Fremont to Begin Major Cleanup of Homeless Encampment Nov. 3

UPDATE: Fremont city officials are set to launch a major cleanup operation at the Isherwood Park and Quarry Lakes homeless encampment on November 3, 2025. This urgent initiative aims to address environmental hazards affecting the local watershed and creek, but it will also displace dozens of unsheltered residents currently living in the area.

Fremont Mayor Raj Salwan emphasizes that the cleanup is not intended as an enforcement of the city’s controversial camping ban, which imposes penalties of up to six months in jail and $1,000 fines. Instead, Salwan stated, “We want families to walk safely through the park,” highlighting community concerns over contamination and fire risks. “The creek is very dirty,” he added, stressing the need for immediate action.

As the city prepares for this significant operation, many residents are left questioning their futures. City officials have proposed relocating those displaced to the Navigation Center and the Winter Relief Program, which provide temporary shelter and resources. However, Marisa Ornelas from Abode Services warns that many who receive temporary housing may return to homelessness after just 90 days.

“If they try to come back after the park is closed, they would be trespassing and could face ticketing or jail,” Ornelas explained. Residents have formed a community over the past decade, sharing meals and support. “Kicking them out will significantly impact their lives,” she stated.

Fremont City Manager Karena Shackelford has not commented on the cleanup, but a city website indicates that workers have been visiting Isherwood Park weekly since May 2025 to connect with homeless individuals and facilitate their transition to housing. After the park closes on November 3, temporary fencing will be erected, and all residents must vacate by November 14.

Fremont spokeswoman Geneva Bosques confirmed that the cleanup is aimed at improving the park and reducing fire risks, with an estimated cost of $40,000 for the initial sweep. The Winter Relief Program has a budget of about $907,000, with $680,000 allocated for residents of Isherwood.

Community residents voiced their concerns about the impending displacement. Jose Zermeno, who has lived in the park for two years, questioned the need for the cleanup, saying, “We’re not bothering anybody. It’s peaceful.” Similarly, Rudy De La Cruz, a two-year resident, stated, “Why would you move us? We have nowhere to go.”

As the city prepares to act, some residents, like Caris MacDougald, expressed a desire for greater communication from officials. “The city should come here and talk to us. Help the homeless. It’s not going to kill you,” MacDougald urged.

On the other hand, long-time residents near the park, such as Rich Jerome, are looking forward to the cleanup. “It used to be serene,” he lamented, recalling a time when wildlife thrived in the park.

The city has previously conducted similar sweeps, with mixed results. In 2018, unhoused individuals were offered hotel stays after being displaced, but many returned quickly before adequate remediation was achieved.

As the deadline for the cleanup approaches, the impact on the community remains uncertain. City officials are under pressure to provide sustainable solutions for those affected while ensuring the safety and cleanliness of public spaces. With the fate of numerous residents hanging in the balance, this developing situation is one to watch closely.