Homeless Encampment Fires
To view the December 21, 2023 Zoom meeting please use the following link and passcode
https://us06web.zoom.us/rec/share/C0OwOES75iYc7y3IFX9fykOpmglAT5DLgPH3FkC9sfqRQL2Vr-W10epuXZiO0KVB.K-08Qk0kn-wxaY9M
Passcode: HwM@g.q5
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URGENT -- CITY ZOOM MEETING RE OXNARD DUNES HOMELESS ENCAMPMENT FIRES - THURS, DECEMBER 21, 2023 AT 6PM
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Representatives from Fire Dept, Police Dept, City Attorney and Housing will address:
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(1) The Abatement process that has already been funded by our taxpayer dollars
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(2) Defensible Space and some improvements they are working on
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(3) Safety, Improving Security and Engaging the property owners.
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The meeting on December 14, 2023 with Emilio Ramirez, The City of Oxnard's Housing Director, brought more issues:
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(4) We were told that Oxnard has received a grant for $4 Million dollars that can only be used for this specific encampment of 76 people - that's over $50,000 a person.
(5) What is the liability and responsibility of the property owner and why was this encampment was allowed to grow rather than stop it when it was at 5 or 6 people.
(6) Who will be doing the environmental clean-up (garbage and human feces) and how much will that cost?
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(7) There have been a total of 5 recent fires – the 3 big ones and 2 smaller ones at the homeless encampment located in Oxnard Dunes.
(8) There have also been concerns about the toxic fumes from their burning of tires and other garbage affecting people as far as Silverstrand.
(9) The occupants of the encampment have also exhibited threatening behavior to police and fire fighters.
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While this meeting is a result of the concerns of Oxnard Shores and Oxnard Dunes communities, all members of the public are invited to attend.
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Please send your specific questions and concerns to info@oxnardshoresnc.com or fill out the form below to make sure your specific concerns are addressed in the presentation. There will also be a live Q & A for residents during this important meeting.
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This is a joint meeting brought to you by Oxnard Shores Neighborhood Council and the Oxnard Dunes Neighborhood Council being hosted by the City of Oxnard. We will ask that it be recorded for those unable to attend.
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QUESTIONS FROM THE PUBLIC SUBMITTED FOR 12/21/2023 MEETING
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1. To me the last place a person who has become homeless due to unfortunate economic circumstances would want to be is in one of these encampments. If, for instance, a person is evicted from their apartment, maybe because the rent went up, and comes to your navigation center. Is there a place to house them immediately that is covered within the current operating budget for the city for homeless services?
2. There has been a lot of talk about grants being necessary to deal with the homelessness problems. What are the funds available in the city's operating budget to cover homelessness without grants? There is little flexibility in dealing with this issue if we need to apply for a grant to provide services.
a. How long does it take to apply and receive a grant?
b. Is the City guaranteed of being approved?
3. For the city attorney. Property owners are liable for hazards that are on their property and for the cost of mitigating those hazards. Why hasn't the city sued the property owner for the cost of putting out the fires, removal of the homeless and the cleanup of the area?
4. What are the percentages of those in the homeless population suffering from mental illness and drug addiction?
a. How does the city process those who are mentally ill and what are the facilities and services provided to the city.
b. Similarly, how are those addicted to drugs handled? Are they housed with no obligation to detox?
5. What plans does the city have to quickly transition people from encampments to temporary housing. Where would this temporary housing be located, and what would be the cost?
6. Vianey Lopez, Supervisor, said the funds had been distributed to the City and that the City first applied the funds to another area in Oxnard. She stated the river area was next. That was 30 days ago. What is the cause of the delay? One fire and the cost of property insurance will escalate. When will this be fixed – and why does it take so long?
7. Many Firefighters have been injured at these encampments. They dig large holes dug for latrines that are not filled in and in the dark many Firefighters are suffering horrible knee and ankle injuries! These injuries cost the city hundreds of thousands in medical costs as well as Overtime at 1 1/2 pay and paying the injured employees. As a 40 year resident our property is not safe after dark! The homeless camp off fifth street, the ones along harbor and Oceanaire are a constant problem! The fences need to be secured after they are vandalized! The city council needs a no camping law and enforce it.
a. Is the City enforcing laws against the homeless? The City of LA has many laws in effect and part of their homeless problem is that in the past, they have not enforced those laws and are suffering the consequences now.
b. Do you think we have adequate homelessness laws? And is the Chief of Police willing to enforce those laws on behalf of the citizens and also on behalf of our valued police and fire force?
8. We were told that the property owner was notified of the encampment and did nothing
a. When was he notified – what month?
b. What did he do in response?
c. We were told he didn’t respond, what did the City do – i.e., take legal action, lien the property, what specifically did the city do?
d. Does the City consider the owner the responsible party?
9. We were told that the City will be doing the hazardous waste cleanup – will the owner be billed for that clean up and the cost of the fire?
10. What was the costs of the five fires in a two month period at this encampment?
11. What is the cost of Emilio and his department making weekly trips to the encampment?
12. HOW WAS THIS ENCAMPMENT ALLOWED TO GROW FROM 5 OR 6 PEOPLE TO 76? When did the city take notice?
a. How can the neighborhoods respond or assist in identifying these encampments?
b. At what point does the city get involved on private property, when there are 5 people, 10, when?
13. WHY DOES IT TAKE SO LONG TO PROCESS THE HOMELESS OCCUPANTS – why not pull 10 to 15 a day and process them? From Emilio’s meeting, it seemed like they process 1 or 2 at a time.
a. How do you process them, what are the steps?
14. Everyone knows from actual conversations with fire fighters or their families that fire fighters were confronted with some say machetes, others say shovels. Were those people arrested? Did they stay in jail? How many arrests?
a. How many of the 76 in this encampment have police records.
b. How many are pedophiles?
c. Do you even know everyone’s identity?
15. If these people are willing to attack police, the community is fearful of taking walks at night – what do the police say about that? Are we safe as we have always felt in our community or should we be fearful?
16. Are there children living there? If so, how can that be, does children’s protection services get involved?
17. Does the City receiving funding for each homeless person that they can account for? People are worrying that there may be a conflict of interest in that like the school system where they get funding for each body that shows up, that it may be in the City’s best interest to have higher numbers of homeless? Please don’t be insulted by the question, we just want honest dialogue and answers.
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