Council hears police and outreach update on unhoused encampments; city to increase enforcement and outreach in hotspots

San Fernando police and city staff reported to the council Sept. 2 on efforts to address homelessness and transient encampments after councilmembers and residents described recurring problems near transit stops, parks and commercial corridors. Why it matters: Council members said residents have reported frequent public urination, litter and encampments along Hubbard/Truman and near transit stops, raising quality‑of‑life concerns; police described a combined enforcement and outreach approach intended to balance enforcement of nuisance laws and offers of housing and services. What the city reported: Police Chief and officers said they had walked hotspots and increased patrols; the department is using overtime funds to add foot and bike patrols in parks and to conduct undercover operations focused on nuisance offenses (open containers, indecent exposure, overnight camping in parks). The police department is coordinating with North Valley Caring Services (a local homeless outreach provider) and in‑house mental‑health clinicians for engagement and referrals; the department reported 182 calls for service related to homelessness and 63 involuntary mental‑health holds (51.50s) Jan.–Aug. 2025. Command staff said many people at transit stations are transient or “service‑resistant” — they arrive from other jurisdictions and refuse services. On cleanup and coordination: Public Works staff said they will work with police to report and prioritize debris pickup and noted jurisdictional issues where some encampments are on Metro or county property; staff said the city recently partnered with the county and another supervisor’s office for cleanups and will continue coordination. Council members asked for a schedule of patrols, an outreach plan, and a clearer cleanup assignment process so debris does not linger on Metro or other properties. Next steps: Police said outreach and nuisance enforcement will continue, with data collection (field interview cards) to track contacts, service refusals and referral outcomes. Public Works will pursue cleanup coordination and notify Metro where property jurisdiction issues arise. Council requested periodic progress reports.