4 months ago
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SAN MARCOS, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) -- Just weeks after the Supreme Court granted more power to local leaders over the ongoing homeless crisis, San Marcos has joined the growing list of communities with an encampment ban. Tuesday night, in a four to one decision, the city council voted to impose new restrictions on homeless encampments.
The annual Point in Time count shows that San Marcos has seen a rise in its homeless population over the last year. Now, the city has more authority to address the issue.
Lee Mild has been living beneath the San Marcos sun for around 20 weeks. It's summer now, and highs are in the 80s, but it's home.
"I would say I'm homeless, but I know I'll be fine for the night," Mild said.
She is one of 35 people in the area who have transitioned to living outside over the past year. The region’s annual Point in Time count shows this is a growing trend. In 2023, that number was only two.
Now, San Marcos is looking to follow the example of its neighbors down south. Tuesday night, leaders discussed limiting encampments like Mild's with more authority.
"With the adoption of the ordinance, we would ban camping for anyone in public spaces," one official said.
Initially, citations were only allowed if there was shelter available, but following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in late June, tickets don’t need to be tied to the number of open beds.
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