Oakland to clear tents around Lake Merritt for planting

City officials in Oakland will begin clearing tents around Lake Merritt next week. This move is part of a plan to replant trees and improve the park's environment. The encampments currently house 15 to 20 homeless residents who are now unsure where to go. Duvoy Melbourne, a resident of Peralta Park, expressed concern about finding a new safe space. He and others living in tents face uncertainty as two local shelters might also close soon due to unpaid bills from the city, potentially displacing more residents. Officials plan to offer shelter options at St. Vincent de Paul and other community programs. However, some homeless advocates argue that these solutions do not effectively address long-term needs. Residents have cited issues with shelter rules and the lack of space for personal belongings. The situation in Oakland highlights ongoing challenges in handling the city's homeless population, estimated to be around 5,500. Many residents, like Melbourne and another man named George, feel trapped in a cycle of short-term solutions and are struggling to find stability.