BAKERSFIELD, Calif. ( KGET ) — The U.S. Supreme Court recently upheld a ban on homeless encampments.
Vice Mayor Andrae Gonzales and Bakersfield Ward 2 Councilmember said, “This ruling does not add additional emergency shelter beds and does not add any additional jail beds. This ruling does not provide any mental health beds.”
Gonzales said Bakersfield has had a rapid response team for years that specializes in breaking up encampments.
“The plan is what the plan has been,” said Gonzales. “That they continue to go out, cite the property and clean up the site.”
Friday morning an encampment off Golden State Avenue and Q Street was cleared away.
Homeless resident Adrianna Magpali was forced to move.
“They came and announced something on the microphone,” said Magpali. “Told us we had to get up and move out of the spot, or we’re going to get arrested. They haven’t come back since.”
Magpali said she has been homeless for nine years after her mom kicked her out and her dad died.
“I’ve been in and off the streets, in and off the streets,” said Magpali. “I love the streets. For me it’s home.”