Homeless Encampment Management in SYR Floodplain

Ongoing homeless encampments in the Santa Ynez riverbed present a fire risk as areas that have been identified as “very high” and “high fire” risk severity zones by CalFIRE. The County of SB and City of Lompoc participated in joint efforts to remove the encampments in the SY River, but as in riparian zones in other parts of CA, it has proven to be a short term solution and an on-going problem. Without the resources necessary to do continuous sweeps and provide necessary services to the unhoused population, the encampments are re-established. Resolving this issue will likely need to go hand in hand with an overall strategy to deal with the houseless in Lompoc and provide alternative housing solutions. This will allow for focus to shift to vegetation management and restoration of the river ecosystem to reduce fire risk and support the riparian habitat.

Scope: Assess and evaluate the encampment in partnership with appropriate city and social services staff, identify alternative locations for residents and implement compassionate removal of encampments. Develop restoration plans for restoring areas impacted by the encampments.

Status: Conceptual

Cost: High cost

Partners: City of Lompoc Planning Department, City of Lompoc Parks and Recreation, City of Lompoc Law Enforcement and Cachuma Operations Management Board.