In October 2021, Kern County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to set a hearing for a new ordinance that would make it illegal for individuals to camp and store belongings in many public areas.
The ordinance that was proposed would ban encampments in public spaces, within 500 feet of schools and libraries, and 10 feet on sidewalks near residential homes. The ordinance would also prohibit the placement of personal property public areas such as sidewalks, streets, alleys, doorways, entrances to buildings, public parking lots, parks, underpasses, riverbeds, bike paths, and open spaces.
Upon the removal of any encampments, law enforcement would be allowed to collect any removed personal property for 90 days.
Kern Sol News was able to speak with some Kern County residents that are experiencing homelessness to get their opinions on the proposed ordinance, find out what types of necessities are needed for individuals experiencing homelessness, and to shed light on their troubles with Kern County homeless shelters.
Q: What are some important needs during this time?
A: A shelter, stability, natural order. Somewhere to sleep at night.
Jehova (22)
A: Food, we hustle everyday to get money so eating is number 1. Number 2 is shelter, they kicked us out of our old spots around the corner so we can’t stay there anymore.
Daren R Armes Sr. (56)
A: Food, shelter, everything.
Anonymous (50)
Q: Have you heard about the Kern County Board of Supervisors decision to hear a proposal for an ordinance that will make it illegal to camp on public property and within 500 feet of public schools or libraries?
A: So they are making it illegal to stay at a spot? They are restricting freedom.
Jehova (22)
A: Yes, I think it’s ridiculous. I had a business before being homeless and now I’m going to be a criminal?
Daren R Armes Sr. (56)
A: It should not be set, it is inhumane.
Anonymous (50)
Q: What has kept you away from a shelter?
A: I don’t like how controlling they are. They get crowded too and with all this stuff going around, I shouldn’t be near it.
Jehova (22)
A: A bunch of people in one spot. They call them concentration camps. I know they aren’t but that’s what some people say. Also, they don’t let pets, well some shelters say they do but ones we went to didn’t let us.
Daren R Armes Sr. (56)
A: My criminal record. And we want to stay together.
Anonymous (50)
Q: What message would you send local decision makers?
A: I see a very difficult way to live.
Jehova (22)
A: Come out here, stay with me for a week. Let me show you, because the way they treat us isn’t how people should be treated.
Daren R Armes Sr. (56)
A: I don’t know, why would they help me?
Anonymous (50)
The ordinance will be considered during the Kern County Board of Supervisors 9 a.m. meeting on November 9, 2021.
