Salinas homeless advocates pack city hall to stop Chinatown clean-up

It’s the largest homeless encampment in Salinas. Chinatown is home to about 300 homeless people; that’s more than the community of Moss Landing.

“We have to clean the streets, that’s just the way it is,” said Don Reynolds, assistant public works director.

City leaders said in recent years the area has become a hotbed for crime and drugs. In an effort to change that, a major clean-up will start at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday.

“We are not in a hurry to do this. We are bringing a small crew and first the effort is to help,” said Reynolds.

Before removing structures like tents, city leaders said crews will work with the homeless to move and store their property. They city has a piece of land where Chinatown homeless can store their stuff for up to 90 days.

The plan is to start on Market Way and circle around to Soledad Street. An outside contractor has also been hired to help pick up stuff like needles and trash.

But not everyone is on board with the city’s plans.

“It’s sad. It’s emotionally, psychologically sad. I’m appalled,” said Douglas Dunn, a Salinas homeless advocate.

Community members like Dunn voiced their concern at Tuesday’s council meeting.

“This is a despicable ordinance, a despicable law. This should have never been passed. Where is the compassion in this city?” said Dunn.

City leaders said they’ve worked with several non-profits to help the homeless find a new place to live.

“We are going about this as compassionately as we can. We’ve done this for years. It’s a very traumatic situation, it’s something that nobody enjoys doing but it needs to be done,” said Reynolds.

City leaders said the cleanup should take about two weeks.