Hesperian Gardens residents tell San Leandro council encampments along railroad pose safety risks

Residents of Hesperian Gardens used the public‑comment period to describe escalating safety problems from homeless encampments along the Union Pacific Railroad and BART tracks and to ask the city for a coordinated, long‑term response.

Bonita Kitt said residents at 15205 Hesperian Boulevard have experienced rocks and debris thrown into driveways, attacks on neighbors and ongoing harassment, and she asked why the city has not acted when property abuts railroad right‑of‑way. "We need to have that retaining wall higher so that the trash, the debris, the feces, and the other garbage does not come over on our property," Kitt said.

Jason Lee, also from Hesperian Gardens, told the council he has witnessed groups acting aggressively and said temporary cleanups by Caltrans have not solved the underlying problem. "Do I need to defend myself? Because the last thing I want is to see my dog hurt, me getting hurt, my neighbors getting hurt," Lee said.

Celine Huang, who said her family has lived in Hesperian Gardens for nearly 30 years, listed incidents that included multiple fires, property damage, public indecency and an attempted stabbing of her mother in 2021, and she called for the city to coordinate with Union Pacific, the county and state agencies on a comprehensive plan that prioritizes public safety and ensures unhoused individuals receive care and housing.

Raymond Jin described repeated explosions and smoke from fires next to the wall, said his bedroom is adjacent to the site and that noise and confrontations make him afraid to go outside. Several speakers said they have repeatedly reported the problem to the city and felt responses have been temporary or insufficient.

Council members acknowledged the seriousness of residents’ accounts. Human Services staff and the city manager noted the city has an encampment cleanup program and an alternative response unit (ARU) that the finance presentation proposed continuing; staff also said some cleanup work and encampment coordination has previously involved Caltrans, Union Pacific and county agencies. No new coordinated multiagency plan or immediate remedial action (such as raising the private retaining wall) was authorized on the record during public comment; residents asked for specific follow‑up and an update from staff.

The council moved from public comment to a scheduled public hearing and then to the budget presentation; staff said they will coordinate next steps and respond to submitted materials residents provided by email.

Closing note: residents requested a formal response and further updates; staff asked residents to provide documentation and promised to follow up.