Several speakers used the public comment period to press the council on homelessness policy and police enforcement in Arcata. Residents urged the city to refrain from imminent sweeps of a long‑standing encampment, to provide housing alternatives and to end what they described as discriminatory enforcement by Arcata Police Department officers.

Speakers said a notice demanding immediate removal had been issued to people living on a private parcel and asked the city to give residents more time and re‑housing options before eviction. One caller said a physical statement threatening trespass enforcement was placed on a camp using a knife, and others reported increased police presence and citations that targeted unhoused residents while house‑having people nearby were not cited.

Several callers recommended alternatives to sweeps, saying that sweeps make it harder for social‑service providers to locate and assist people and that displacement increases instability. One speaker requested that the council stop using police resources for encampment removals and instead invest in housing solutions.

Nut graf: Public commenters urged Arcata to pause enforcement actions at encampments, to avoid punitive sweeps without adequate housing alternatives, and to ensure consistent enforcement. City staff and APD did not take enforcement action during the meeting; council did not adopt a new policy tonight.

Background: Commenters referenced Arcata’s sanctuary policy and called for more shelter and services, including a plea to provide time for encampment residents to find other housing before removal. Speakers described specific recent enforcement interactions and requested policy changes.

Ending: The council acknowledged receipt of comments. Any operational decisions about encampment enforcement, police tactics or additional outreach would require council direction or staff reports at a future meeting.