FREMONT, Calif. (KGO) — Fremont city officials cleared out a homeless encampment at Isherwood Park to make way for maintenance and vegetation removal and improve fire safety.
Veronica Sanchez gathered the last of her belongings at Isherwood Park in Fremont Monday as crews cleaned up the encampment there.
She’s been living at the park for five years and is now forced to move out.
“Very emotional,” Sanchez said. “Very Just a lot going on, a lot having to deal with.”
ABC7 saw one man pulling out his shopping cart full of stuff from the park that more than three-dozen people have called home.
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The temporary closure of the park on Isherwood Way and Quarry Lakes Drive started Monday, with a full park closure — including for residents — starting Nov. 14. It’s expected to last through early 2026.
The city said the park is undergoing improvements meant to improve fire safety, protect waterways and enhance accessibility.
But for residents, like Sanchez, it’s the loss of home.
“We all prefer to stay,” Sanchez said. “We’ve all been here for a long time, so we’re all close.”
Fremont’s spokesperson says the city has offered about 40 people shelter and that the move into shelters will likely take place over the next two weeks, with staff assisting people in phases.
She said the goal is move people into permanent stable housing.
In February, Fremont City Council approved a proposal that bans people from camping on public property.
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