Councilmember Padilla outlines —1-2-3' SafeGrounds plan for unsheltered residents
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Summary
Councilmember Padilla presented a three-option SafeGrounds model to address unsheltered residents: use existing shelters, create low-barrier safe camping/parking sites with nonprofit operators, and offer voluntary relocation assistance. Councilmembers and public commenters emphasized coordination, funding and safeguards.
Councilmember Padilla on Oct. 6 presented the Stockton SafeGrounds 1-2-3 initiative, an informational proposal aimed at creating humane, temporary alternatives for people sleeping on Stockton's streets and at reducing illegal encampments while connecting residents to services.
Padilla described three options: (1) encourage and direct people to existing shelter and service providers such as Saint Mary's Shelter, Pathways and local nonprofit partners; (2) establish designated low-barrier safe sleeping or safe parking sites within Stockton that would provide toilets, trash service and security and be staffed by nonprofit partners; and (3) offer voluntary relocation assistance (transportation, vouchers, coordination) for individuals who are originally from outside Stockton and have family or other community ties elsewhere.
Why it matters: Padilla said the model is intended as a transitional solution that prioritizes partnership with community-based organizations. She emphasized that the sites would not be permanent and that nonprofit operators, volunteers and city oversight would be needed. "The Safe Grounds initiative will only succeed through partnerships between the city, nonprofits, and our community," Padilla said.
Operational issues and council feedback: Councilmembers raised several operational concerns: the potential chilling effect of uniformed police presence at sites, the need for an operator with lived experience, coordination with county resources (including a county investment at Oakmore Golf Course), staffing and funding sources, and data-driven oversight. Padilla said the city would explore vacant warehouses as potential indoor options and would require contracted operators to provide triage and connections to longer-term housing programs.
Public comment and local lessons: Members of the public urged recording program meetings, monthly updates to council, pet services and community kitchens at sites, and drew lessons from other cities (Modesto, San Diego). Pat Barrett and other commenters recommended site managers drawn from the unsheltered community and suggested limits on stored belongings to keep sites manageable.
Next steps: Padilla said she will continue meetings with nonprofits (she noted an upcoming meeting with United Way) and with staff; no council action was taken at the Oct. 6 workshop. Councilmembers asked staff to return with operational and funding details as the ad hoc committee develops the plan.
