A notorious homeless encampment that has clogged up streets in Berkeley since at least 2023 may finally be cleared, after advocates fought in court to keep the sprawling camp in place.
The city of Berkeley on Tuesday began clearing the encampment, located at 8th and Harrison streets, with notices informing residents that tents, structures and other property must be removed.
Officials had declared the area a fire hazard and public nuisance following a deadly leptospirosis outbreak linked to rats. The leptospirosis outbreak infected at least two humans this summer, causing one death and one hospitalization.
Hundreds of rats can still be seen at the site, according to KTVU.
The encampment has been at the center of repeated legal battles and remains under the supervision of a federal court. A federal judge last week rejected an effort by homeless advocates to indefinitely delay the city’s plans to clear that camp, while ordering Berkeley to consider potential locations where some residents could relocate.
The ruling does require the city to provide special accommodations to disabled residents living at the site, such as providing storage for belongings or helping them move.
The Berkeley Homeless Union says advocates will be onsite to help residents find housing.
Individuals residing in vehicles will still be permitted to stay in their cars. According to the posted notices, anyone who refuses to leave the site may receive a citation or face arrest.
Residents of the encampment told ABC7 that the forced evictions have caused them anxiety.
“Where are we going to go? There’s really nowhere for us to go,” said resident Jacqueline Mendoza.
The Post reached out to the city to see if it decided on relocation options. In late August, homeless advocates and the city toured potential relocation options, including multiple vacant lots, but the two sides could not seemingly agree.
“The city doesn’t want to work with us. They’re just nitpicking about how much space people can have,” Berkeley Homeless Union cofounder Yesica Prado said then.
In a statement, Berkeley officials had said they remain committed to finding a solution that is “lawful, compassionate, practical, and focuses on safety and dignity of everyone involved.”
Business owners nearby told ABC7 that they’ve just been fed up with how long clearing the space has taken.
“It’s taking forever, and frankly it’s just gotten worse,” said Emily Winston, founder and CEO of nearby Boichik Bagels.
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