I spotted this encampment beneath some scraggly pines and thought the tents looked vaguely like gifts under a Christmas tree. The sun was shining and no snow in sight, but I doubt a happy Christmas was in the offing for the inhabitants of this camp next to Lake Merritt. The musical chairs initiative of moving homeless from one section of Oakland to another does not seem to be working to end the existence of 3000 homeless people. I know the mayor and others are trying, and I heard a new idea of building tiny houses for those with nowhere to live. Many people don't realize that what is being done (not done) is one of the most expensive solutions to homelessness because of the health care costs in the emergency wards and other expensive side effects. Still, Oakland people are not looking the other way, they will keep working on the problem. I believe.
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AuthorWendy Soneson is an Oakland Artist. Her show "Oakland in Transition" will appear at City Hall in May 2018. Also, at Rockridge Library in June 2018. Archives
April 2018
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