The San Jose City Council on Tuesday approved three ordinances that will prevent homeless people living in camps, mobile homes and cars next to schools from doing so within 150 feet.
The city will tow the cars of people who do not cooperate, and they may be fined.
The measure comes after Alfredo Hernández, a student at Kipp San Jose Collegiate High School, contacted Telemundo 48 in May 2023 to express his concern about the presence of homeless people in the area.
At that time, Alfredo showed us some surveillance videos in which homeless people can be seen entering the school to use the bathroom.
Fernanda Morales, who also attends this school, recalled several incidents that occurred.
“Our graduation sashes were stolen, they caught some homeless people coming in and took them. It was something that bothered us,” said Fernanda.
Following our reporting, Mayor Matt Mahan decided to visit the students.
“Because of the news that you made, I spoke with the students and other people including the police and the school administration,” Mahan said.
Months later, the mayor invited them to participate in the draft of an ordinance that would avoid similar situations.
Now the city is committed to helping the homeless with services and resources.
“Well, I don’t think so because they have always said the same thing and never do it,” said a homeless person who preferred not to be identified.
The ordinances will go into effect in July and starting next month, the Department of Transportation will post signs to let people know they will not be able to park next to schools.
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