Woman’s death amplifies calls for safe camping. Have Modesto leaders changed their minds?
The death of a homeless woman, who was run over by mowing equipment July 8 at Beard Brook Park, is leading to more calls for safe sleeping areas for unsheltered people in Modesto.
“It does raise awareness that it is dangerous out there for unsheltered folk,” said Derek Castle, who has brought safe-sleeping proposals to city officials.
Christine Chavez, 27, was lying in a tall, weeded area when she was run over by the landscaping equipment. The cause of death is pending an autopsy. About five years ago, a 32-year-old woman asleep in debris was crushed by Caltrans equipment that was clearing a homeless encampment in Modesto.
Richard Anderson, a filmmaker and member of Modesto Community Action Group, said the two fatal accidents could have been prevented. “There is something really wrong that these two incidents happened, and it is not going to be the end of it, if we don’t do something,” Anderson said.
Modesto Councilman Chris Ricci said Monday he could not comment on the recent accident but anticipates more dialogue on finding solutions for about 440 homeless people in Modesto who don’t regularly use shelters.
The City Council has been divided over proposals for safe sleeping or camping sites. Ricci and Councilmen Eric Alvarez and Nick Bavaro have each written memos to city management in support of that option. Mayor Sue Zwahlen and Police Chief Brandon Gillespie have criticized the concept, saying it’s not safe for homeless people and would overburden police resources.
Anderson cited indications that the Modesto Outdoor Emergency Shelter tent city in 2019 served to reduce crime in other parts of Modesto, though police officers often responded to calls at MOES.
Advocates for the homeless said safe camping areas for 30 to 50 people would be easier to manage than was the 400-person MOES tent city.
“I think there is going to be dialogue between the major, police chief and council members,” Ricci said. “We are going to keep looking for solutions.”
Proponents for safe sleeping areas still need majority support from the seven-member City Council.
Councilman David Wright on Monday held to his position that the city not get involved with safe camping sites for the homeless. “We are very limited in what properties we have,” Wright said. “The city owns parks and I don’t know any neighborhoods that would want safe camping in their parks.”
The councilman said he would be in favor of county-managed sleeping sites on county property. Wright said the city’s focus should be transitional housing for people in shelters who have made progress, such as Street Team members, to get them out of shelters and into the traditional workforce with better-paying jobs.
Councilman Jeremiah Williams has said it’s not the city’s role to create and operate camping sites. Nonprofit groups would need to take it on.
In a text Tuesday, Mayor Sue Zwahlen did not indicate a change in her opinion on safe camping. “I am deeply saddened by the death of the young woman at Beard Brook. It’s a tragedy. I support caring for our unhoused people. I also know it takes multiple resources to accomplish that.”
Zwahlen said the city will “continue to evaluate all viable options to help individuals experiencing homelessness. Each of their needs is unique.”
New proposal for tent site
Castle said he has confidence that city leaders will accept a new proposal for an initial safe sleeping site. It would use the same template as the approved day center and safe parking program near the Salvation Army facilities on Ninth Street.
The program would start with 25 tents next to the 25-vehicle area where the homeless will soon park their cars, RVs and campers, he said. The number of tents could in time grow to 50. People could take showers and get connected with services at the nearby day center.
Castle said the program could be launched without significant cost. The tents could be purchased through community fundraising.
The advocate said he expects to meet with the mayor, police chief and another key official in two weeks.
Castle estimated that 300 of the 441 unsheltered people in Modesto are sleeping on the streets, while some are in vehicles. He estimated at least 200 would be willing to use secure campsites.
Members of Modesto Community Action Group are talking with county officials about the county funding additional campsites for the homeless, a proposal that aims to reduce the number of homeless in Modesto’s parks.
“Christy (Chavez) could have still been alive today, had she had a safe place to rest,” said an email from Lynelle Solomon, a MoCAG member who works with the homeless. “Christy’s death is a prime example why we need safe camping and parking now, not tomorrow, in a week, month or year. Our leaders have the control to make changes and it’s about time they do.”
This story was originally published July 18, 2023 at 11:55 AM.
