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SACRAMENTO (KOGO) - Some state lawmakers are working on a bill to make it easier for local governments to remove homeless encampments from rivers and open spaces.
The Assembly bill would consider river trails and parkways like the San Diego River as well as the Los Angeles River and the American River in Sacramento as special parklands. This new category would define river lands and open spaces and preserves as areas needing extra protection due to high wildfire risk or environmental degradation and because of the unique and valuable environmental, agricultural, educational and recreational resources.
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The special designation would make it easier for cities and county governments to remove homeless encampments from these areas after a 2018 federal appeals court ruling said cities can't enforce anti-camping laws if there's not enough shelter bed space available.