Homeless Encampment Cleared from Santa Ana River Marsh in Orange County

Coordinated Cleanup Operation

• 🎯 A multi-agency effort is underway to clear a homeless encampment from the Santa Ana River Marsh in Newport Beach.
• 🛠️ Crews from county, city, and state agencies are removing trash, debris, and encampments from the sensitive habitat.
• ⏱️ The operation, involving heavy equipment and public works crews, is expected to be completed in a single day.

New Anti-Encampment Ordinance

• ⚖️ This cleanup is the first coordinated effort under a new county anti-encampment ordinance that allows enforcement without prior warnings, even if shelter beds are unavailable.
• 🤝 Outreach teams have been present, offering shelter, housing connections, and supportive services to individuals living in the marsh.

Challenges and Methods

• ⚠️ The dense terrain presents challenges for cleanup crews, who must navigate carefully through the habitat.
• 🔍 Law enforcement is utilizing drones to survey the area for individuals concealed within the brush.
• 🏠 Some individuals were found living in makeshift shelters, including caves concealed by cardboard.

Agencies Involved

• 🤝 Participating agencies include Public Works, the US Army Corps of Engineers, the City of Newport Beach, Costa Mesa Police, and the Orange County Sheriff's Department.
• 🌐 A blue tent is set up along the trail to connect homeless individuals with services.