San Clemente residents cheer as homeless people leave North Beach

SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. (KABC) – The people of San Clemente were eager to see what they call increasing danger for safety and health when leaving North Beach.

Locals Lisa Edone and Gene James have seen trucks and vans with the city of San Clemente hunt the homeless and their belongings from the parking lot.

"It's an important first step, but it's only a small step," said Edone.

"It's a horror and these citizens are tired of it," James said.

San Clemente's city director said last fall that residents have complained that homeless people are setting up camp here.

"People can not take their children to the beach anymore, we are afraid because we do not want to walk with syringes, there is faeces, there is blood, there are rats," said Edone. .

A man who asked to be identified solely as Jim said that he had installed his tent here because he knew he would not be quoted.

"The only reason we're here is not to buy intrusion tickets, trust me, we do not want to be here more than anyone would want to see us here," Jim said.

Another homeless person who passes near Nick said that he was a veteran of the Navy and that it was obvious that he was not welcome here since since the month Last, people have "burned a hole in my umbrella, part of my camp, they drove us throwing things like eggs at the big washers, there is a lot of hatred in this community and it's not good. . "

A new emergency ordinance passed this week by the city allowed the creation of a designated campsite two blocks away from security, running water and bathrooms. Now members of the Orange County Sheriff's Office can apply the no-camping rule to North Beach.

Staff from the Orange County Health Agency were on hand Friday to contact people who camped individually to assess their situation. They wanted to know if these people were suffering from mental illness and what kind of help they needed.

Steven Gustafson is happy to have another place to go.

"I'm so happy to get out of this parking lot – I do not want to be here – it's a good place to go in. As far as I'm concerned, it's the best thing I can do." wait, "said Gustafson. .

A spokesman for the Orange County Sheriff's Department said they had counted about 10 people camping in the area and hoped they would voluntarily comply with the city's code so that deputy ministers would not to take coercive measures.