Citrus Heights city manager promises ‘increased accountability’ after court ruling on camping

By Sara Beth Williams–
The Citrus Heights City Manager last week celebrated the “landmark” City of Grants Pass v. Johnson Supreme Court decision in a message to residents.

In his July 10 quarterly message, Citrus Heights City Manager Ash Feeney opened by acknowledging the “tremendous efforts” and ongoing work within the city in addressing and preventing homelessness. Feeney called the city’s approach to homelessness “comprehensive” and outlined several collaborative efforts between the city, Citrus Heights Police Department, and Sacramento County Department of Homeless Services and Housing.

Feeney stated that the Supreme Court’s ruling in favor of the city of Grants Pass, Oregon, clarifies that the Eight Amendment’s “cruel and unusual punishment” clause is not applicable to public camping ordinances, and the court’s decision allows cities to have “greater authority in managing public spaces.”

In a 6 to 3 decision, the Supreme Court voted in favor of Grants Pass, Oregon, on June 28, and wrote, “The [Grants Pass] public-camping laws prohibit actions undertaken by any person, regardless of status. It makes no difference whether the charged defendant is currently a person experiencing homelessness, a backpacker on vacation, or a student who abandons his dorm room to camp out in protest on the lawn of a municipal building.”

The June 2024 decision overturned the controversial 2018 Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals’ previous Martin v. Boise decision, which had barred cities from enforcing public camping ordinances if there weren’t enough shelter beds for homeless individuals.

Feeney emphasized that the decision in favor of Grants Pass “reaffirms” that local governments have the right to implement solutions “tailored to their unique circumstances.”

“Citrus Heights is committed to using this restored authority to balance compassion for individuals experiencing homelessness with the need to maintain public order and safety,” Feeney said, adding that homelessness is a “multifaceted issue,” and associated policies and responses are “diverse and evolving.”

Feeney outlined several collaborative approaches that the city has taken to both address, prevent, and “break the cycle” of homelessness. In managing public safety and quality of life issues, the city has implemented the Beautification Crew, which works with the Police Department to address illegal activities such as illegal camping, unlawful storage of personal property in public spaces, illegal dumping, shopping cart abandonment, and chronic nuisance offenses.

Feeney said the Police Department strives to connect unhoused individuals with services, but noted the department is also responsible for “bringing accountability through law enforcement” and said there will be “increased accountability for violations of the law.”

In 2023, during an annual presentation to the City Council, the Police Department and General Services reported that 76 tons of trash and debris were taken off the streets by the Beautification Crew, along with over 1,500 shopping carts.

To help combat homelessness, Feeney said the city now works in collaboration with Sacramento County to help connect unhoused individuals with county programs and services.

In October 2023, the city began utilizing Community Health Workers as part of a street outreach team in partnership with Community HealthWorks. Citrus Heights utilizes two part-time Community Health Workers who connect with and provide unhoused individuals with various services, including medical assistance, food, clothes, emergency shelter, and transportation to necessary appointments. In the first seven months of operation, the program has enrolled 95 individuals in services and temporarily or permanently housed 24 individuals, he said.

Despite these efforts, the city has been criticized for its response to homelessness, including during public comment at a July 10 council meeting where advocates urged for humane treatment and safe places for homeless to sleep. Residents also frequently appear before the City Council to complain about homeless camps and other related issues, urging more action from the city.

Feeney concluded his message by outlining several ways the community can help.

To help connect an unhoused individual to resources residents can call 2-1-1 and press 8 for information on services and to connect with a Community Health Worker.

Workers are also available on Mondays at Living Water Church located at 7605 Lauppe Ln. from 1 pm to 3 pm., and on most Tuesdays, workers visit the Stock Ranch Nature Preserve located at 7000 Auburn Blvd., from 3-4 p.m. to connect with the unhoused.

Residents can report illegal camping or dumping by calling the Citrus Heights Police Department. For crimes in progress, or if residents witness dangerous or suspicious activities, residents are encouraged to call 9-1-1.

Lastly, Feeney said residents can volunteer with the Citrus Heights Homeless Assistance Resource Team (HART) and get involved with the Citrus Heights Collaborative.

Feeney regularly releases quarterly city manager messages at various times throughout the year. In March 2024, Feeney discussed infrastructure, and in December 2023 Feeney discussed community image.