Unsheltered residents resist move
physical and mental health due to toxic air quality concerns.
The city won approval to move the camp this month, in part because an air sample test done in March did not support the camp’s claims of toxicity in the air. On Friday, camp residents were notified that they would have to leave by Tuesday.
On Monday evening, the residents of Camp Cormorant sent a letter to Sausalito city officials asking for a meeting on Tuesday evening where they could go over their demands — and wishes — for the park.
It appears no such meeting was granted.
Amid the controversy and confusion surrounding the move, the Sausalito Art Festival, which is held annually at Marinship Park, canceled the festival for the second year in a row. With the court fight over the encampment, organizers scrapped the event. The city, a number of nonprofits and the festival foundation will again miss out on millions in funds generated by the event.
Signs painted on pieces of plywood adorned the walls of the camp Tuesday, with slogans like “Love Will Win,” and “Stand Against violence.” Another said “Ø2 hours to relocate after six monthsAEz” — an issue that seemed to be a sticking point for many camp residents.
In a statement, Sausalito Mayor Jill Hoffman reiterated that the move would be done with care.
“We are making every effort to move in a manner that is safe, compassionate and respectful of individual and community needs,” she wrote.
By Øb30 a.m., more officers arrived at the scene along with the bulldozer. After a confrontation between Eggink and a police officer, Powelson stepped in. The 2Øyearold was arrested on three chargesb obstruction of justice, unlawful assembly and camping.
“They just want him out of the way because he rallies people,” uy Kelley, another parttime resident of the camp who also owns a ship and helps build housing for the homeless, said as he watched Powelson get handcuffed.
Jeff Chase, 59, another Camp Cormorant resident who was dressed headtotoe in red with rain boots, carried a megaphone he used to read Bible verses to police officers at the scene. Chase established the three small gardens at the camp, where they grow tomatoes, cilantro, mint and sunflowers — among other herbs and vegetables. He said that it was unlawful for the police to move the encampment, and emphasized that it was not voluntary.
“They said in the eviction order that they’d save our stuff,” Chase said. “But on the other hand, they have a bulldozer.”
By 10 a.m., police were tossing the handmade signs into giant dumpsters. At least 10 officers stationed themselves at corners of the encampment as crews brought in fences. Residents of the camp began to shout at them, chanting, “Shame on you, shame on blue.” They called the officers bullies, and asked to see warrants.
“What are you going to tell your kids you did todayAE Bullied poor peopleAE” one resident yelled.
As officers closed in on the tents, some residents began to pick up their things and leave. By 11b30 a.m., officers had started entering the tents that remained. Residents resisted, sitting or lying on the floor.
“Move peacefully or you will be arrested,” one officer yelled, as residents shouted back, “Don’t push me.” Those who refused to move were bodily escorted out by police.