In the heart of San Jose, the City Council meeting on August 19, 2025, became a platform for impassioned voices advocating for the vulnerable residents of Columbus Park. As the sun dipped low, casting a warm glow over the city hall, speakers took to the podium, sharing harrowing accounts of the ongoing sweeps in the park, where many unhoused individuals seek refuge.

One speaker, visibly moved, highlighted the dire conditions faced by those living in the park. "It's not safe for them," they asserted, emphasizing the lack of resources and support available to these individuals. The urgency in their voice resonated with the audience, as they called for a more compassionate approach to the situation. They pointed out that many of these individuals are grappling with undiagnosed trauma, urging the council to consider the psychological impacts of their policies.

Another speaker, who had spent days assisting those affected by the sweeps, challenged the city's narrative that all residents had been offered housing options. "That is not what's happening there at all," they declared, recounting the presence of law enforcement rather than social workers. The speaker argued that the situation required empathy and understanding, not a police presence. "This is not police work; it is social work," they insisted, advocating for trained professionals to help guide these individuals through their transitions.

The testimonies continued, revealing a troubling pattern of miscommunication and inadequate support. One volunteer recounted a distressing incident involving a man whose RV was towed, leaving him without access to his identification and registration. The speaker lamented the lack of timely communication regarding housing deadlines, which left many residents scrambling for assistance. "They've been on the list for years," they noted, highlighting the systemic failures that have left these individuals in limbo.

As the meeting progressed, it became clear that the voices of the community were calling for change. The speakers urged the council to reconsider their approach, emphasizing that the rights of all citizens are at stake when the most vulnerable are treated without dignity. The meeting concluded with a palpable sense of urgency, as advocates expressed hope for a future where compassion and understanding guide the city’s policies towards its unhoused population. The discussions at this meeting may well serve as a catalyst for change, as the community rallies for a more humane response to the challenges faced by those living in Columbus Park.