Chico set to resume targeting camping

CHICO >> The city of Chico announced on Thursday afternoon that it will resume its enforcement of anti-camping ordinances starting Thursday, Oct. 13.

The city also said those initial efforts will focus on Humboldt Park in what it calls the Windchime area.

According to the city, its Outreach and Engagement personnel will continue to process “reasonable accommodation” requests but will not be required to follow procedures that could substantially delay this enforcement operation.

Those teams will begin to start using property abandonment forms that will be modified to inform homeless people that they may ask the city to temporarily store property that they are unable to take into a shelter, the city said.

But the city said that it will not be obligated to store property that presents a health or safety risk, that is infested, is evidence of a crime or contraband, or that is garbage. The city also said that it may dispose of property that is not reclaimed in a timely manner.

“We look forward to resuming efforts to clear the tons of trash, debris and hazardous materials from city parks, greenways and waterways.” Chico City Manager Mark Sorensen said in a statement. “As a result of the enforcement being allowed to resume local residents will appreciate a reduction in the neighborhood disturbances they have experienced.”

Erik Gustafson, Chico’s director of Public Works, added that his department is ready to resume enforcement and restore Chico’s public spaces to the community’s desired condition.

“It’s important to not only restore our public spaces, but also to get those experiencing homelessness into a better living situation,” Gustafson said.