San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan and others have crafted a new proposed ordinance to address homeless encampments near schools.
The announcement was made when Mr. Mahan, Councilmember Peter Ortiz, and two students spoke on this issue on Aug. 3 at KIPP San Jose Collegiate High School. The proposal would “prohibit encampments and vehicle dwellings from 150 feet within any licensed preschool, day care, or K-through-12 schools,” Mr. Ortiz said at the event.
City staff reviewed the proposed ordinance on Aug. 9, and if approved, it will be submitted to the city council in three months.
KIPP students said they have been followed and even threatened by homeless people near their school. This has reportedly been an ongoing issue, and students say they don’t feel safe.
Kim Vo, KIPP’s principal, recalls instances of homeless residents who have made their way onto school grounds.
“[There have been] incidents of the unhoused making their way onto the campus during the school day, and break-ins captured on the school’s security cameras,” she said at the event.
She added that addressing homelessness on campus has cost the school tens of thousands of dollars and that they’ve had to hire security.
One of the students, senior Fernanda Morales-Soto, said a homeless resident who lived in an RV near her school followed her home one day.
“Earlier last year, I was walking down home from school when I realized I was being followed by an RV resident. I am standing here today, fortunate enough to say that the individual left me alone after walking down a couple [of] blocks. However, the fact I had to experience this is unacceptable,” she said at the event.
She rarely walks to school anymore and said, “I have to ensure I’m focusing on my surroundings at all times.”
She said she’s glad about the city’s swift response, and it helps her feel safer walking to school.
Mr. Mahan sympathized with these students.
