-Editorial
The Calexico City Council approved an ordinance on March 5 regulating camping on public and private property, following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that reaffirmed the authority of local governments to enforce such regulations.
Calexico’s growing homeless population has become a significant concern, with many individuals sleeping on sidewalks and in commercial areas, raising public safety issues and affecting the city’s image.
The ordinance establishes rules governing camping and the storage of personal belongings in public spaces and private properties accessible to the public. It aims to address issues arising from unauthorized camping, including unsanitary conditions, public safety concerns, and disruptions to businesses and neighborhoods.
The new regulations define camping-related terms and outline conditions under which camping is permitted. On private residential property, overnight camping is allowed in rear yard areas with the owner’s consent for up to three consecutive nights, with a maximum of 14 nights per year. On public property, camping may be authorized for special events under the city’s permit process or during declared natural disasters.
Enforcement measures include fines for first-time violations and potential misdemeanor charges for repeated offenses. The ordinance also establishes procedures for the confiscation of camp-related personal belongings per state laws.
City officials cited a rise in individuals camping and storing belongings in public spaces and private properties, often choosing not to utilize available shelters or social services. The council emphasized the ordinance’s goal of protecting public health and safety while maintaining accessibility to city spaces for residents and visitors.
The ordinance is not expected to have a direct fiscal impact on the city. The Calexico Police Department, led by Chief Armando Orozco, will be responsible for enforcement.
Ricardo Ortega, former Executive Director of Calexico Neighborhood House, voiced strong opposition to the ordinance, arguing that it criminalizes homelessness rather than addressing its root causes.
“This ordinance does nothing to solve homelessness—it only punishes people for being poor,” Ortega told the council. “Most individuals experiencing homelessness cannot afford fines, and this will only lead to warrants, criminal records, and potential jail time, making it even harder for them to find housing or employment.”
He also criticized the financial implications of enforcement, calling it a “waste of resources” that would divert funds toward policing and court costs instead of investing in long-term solutions. Ortega urged the council to consider alternative approaches, such as creating a working group of organizations and residents to develop more effective strategies.
“If this ordinance passes, we will not see a decrease in homelessness—only an increase in suffering,” he said. “True leadership is about finding real, compassionate solutions that help people get off the streets permanently.”
More than a dozen speakers voiced their opposition to the ordinance during the city council meeting, calling it inhumane and accusing it of criminalizing homelessness rather than addressing its root causes. Residents and advocates urged the council to focus on solutions such as expanding shelter options and support services instead of punitive measures that, they argued, would only push the homeless further into desperation.
Calexico Mayor Diana Nuricumbo addressed the public about the city’s growing homelessness crisis. She noted that, aside from Slab City, Calexico has the highest rate of homelessness in the Imperial Valley, making it an issue that can no longer be ignored. Nuricumbo emphasized that the problem has been neglected for too long and reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to tackling it, as promised during her campaign. She outlined the city’s efforts, which include engaging with county officials, the county supervisor, and agencies such as the Department of Social Services and Behavioral Health to find solutions.
“To me, cruelty is them living outside in 120 degrees, or living out there in the cold, or being harassed or attacked by somebody else because it has happened in our city,” Nuricumbo said. “We are not working alone; we are working with all the resources available in Imperial County, which there are. You may find it cruel that they get a fine; I find it cruel that they are living in the streets.”
As of March 2025, several California cities have enacted ordinances imposing fines or penalties on individuals experiencing homelessness who reside on the streets. Los Angeles enforces Municipal Code Section 41.18(d), prohibiting sitting, lying, or sleeping in public rights-of-way, with violations resulting in fines and potential misdemeanor charges. San Francisco’s sit-lie ordinance, approved by voters in 2010, bans sitting or lying on public sidewalks during certain hours, with similar penalties for repeated violations.
In February 2025, Fremont passed an ordinance criminalizing camping on public property, imposing fines of up to $1,000 and six months in jail, and also penalizing those aiding individuals experiencing homelessness. Additionally, cities like San Jose are considering policies that would criminalize refusing shelter offers, reflecting a trend toward stricter enforcement measures.
