SAN JOSE, Calif. — Despite pleas from advocates and encampment dwellers to postpone the clearing of Columbus Park, San Jose has begun its ambitious plan to sweep one of the city’s most prominent and longest-running homeless camps that city officials say has become a public safety hazard.
At last count, 309 people were living at the site — 196 males and 113 females — including 11 children and 108 pets.
But while concerns swirl about where displaced unhoused residents will go, including potentially into nearby neighborhoods, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan said none of the residents who have accepted shelter will be kicked out immediately and that the city will have enough interim housing available by the time the clearing is completed in 60 to 90 days…