Homeless camps to be cleaned up along Highway 101

Dozens of homeless living alongside Highway 101 in Salinas have been given 72 hours to clear out of their encampment.

Caltrans and the California Highway Patrol are scheduled to take down the camp on Thursday.

Some who live along the highway aren’t going quietly.

“The city’s chasing us around like we’re diseased rats. We’re human beings,” said Sabrina Bell, one of the homeless living in the camp.

“I dare the city council to come out and live like we do, haul your own water, and bathe out of a five-gallon bucket with cold water every day,” Bell said.

Bell is just one of many homeless people living in Salinas and Tuesday, she and her friends had to pick up their illegal encampments and move.

“We’ve worked all night long to get everything out of here. One camper abandoned everything he had,” said Bell.

The city said it conducts about seven to ten camp cleanups a week and whatever items get left behind are thrown away.

“Those who require camping on the streets on their own judgement are camping smaller and it makes it easier for them to move so that we can clean the streets. Unfortunately a lot of times they move back,” said Don Reynolds, Salinas Public Works Director.

City officials said when they do the clean ups, many of the homeless migrate closer to the highway 101.

“Typically, the right of way would be just beyond the shoulder of the highway. Depending on the highway, it can extend 15 to 45 feet,” said Jim Shivers of Caltrans.

Caltrans said the trash and debris from illegal encampments are hazardous not only for highway crews but the public, too. The location next to the busy highway also puts the homeless at risk should a car veer off and hit them.

“I don’t know where I’m going. I’m out of places to stay,” said Bell.

The city said it will open warming shelter next week which can hold 60 people.