ESCONDIDO, Calif. — A homeless encampment known as "The Jungle" along Escondido Creek in Escondido was cleared Monday, displacing dozens of people.
Escondido police made contact with 52 individuals, and 36 indicated they would accept available resources, according to police. City leaders confirm five accepted a shelter bed.
By unanimous vote Monday evening, city leaders declared a local emergency due to unsafe levels of bacteria in the creek, believed to be caused by human waste and trash.
A recent water quality test conducted by the city showed elevated bacteria populations that include the following:
- Coliform bacteria populations two to three times higher than generally acceptable standards for safe and sanitary human contact, with Enterococcus bacteria levels generally seven to 14 higher than acceptable standards for human contact. One location near an encampment showed an Enterococcus population over 23 time the acceptable standard;
- Both Coliform and Enterococci are typically used as so-called "indicator" bacteria whose presence is indicative of the overall bacteria population;
- The presence of trash and human waste, coupled with the bacteria populations, indicate both harm to the waterway and an unsafe human living condition.
CBS 8 has been 'Working for You' on this for weeks, asking local leaders how they will address the concerns.
The city plans to clear the debris, a process estimated to take at least a week, followed by constructing a fence to prevent future encampments.
Some encampment residents expressed concerns about leaving their pets behind; others voiced frustration over the lack of shelter beds.
Escondido has only 15 homeless shelter beds, according to the executive director of Interfaith Community Services.
The organization focuses on connecting individuals with critical services, such as storage for personal belongings, showers, food, medical care, job assistance, and housing.