California turns up heat on homelessness: Cities target people living in cars and RVs

by Marisa Kendall, CalMatters September 6, 2025September 3, 2025

A tow truck removes an RV owned by Wayne Gardiner, 58, for more than 20 years during a sweep at Columbus Park, San Jose's largest homeless encampment, on Aug. 25, 2025. The city offered some residents $2,000 for their RVs. "The facts of life is that things like this will happen. You have to take the deal because they're gonna take it anyways," he said. "I have to just let it go." (Florence Middleton for CalMatters)

FOR MONTHS, cities around the state have ramped up enforcement against people sleeping in tents on the street. Now, some are focusing on a new target: People who live in vehicles.

Wayne Gardiner, 58, watched his home of 20 years roll onto the back of a flatbed tow truck in San Jose on a recent Monday afternoon. Then he realized he’d forgotten something inside.

Continue reading for FREE

This is NOT a paywall. We just want to make sure you’re a human. Sign in to read this story and receive the weekly roundup in your inbox.

Success! Your account was created and you’re signed in.
Please visit My Account to manage your account.

Continue reading for FREE

Sign up for newsletters