For decades, at least, the unhoused have sought refuge along the banks of the Tuolumne River. But recently, some have literally carved out places to call home.
The work put into creating the caves — makeshift tile flooring, recessed shelves and cubbies, a ventilated fireplace — indicates intended long-term occupancy.
But last month, the city cleared them out after giving notification for the homeless to leave the area. Now the man-made caves, vacant when The Bee visited them last week, raise questions about the structural integrity of the trail above them and of the safety of those who stay in them.
They are carved out of the silt of the steep, nearly vertical embankments of the river near Crater Avenue in southwest Modesto. They are tall enough to stand in, and one cave has separate rooms: a larger area with the floor tiles and cubbies, then another, smaller room with body-size cutouts for sleeping and the fireplace. Some of the walls are painted and decorated with hand-drawn hearts and other art. The Bee has yet to learn the identities of the builders.