking east from E street)

by Mike Rhodes Monday Aug 12th, 2013 11:39 PM

The City of Fresno says they are going to destroy this homeless encampment later this month. For more information, see: http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2013/07/30/18740629.php
FOR MORE PHOTOS AND COMMENTS GO TO

https://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2013/08/12/18741445.php

Mike Rhodes  Editor  Community Alliance Newspaper  PO Box 5077  Fresno Ca 93755  (559) 978-4502 (cell)
editor@fresnoalliance.comwww.fresnoalliance.com