CA city’s new law clamps down on homeless as advocate admits ‘frustration’ justified

Frustration over the escalating homeless crisis in California has led the city of Fremont to impose a strict ban on camping on public property. The Fremont City Council voted in favor of the ordinance, which includes penalties such as fines or jail time for those involved in homeless encampments.

While some activists argue that the ordinance criminalizes homelessness, others, like Tom Wolf of the nonprofit Pacific Alliance for Prevention and Recovery, see it as a necessary step to address the behaviors associated with drug addiction and homelessness. Wolf, who was once homeless and struggled with addiction himself, believes that the ordinance targets the behaviors of individuals rather than their homelessness.

The ordinance prohibits camping on any public property, including streets, sidewalks, parks, and waterways. Those found causing, permitting, aiding, abetting, or concealing encampments may face misdemeanor charges, fines, or jail time. The city council’s decision reflects a bipartisan conclusion that camping in public spaces perpetuates homelessness rather than solving the issue.

The Harm Reduction model, which focuses on preventing overdoses and infections rather than addressing drug addiction, has been criticized by Wolf. He believes that providing services like substance abuse treatment and housing is essential to helping homeless individuals overcome addiction and find stability.

The 2024 Point-in-Time Count showed a 21% decrease in Fremont’s homeless population, but the issue remains prevalent in California, which has the highest number of unsheltered homeless individuals in the nation. The ongoing 2025 count will provide updated data on the state’s homeless population.

The purpose of the ordinance is to maintain public spaces in a clean and accessible condition while protecting the health and safety of the community. Camping without consent interferes with the intended use of public areas and can pose public health and safety hazards.

Cities like Washougal, Washington, have also implemented anti-camping restrictions, following the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling that local governments have the authority to ban camping on public property. The decision sets a precedent for other municipalities to address homeless encampments and work towards solutions to the homelessness crisis.

Overall, the ban on camping in Fremont reflects a growing frustration with the homeless crisis and the need for proactive measures to address the issue. By targeting behaviors associated with drug addiction and homelessness, the city hopes to improve the quality of life for all residents and create safer, cleaner public spaces.