Fremont Plans Urgent Cleanup of Homeless Encampment on Nov. 3

URGENT UPDATE: Fremont city officials are set to launch a significant cleanup operation at the Isherwood Park homeless encampment on November 3, 2025. The initiative aims to address environmental hazards along the nearby watershed and creek, but it will also displace dozens of unsheltered residents who have called the area home for years.

This controversial action comes after the city enacted a ban earlier this year, criminalizing camping throughout Fremont with penalties of up to six months in jail and $1,000 fines. However, Mayor Raj Salwan insists that Monday’s sweep is not an enforcement of this ban, stating, “We want families to walk safely through the park,” amid rising community complaints regarding contamination and fire hazards.

The city has already placed signage in the park warning of the upcoming closure. Cleanup efforts will include clearing vegetation and addressing environmental issues, costing the city approximately $40,000. Fremont spokeswoman Geneva Bosques confirmed that temporary housing options will be available for displaced residents, including resources from the Winter Relief Program and the city’s Navigation Center.

Community members have expressed deep concern about the impact this cleanup will have on the lives of those who have built a community in Isherwood Park over the past decade. Marisa Ornelas, an associate director at Abode Services, shared, “Kicking them out of the park is going to significantly impact their lives for the worse.” Many residents face the daunting prospect of returning to homelessness after temporary stays, with fears of returning to Isherwood Park leading to potential trespassing charges.

Local residents like Jose Zermeno have voiced their frustration, questioning the need for the cleanup. “We’re not bothering anybody. We’ve been here for years,” Zermeno said, suggesting that the city could do more to support those living in the park instead of displacing them.

The city’s last sweep of the area occurred in 2018, with limited support provided to displaced individuals, many of whom returned to the site shortly after. Bosques acknowledged past shortcomings, stating, “People quickly returned to the site before significant remediation could occur.”

As the cleanup date approaches, residents are left grappling with uncertainty. Many, like Rudy De La Cruz, who has camped in the park for two years, worry about the lack of housing options. “Why would you move us? We have nowhere to go,” he lamented.

City officials are collaborating with local agencies, including the Alameda County Water District and the East Bay Regional Park District, to facilitate the cleanup process. The city aims to improve the park for future visitors while addressing urgent environmental concerns.

The emotional toll on the community is palpable. Caris McDougald, a longtime resident, called for better communication from the city. “You’re the city. Help the homeless. It’s not going to kill you,” he urged, highlighting the need for supportive engagement rather than displacement.

As the countdown to the cleanup begins, the fate of the Isherwood Park residents remains uncertain. With the city’s cleanup efforts set to commence in just a few days, many in the community are left wondering what the future holds for them and their homes. The situation is developing, and further updates will follow as the city prepares for this critical intervention.