Homeless Camps Cleared Out Along the Coast Prior to Weekend Storms

SUMMERLAND, Calif. (KEYT) - A problematic homeless camp in the Summerland coast has been cleared out prior to the weekend rains and the wet weather season coming up.

A morning project brought out a cleanup team, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department and homeless outreach workers to a location on the ocean side of the bluffs to the west side of Lookout Park.

The location has off and on been a gathering place for transients, some that have built out sophisticated caves with numerous items for cooking and shelter.

They have been fire risks, environmental concerns and have created health and safety concerns. Trash is often blown out to the railroad track and the ocean.

In a storm those living there could also be in peril requiring an emergency response in an unstable area.

The Sheriff's Office says this location is going to be monitored regularly.

Another location off Carpinteria Ave. has regular camps and community members have been concerned about those in need being in the brushy area during storms which is very dangerous with swift water.

It is going to be checked on a regular basis as well.

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