Vista’s Homeless Outreach Team provided temporary housing resources and services to the unsheltered population before, during and after Caltrans removed trash and debris and the homeless encampments on the freeway eastbound Sycamore exit ramp, west and eastbound Vista Village Drive, and right and left side of the westbound Emerald entrance ramp along the freeway ramps and areas along Emerald, Sycamore and Vista Village Drive.
September 27, 2021 8:05 AM
The City’s Homeless Outreach Team reached out to the unsheltered last week to provide resources to individuals as the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) began the removal of encampments on their property around the east and westbound Vista Village Drive bridges. Homeless encampment abatement and cleanup services located on state property (freeway exit/entrance ramps, above and under bridges, and near Highway 78) are managed and directed by Caltrans.
Caltrans crews removed trash and debris, as well as graffiti on the eastbound side on Friday, September 24. However, due to the amount of debris and size of the encampment on the westbound side, Caltrans will return at a later date to continue the work. To meet the State of California’s legal noticing requirements, Caltrans must post another abatement notice 72-hours in advance of their next removal process, before the cleanup takes place. The City’s Outreach Team will continue to visit the remaining encampments, offering services and resources to the unhoused persons at the encampment sites.
The City of Vista is responsible for encampments on city-owned properties and right of ways. The City’s ultimate goal is to keep the road right of way, waterways, and parks and public spaces free of trash, debris, and related impacts associated with encampments – in order to protect the environment, provide safe use of public areas, and reduce the potential for exposure to unhealthy conditions. The City’s comprehensive outreach program has an ultimate goal of identifying permanent housing solutions for individuals experiencing homelessness.
Concerns associated with encampments in Vista are:
The encampments have a negative impact on the quality of life for the City’s residents (both housed and un-housed) by creating safety concerns and degrading the environment;
The encampments degrade the built and natural environment on both a short-and long term basis;
The unsheltered persons are exposed to conditions that are unhealthy, dangerous, and inhumane.
While progress is being made, the work will continue. Caltrans is aware of the encampments located on state property under the highway overpasses and near freeway exit and entry ramps. The encampments have grown during the pandemic, and many are full of discarded furniture, mattresses, and other trash. Caltrans is aware of the encampments located on westbound Emerald Drive and Sycamore Avenue and will be addressing these in the coming weeks.
