TRESEDER OPPOSES SOLUTION TO HOMELESSNESS IN IRVINE

The Irvine City Council has approved an ordinance to prohibit unauthorized camping on public and private land, aiming to address growing safety and public health concerns tied to homeless encampments. However, Councilmember Kathleen Treseder was the sole vote against the measure, drawing criticism for prioritizing city staff perspectives over the immediate concerns of residents.

The ordinance, introduced at the Council’s November 12th meeting, responds to a surge in homelessness-related incidents cited by Irvine Police Department (IPD) Commander Dave Klug. These incidents include sanitation risks, safety threats, and a major encampment fire that caused significant damage to a freeway overpass. The measure also aligns with the city’s broader strategy to address homelessness, including plans for “bridge” housing and social services infrastructure.

Treseder opposed the ordinance, citing the city’s recent failure to acquire property for bridge housing in a hastily put together deal that had the City enriching a developer by over $4 million dollars.. However, critics argue her stance ignores residents' urgent demands for safer public spaces and a response to the visible impacts of encampments.

Residents have increasingly expressed frustration with the city’s slow action on homelessness, particularly following community backlash that halted the bridge housing project. Treseder’s dissent was seen by some as siding with city staff’s emphasis on long-term solutions over addressing immediate safety and quality-of-life concerns for Irvine families.

The ordinance strengthens existing rules that prohibit overnight sleeping in public spaces and allows for the removal of encampments with 24-hour notice. Personal belongings confiscated during these removals will be stored for 90 days, ensuring individuals have an opportunity to reclaim them.

Mayor Farrah Khan, who voted for the ordinance, emphasized the need to strike a balance. “Our goal isn’t to target our unsheltered. It is to maintain the safety of our community while providing them with the resources they need,” Khan said.

The measure passed 4-1, with a 120-day enforcement delay to allow the incoming Council to revisit it. Residents hope the delay will not further jeopardize efforts to reclaim public spaces and address encampments effectively.