Again and watch out for the flying toilets. This whole " homeless" thing is completely out of control. The need to start dealing with these self medicating vagrants and get them off the streets, parks and all public property.

Really Oakland, is this acceptable? I don't care how u do it, CLEAN THESE PEOPLE UP. ARE THEY THE EXCEPTION TO THE LAWS OR IS IT JUST OVERWHELMING TO DEAL WITH?

Clean up the filthy restrooms in Chinatown restaurants so that the homeless can use them without contracting vile diseases. Charge pedestrians a toll to cross under the freeway, and use the money to install public showers onsite. What goes around comes around.

I've been on both sides of this divide. I've lived on the streets, and now I own a condo in the area. I don't want these guys on my property -- but therefore, maybe that's one of the things public property is for.

What else do you propose to do -- tell these people how to live? Yes, when they get hostile -- but not merely because you disapprove of their lifestyle or find it "unacceptable." That attitude is simply totalitarian.

These aren't your children, and they aren't dirt to be "cleaned up." They're human beings, which makes the solution a lot less obvious and simple than it might appear.

Parasitism Patrol no one said they weren't human beings but if they want to live on the streets than they need to do it in a place where they don't obstruct others. Public sidewalks weren't made for camping on. I agree with the restroom idea, but until that happens they don't need to use other people's property to do it on. You can't help those who don't want it but they need to follow rules like everyone else. Most know exactly what they r doing.

simplyblu, are you truly complaining merely about these people obstructing the sidewalk, or do you want them out of sight (or, if possible, not to exist)? Those are two (or perhaps three) very different issues. As it is, I see the encampment mostly in the wooded area beside the entrance to the Webster Tube, and under the freeway, where it's not obstructing a sidewalk. As I've said, they shouldn't be allowed to get away with being hostile or belligerent -- but that's a two-way street. It doesn't justify objecting to their mere presence in such areas as intimidating.

Note David Coleman's comment, "We need to start dealing with these self medicating vagrants and get them off the streets, parks and all public property." ALL public property? Really? Maybe we should dedicate certain areas as available for camping, and provide appropriate sanitation -- and demand that they make appropriate use of the facilities.

Let me clarify my position further. Yes, I live in a nice condo, but I'm also old enough (65) to have fond memories of the hippie era. I'm also a history buff, and I look more kindly on those who lived in hobo jungles than I do on the Pinkertons whose job it was to harass and brutalize them.

I been on the rocks too. I have lived in Oakland 25 years and several that I have tried to help have been on the street longer than that. I have been advocating for just that a big happy playground and let the city run it and clean it. This is a perfect place for social services as well put them mobile offices. I have cleaned up hundred of pounds of the crap they leave behind and to many flying toilets to count. My view is they cannot take care of them selves. Find a big lot and detox the ones that want help.

Parasite patrol, according to this report it was blocking the sidewalk. I've said over several times that a huge lot with washroom areas is what the homeless need. I too lived in the hippie era and me and my husband were homeless 16 years ago. The only difference is, is that we both had a job and weren't self medicating and now live in a nice home. A solution is needed to this problem even if one doesn't work, than try another one. Doing nothing is not the answer.

It seems we may be (somewhat) on the same page -- at least more than I first thought. Has either of you guys spoken with any city officials about taking an alternative approach of the sort we've discussed here?

I do have one quibble.

Looking at the photo, the sidewalk in question appears to be on the same side of Webster as the tunnel entrance.

Any pedestrian in their right mind crossing under the freeway would be using the sidewalk on the other side of the street to avoid cars speeding into the tunnel (or jaywalking) where the street splits and the sidewalk dead-ends. In effect, that sidewalk is effectively an isolated cul-de-sac. (Frankly, Broadway or Harrison are far better-designed for walking, encampment or not.)

If anything, the people staying at that encampment have chosen a spot that's relatively unobtrusive and out-of-the-way. Is this really a problem with obstruction, or is that a pretext for disapproval of these people's lives?

As for "flying toilets"? Do tell -- unless one has to be self-medicated to see those! ;-)

The City of Oakland Public Works Department has referred this issue to CALTRANS TRAFFIC,. Please contact that department to follow-up (see "Other Helpful Links" at http://www2.oaklandnet.com/Government/o/PWA/Connect/ReportaProblem/index.htm#Links).

Here are some important City of Oakland contact points:
* Abandoned Autos: 510-777-8622 (abandoned vehicles on public street after 3 days)
* Animal Control: 510-535-5602 (live animals) or 510-535-4888 (dead animals)
* Code Enforcement: 510-238-3381 (blighted private properties, deteriorated buildings, inoperable vehicles on private property)
* Drug Hotline: 510-238-3784 (tips) or 510-777-3211 (in progress)
* Parking Citations: 800-500-6484 (parking citation assistance center, pay or appeal a citation) or 510-238-3099 (enforcement)
* Prostitution Hotline: 510-238-2373 (tips) or 510-777-3211 (in progress)

Thank you.

Elderly Chinese have to walk in the streets to go from their cars to Chinatown to shop. Blocked sidewalk is an ADA lawsuit waiting to happen. Heavily trafficked sidewalks must remain clear especially for the visually impaired, wheelchairs, and strollers.

Parasite patrol: I agree that there's a need for a dedicated campground, but that means the campers don't get to choose the neighborhood where they'll set up camp. Real estate (or land use, if you prefer) is about location, location, location. Convenience and visibility come at a price -- and people work hard and strive to attain them. Then, too, there's the issue of clean streets.

This is a nomadic population; those tents represent a decision -- a significant, conscious investment in a lifestyle. Sometime, somewhere, someone became convinced that tent-on-sidewalk is an acceptable or viable form of shelter. How did this become widely accepted as a manifestation of "homelessness," or a civil liberties question? Again, this is a simple matter of zoning or land-use.

Yes, these are people, not "garbage." However, that means they have agency and volition, and can be held accountable for the impact their lives have on others'.