In the next few days, more than 100 homeless people who live near the San Jose airport will be kicked out. The camp will be taken down by the City of San Jose on Tuesday.
Supporters of people without homes protested the sweep this afternoon, saying that the city is forcing people to leave their homes without giving them a place to stay.
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That’s one of the city’s main concerns, which is another reason why they plan to clean up this group of people next week.
This room is very clean thanks to Nicole Jackson’s hard work. She says that the City of San Jose has complained about the trash around the camp in Columbus Park, which is close to the airport.
The person who made this garbage pile said, “I’m trying to throw away trash.”
Even though she is busy, she is one of many people who may have to leave this camp next week.
KRON4 reports that another reason is that the smoke from the campfire and the birds that come to the area are a threat to planes taking off and arriving at San Jose International Airport.
City officials have been putting up these flyers telling people that they need to leave this part of the camp by Tuesday or be kicked out.
As Jackson put it, “it’s unfair because the government was set up to help the weak.”
Twelve people spoke out against the sweep on Friday afternoon. Supporters say that Matt Mahan, the mayor of San Jose, is not keeping his word.
Advocates say he has long been against clearing out camps unless the people who live there have somewhere else to go. That’s not true for the people in this camp.
A drone caught the San Francisco “bipping” crew in the act.
Carwright, who works to help people who don’t have homes, says that more sweeps will send people to the neighborhoods and away from downtown. Cartwright wants the city to change its mind about its plans.
“It looks like the mayor’s view has changed,” Cartwright said. People will clutch their pearls and say, “Oh my god, how did this happen?” when they show up in a private area. Talk to the mayor.
The office of Mayor Matt Mahan told KRON4 that this particular camp has given people too many safety risks.
“The FAA tells us to keep some areas around Columbus Park clear because it’s in the flight path for airport flights…” Mahan said, “We just don’t have enough space right now for the over 4,500 people who are living outside.”
If no one moves, this sweep will happen early Tuesday morning. Still, some people may not have their RVs or tents. Because that day is expected to be very hot (mid- to high-90s), advocates tell KRON4 they are afraid this will hurt someone.