Long Beach has begun enforcing its anti-camping laws. City officials say they are emphasizing compassion in the sweeps, but police say they won't hesitate to issue fines and citations if needed.
In a small, oil-stained alley in Long Beach, under a yellow bedsheet tied to a chain-link fence, Fernando Gonzalez sat cross-legged, fighting off sleep amid the summer heat. Until recently, the 55-year-old had been living with about a dozen homeless people at Gumbiner Park, a tiny green space nearby, across from the Museum of Latin American Art.
At least 6,995 units were expected to be built over the last three years, but the city fell short of that goal by 31%, state data show. The city also needs about 885 more shelter beds for its 2,455 unsheltered people, according to city records. Chandler said the city had 1,300 beds and planned to add 277 in the near future, some of which will be provided to couples. Still, city officials acknowledge the shortage underscores a need for a compassionate approach.
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