SAN DIEGO (NEWS 8) – Fiesta Island closes to the public at 10 p.m. And reopens at 4 a.m., but some people have been violating that rule - leading to five arrests on Friday morning.
A woman, who asked to remain anonymous, said she lives in her van with her dogs. She told News 8 she was warned by friends to keep a look out after they spotted several San Diego police officers arresting several homeless people.
“It’s really uncomfortable. He [the woman’s friend] said the police thought they had been camping and decided to take all their belongings,” said the woman.
Officers have arrested five people for camping illegally: three women and two men. According to police, one man was also busted for possession of a large amount of meth. The arrests come after authorities have received several complaints through the city’s Get It Done San Diego app and park rangers.
Authorities have also cleared out a lot of trash, surf boards and bikes. The Humane Society also came out and took a dog away. Park patrons said they have noticed a lot of homeless people not following the rules and illegally staying overnight.
One man told News 8 the homeless population is growing during the daytime hours and he is worried about leaving his personal belongings on shore while he is out in the water.
Another man told News 8 he does not mind if people stay at Fiesta Island.