Homeless cannot camp or cook anywhere in T.O.
By Nancy Needham nancy@theacorn.com

Homeless people are no longer allowed to store their property or cook in encampments on private or public property in Thousand Oaks.

An ordinance passed 5-0 at the Nov. 27 City Council meeting protecting places that include strip malls, shopping centers, business complexes, bike and pedestrian paths, street overpasses and sidewalks from homeless encampments.

A city staff report said Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency rangers and other officials have discovered unlawful encampments with elaborate structures and tents in open space. Evidence of dangerous campfires have also been found in these areas.

People sometimes are discovered lying out in sleeping bags or with blankets, surrounded by other possessions near service facilities that serve the homeless. They've also been found camping near stores that sell alcoholic beverages. The camps quickly accumulate trash. Unsanitary conditions due to public urination and defecation in these sites is also a concern, the report said.

"The police face unsightly, unsanitary camps on a daily basis," Ventura County Sheriff's Department spokesperson Capt. Jerry Hernandez said after the council meeting.

According to the city report, police have received an increasing number of calls for service in camps in an area of several blocks bordered by Moorpark Road on the west side, Hillcrest Drive on the north side, Hodencamp Road on the east side and Thousand Oaks Boulevard on the south side.

Shower, laundry and mail services provided by Lutheran Social Services on Hillcrest Drive are said to attract transients to the area.

"They do not just come here for us; there is also the free clinic, Senior Concerns Thrift Store and the Social Security office upstairs- but if they did not come here for showers and laundry, where would they go?" asked Diana Ortuno, Lutheran Social Services program director.

She said her organization has been working with the city and the police department. The homeless people they serve are now limited to using their facilities from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and no longer come by on weekends.

"We do not want to cause any harm or grief to people, but we must keep the kids and people nearby safe.

"There is crime associated with encampments," Hernandez said.

The ordinance is expected to assist in reducing structural and brush fires, keep the city clean and maintain public health, the report said.

Officers will be able to remove personal items unlawfully stored or found.

A sign will be posted, and property not removed within at least seven days from the posting will be removed by authorities.

People will have 90 days to claim personal effects such as medication or eyeglasses.