S.J. Sheriff’s Office, agencies offer help to Lodi homeless during sweep

LODI — From afar, a still row of vineyards in northeast Lodi that shone in the morning sun appeared picturesque.

A short distance away through damp and muddy marshland, a blue tent appeared, with visible signs that someone lives there.

Follow the train tracks and various garbage and there is another camp, this one made entirely of tree branches. Further away, there’s another camp, and another.

While the large area of land that hugs the Mokelumne River just north of Turner Road is private property, it’s a popular spot for transients to settle.

Several deputies from the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office congregated on a surprisingly warm Friday to partner with social service agencies to offer help to those who need it most.

It was just one of numerous similar operations taking place at homeless camps across the county, Lt. Joe Petrino said. The sweep is aimed specifically at aiding transients and bringing the resources they may need.

While ultimately it’s up to the individual to continue seeking treatment, deputies making contact would much rather see someone get help than take them away in handcuffs, said Petrino.

“It’s not our job as law enforcement to always come out here and arrest people and continue the cycle of arresting them for trespassing ... getting into the jail system, getting out and getting rearrested for similar crimes,” he said.

These types of encampments also pose problems such as environmental health concerns — people using the river as their personal restroom — as well as being a haven for stolen property and pollution due to large amounts of garbage.

County law enforcement agencies take part in these sweeps every couple of weeks or so, Petrino said. It’s a joint effort with neighboring jurisdictions that also assist businesses that happen to be near encampments or walking routes that the homeless use to keep property secure and their customers and employees safe.

At least 40 businesses in the Stockton area have reportedly been forced to install electrified fencing to keep nightly intruders away.

Earlier in the year, homeless were moved from an established camp on Caltrans property west of Interstate 5 near West Anderson Street. Weeks later, several tents were back on the same property.

Along with the deputies were representatives from social services agencies cov- ering areas ranging from mental health, medical care, substance abuse, housing, as well as Veteran Affairs and the Salvation Army. Many transients would be arrested for simply trespassing, but Petrino said sweeps like the one on Friday were more about providing help.

“Hopefully they take it and can get back on their feet,” said Petrino.

Small campsites were seen dotted along the riverside hidden in brush. Trash could be everywhere, from discarded food wrappers and cardboard to a broken microwave, piles of dirty clothes and a mangled children’s doll. A Target shopping cart was half-submerged in a pond.

Near a stone overpass with train tracks, a man who appeared to be in his late 20s came out of a tent and dusted himself off.

He declined to speak, answering only that he had spoken to deputies earlier in the morning, before going back inside.

It’s unknown if the man had taken advantage of any of the resources offered.

Said Petrino: “They’re humans, too. They have rights.”