Southern Arizona town begins clearing homeless campsites

SIERRA VISTA, Ariz. — Residents of homeless campsites are being cleared
out as the city responds to community complaints and prepares to conduct annual
cleanup efforts ahead of seasonal rains.

The Sierra Vista Herald reports police have identified
about a dozen campsites to clean up. The residents have been notified that they
must leave the area.

Assistant city manager Mary Jacobs said the efforts are not new. The
city has been cleaning up homeless campsites as well as illegal dumping for
years.

The city is concerned about the debris and human waste that generate from the
campsites, which are often located near washes.

Sierra Vista Police Cpl. Scott Borgstadt has been going to campsites to warn
residents of the scheduled cleanup. He said he has generally received a cordial
response.