BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — An encampment clean-up operation along the Kern River on Wednesday resulted in arrests, trash removal and more, according to the Bakersfield Police Department.
On Aug. 19, several Bakersfield and Kern County agencies collaborated to conduct an operation on multiple encampments along the Kern Riverbed, officials said.
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The operation focused on encampments along the south embankment of the Kern River, from the Highway 99 Bridge to the Manor Street Bridge, according to BPD.
Following the operation, officials removed 28 encampments, removed nearly 23 tons of trash, made 17 arrested, issued one citation and took 19 dogs into protective custody.
Prior to the operation, Flood Bakersfield ministries reportedly offered outreach and coordinated 12 placement opportunities for those living in the affected area.
The placements were available through the Brundage Lane Navigation Center, M Street Navigation Center and Teen Challenge, officials said.
Encampment operations are funded by the city’s Public Safety and Vital Services Measure, the 1% sales tax also known as Measure N which was approved by voters in 2018.
According to BPD, community members can report non-emergency homelessness-related issues to BPD’s Community Vitality Unit at communityvitality@bakersfieldcity.us or 661-326-3737.
For more information on Community Vitality, click here.
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