OAKLAND, start doing something with the homeless. Quit the excuses and do something. A huge lot somewhere, facilities and social services in one area. A news report is needed to shame city leaders. Disgraceful that the city is allowing the homeless to ruin the city. If nothing else set up portable potties so the rest of us don't have to see them use the streets as the toilet.

I have a dog and live in the neighborhood. Early this morning I thought I might be attacked by a large dog coming out of the parking lot noted above. It did not happen and perhaps was not going to happen in all fairness. The dog certainly looked like it was going to attack (crouched, determined looking approach) but I have no way of knowing that would have happened. The dog made it about half way across the street toward me and my small dog. The owner heard me yell and called it back. So, no harm and kudos for having control, but it a sad state for the people, animals and community to have the encampment.

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.

Oakland moves at such a snails pace.

The 5th and Webster and 5th and Harrison area is now completely out of control. I am so sorry these people are homeless and live in these conditions. The CalTrans fencing removed them effectively from their property, but it only concentrated them in a tent city under the highway. I am listening to someone riffle through my recycling bin outside my door as I type. I can no longer safely walk my dog around the block at any hour of the day and certainly not after dark.

I witnessed a man working on or doing whatever to four or more bicycles in front of the Warehouse Bar & Grill's dumpster when I arrived home tonight. We need a real solution to make this a safer neighborhood. I have lived here over six years and this is the first time period that I am uncomfortable outside.

I don't know what Oakland is doing, but they need to start making rules where these encampments can and cannot be. They are intimidating, they are a health issue and a lot of illegal activity goes on, dirty needles, feces and for the Oakland mayor to keep allowing this near residential areas is unacceptable. They do it because they are being allowed to do as they please without consequences and they'll keep on until someone puts a stop to it. Just because they are homeless doesn't give them the right to be above the law. The mayor is not helping them by allowing them to do as they please. This has gone to far. Other cities are doing things, Oakland is not.

Well, the city came and cleaned up... and it was nice for a minute. But's it back to being trashed.

The City of Oakland is abdicating its responsibility to keep all of its citizens safe - homeless or not. The homeless camps are a health hazard. Can we please hear from a City representative in this forum?

Sure would be nice to hear from a city rep. My guess is they have no solutions.

It's getting really, really bad. Can someone please help with this? Stool on the sidewalks, loose pit bulls running around ... how is this not being addressed?

Because the Mayor is allowing it. When an encampment is allowed to stay in one area for a number of months , more likely than not someone is being told not to clean them up. We all get that the homeless need a place to sleep, but they are breaking the law. A public sidewalk is for the public, not tents, their dogs, their garbage, or anything else. Its a health issue, is that so hard?

Finally! The street tenants moved out yesterday, in mass. They must have found a new spot, or got pushed out by somebody, because they packed up all their things and rolled out. They left a huge pile of debris behind, but the city came and cleaned it all up... so we are finally back to what it looked like 6 months ago. I wonder where they all went? Probably just a block or two away, based on how much stuff they were moving and how tedious it must have been... and now they are probably making a big mess on a new street. No real solution here... the city just kicks the can down the road and waits for the next round of complaints.... ugh.

Thanks for fixing this issue!

Unless they were told or issued an order to stay away they come back or move close by. Oakland has no solutions, they are fueling the fire. Its mainly a health issue with the feces, the needles and Oakland doesn't get it.

By the way Thanks for fixing

Thanks for update. They usually move a few feet over, so unless they were told to stay away, you might see them again. Let's hope not, and Oakland city leaders need to come up with a solution. Until they do this is what all of taxpayers will pay for. We just have to keep reporting until the city gets it.