BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — 17 News has been following developments over the last several months in a vacant field that had become a haven for the homeless in south Bakersfield. Now, dozens of homeless are gone, at least, for now.
A multi-agency city sweep stemming from weeks of planning was finally executed. The unhoused who resided in the field made up of more than 50 campsites knew the sweep was coming for at least a week, but no one can prepare when you have nowhere else to go.
“They’re comfortable, they have their shelter and needs here, but at the same time this is very much so private property,” said Lt. Nicole Anderberg, with the Bakersfield Police Department. “There are signs that there is no trespassing and so ultimately, it’s a violation of the law.”
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The few items some have to call their own, trashed.
“We get consent from them to get rid of what’s not immediately valuable to them, because you could imagine trying to haul all of that stuff throughout the city everywhere is challenging also,” said Steve Rodriguez, Supervisor for the City of Bakersfield Code Enforcement.