The
Police Department
initiated a collaborative effort with Parks & Recreation and Public
Works
to eradicate illegal campsite locations throughout the city. Continued
concerns over fire danger, public safety, environmental destruction and
poor sanitation have been the focus of the effort. Many of the illegal
campsites have become hideouts for criminal activity.
In the fifth week of this project, officers noted a marked improvement in a number of areas along the levee. In addition, the number of calls to the hotline has decreased. In week five the
following was accomplished:
- 47 Citations Issued
- 20 Arrests
- 19 Campsites Identified and Posted With Warnings to Vacate
The totals for the first 5 weeks of the program are:
- 245 Citations issued
- 90 Arrests
- 134 Campsites Identified and Posted With Warnings to Vacate
- 42 Campsites Cleaned
The “posted” campsites have
been scheduled for later cleanup.
We have received a number
of tips from our Illegal Campsite Hotline. Community members are encouraged to
report illegal campsite locations in the City of Santa Cruz. Call (831) 420-5892.
