Homeless Encampments Return to Santa Maria Riverbed After October Cleanup

SANTA MARIA, Calif. – Homeless encampments in Santa Maria’s riverbed were cleared in October, but reports indicate new activity in the area.

The riverbed is visible for long stretches in both directions from U.S. Highway 101 and has remained largely clear since the cleanup. However, some encampments have reportedly moved beyond the line of sight.

Last year, California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an order to clear long-term homeless encampments in areas such as the Santa Maria riverbed. Now, some individuals are returning to the area.

“It still pales in comparison to the big cleanup effort led by Santa Barbara County last summer,” said Chuen Wu, assistant manager for the city of Santa Maria.

While some neighborhoods near the riverbed have remained clear, camps have reappeared in areas farther outside Santa Maria’s boundaries.

“There’s some encampment activity on the east side of the riverbed,” Wu said.

The riverbed falls under multiple jurisdictions, including the city of Santa Maria, San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties, and Caltrans, a state agency.

“We know the majority of the Santa Maria riverbed is actually in San Luis Obispo County’s jurisdiction, but there aren’t many offices where officials can easily see the riverbed,” said Joe Dzvonik of Santa Barbara County Housing and Development. “However, if you live in Santa Maria, you can see just by looking across when encampments are there.”

A memorandum of understanding (MOU) has been established among the jurisdictions to create a paid ranger position to monitor the riverbed and report activity to the appropriate departments.

“We’re moving toward it. The actual MOU has been generated and is circulating for approval and revision,” Dzvonik said.

All jurisdictions are prioritizing outreach and assistance for individuals experiencing homelessness.

“There’s a broad spectrum of individuals who are unhoused, but as we continue to provide both outreach and enforcement, we hope they either reconnect with family or access available resources,” Wu said.

City and county officials encourage the public to report any encampment activity in the riverbed to the city ranger’s office.