God forbid people try to store the things that are precious to them, even though they have the audacity to be poor.

I recognize that encampments such as these present public safety problems, insofar as trash accumulation can create fire hazards and other unsafe conditions. It's my understanding that the City of Oakland has been performing "deep cleanings" of other encampments in the city, and I applaud this. But I also think it is imperative that the residents of Rockridge, a wealthy and powerful bunch, not compel the city to evict the residents of this encampment.

Perhaps regular trash pickup service to these encampments would ameliorate the safety problems. Or - perhaps - if we provided enough affordable housing, we wouldn't have these encampments to begin with.

Something to consider. Oakland spends about $64,000 per homeless person per year providing services. The Oakland Housing Authority could house all these people AND provide them services, all for $19,000 per person per year. Could smart investment in government capacity have a role to play in sustainably and humanely solving the problem of homelessness in Oakland??