Residents of Riverbank, California, have raised concerns about a growing homeless population that has taken up residence in caves along the banks of the Stanislaus River. Tracy Rojas, a local resident, recently joined ‘Fox & Friends First’ to discuss her discovery of the caves and the city’s efforts to ensure public safety.
According to Eddie Eagleton, another Riverbank resident, homeless individuals continue to dig new caves as soon as they are forced to leave previous encampments. Despite efforts by the city to clean up the area, the homeless population remains persistent, living out of caves dug into the riverbank below Highways 108 and 120.
Eagleton, who frequently fishes in the Stanislaus River, expressed astonishment at the speed at which these caves are established, noting the presence of generators, power, and water pumps. City officials have warned that these encampments not only pollute the area but also contribute to erosion along the river.
Riverbank Mayor Richard O’Brien emphasized that finding a solution to this issue is a top priority for the city. Balancing the preservation of public health and the environment with the rights of homeless individuals to live on public property is a complex challenge.
The situation in Riverbank is reminiscent of a similar discovery made in Modesto, California, where at least eight caves were inhabited by the homeless. Volunteers, working with the Modesto Police Department, recently cleared out these caves, removing approximately 7,600 pounds of garbage.
Modesto Police Department highlighted the concerns raised by these illegal camps, which were essentially caves dug into the riverbanks. A camera crew from KOVR, sent to investigate the Modesto caves, found bedding, belongings, food, drugs, and weapons inside.
Tracy Rojas, a Modesto resident living near the caves, expressed the danger associated with people living underground. She emphasized the potential for the caves to collapse, posing a devastating risk to those living inside and potentially causing environmental damage.
In response to these issues, temporary barricades have been installed to prevent access to the caves. However, finding a long-term solution that addresses the needs of the homeless population while ensuring public safety and environmental protection remains a challenge for both Riverbank and Modesto.
