Some more on the group of unhoused families that today reclaimed vacant, state-owned property from Caltrans in Los Angeles: here are excerpts from a letter they delivered to Gov. Gavin Newsom at 6am this morning:
"We ask that you quickly call Caltrans... to direct them not to use violence or arrest to resolve this homeless issue."
"Over the last 30 years, Caltrans has preferred to follow an unwritten policy of depopulating the corridor... this State Agency would rather have empty houses than tenants that are too much trouble because they demand their rights."
"Over 200 out of 500 original rentals are now empty. This particular State Agency has been part of creating the housing crisis that we now find ourselves in."
"We, Reclaimers, further demand that all unused & empty State, County, City, & School District buildings and properties be immediately used to house the thousands of unhoused individuals and families... the public is safer if people have the ability to self-quarantine in a home."
"We ask that you, as Governor, direct Caltrans to allow the new families to immediately turn on all their utilities."
"The Reclaimers have broad support from a community that has been mistreated by Caltrans for nearly 50 years."
"The Reclaimers have broad support from a community that has been mistreated by Caltrans for nearly 50 years."
