Controversy over Oakland unhoused encampment abatement proposal: Here's what both sides say

OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- Advocates gathered at Oakland's City Hall on Monday to oppose Councilmember Ken Houston's new encampment abatement proposal.

"Councilmember Ken Houston's legislation is a performative false solution," said Nicole Deane, of Care for Community Action.

"We need to build housing, not tear the last of what someone calls that down," said Bry'ana Wallace, of Moms for Housing and an Oakland resident. "We need to build community, not break it apart."

The proposal would make it easier to ticket and tow occupied vehicles, including RVs.

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Councilmember Houston, District 7, broke it down for ABC7.

"We call it the encampment abatement policy, because all it is, we're not creating any new laws," Houston said. "We're not criminalizing anyone. All we're doing is following the current California vehicle code, and that's it, basically. And when they say we're not providing housing, we're providing every reasonable, every reasonable effort to provide housing. So all this false narrative out there is not correct."

Opponents disagree.

"We can't just keep taking their RVs, sweeping their tents, taking all their belongings and stuff, and leaving them on foot on the streets," said John Janosko, of Wood Street Commons. "That's a contradiction to what's really going on out there. There's no place for people to go."

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"I lived in one of these trailers for three years, and I also put myself in that position for about 14 days, living with the homeless on a different level," Councilmember Houston said.

"I know what it's like, but nonsense, is nonsense, and I was voted in by the people, and it's not, it's not an easy thing for me to do. It's not. But I was voted in by the people to do the job that I'm doing right now, and that is listen to them pass legislation in the best interests of the people, and that's what I'm going to do."

Mayor Barbara Lee said in a statement to ABC7 News on Monday:

"Homelessness remains one of Oakland's most urgent challenges and is one of my top priorities. We must protect community health and safety while preserving critical funding like HHAP and Measure W. Our Office of Homelessness Solutions is actively working with the City Council to implement proven strategies that address this crisis and support our unhoused residents."