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Berkeley starts clearing homeless camp after deadly leptospirosis outbreak linked to rats

KTVU • September 15, 2026 • nation

Key Points:

The city of Berkeley began clearing a long-standing homeless encampment at 8th and Harrison streets after declaring it a fire hazard and public nuisance due to a leptospirosis outbreak linked to rats, which caused one death and one hospitalization.
A federal judge approved the city's cleanup despite a prior lawsuit by the Berkeley Homeless Union, requiring special accommodations for disabled residents, but advocates claim the city is not fully complying with court orders to replace destroyed belongings.
The encampment has been plagued by visible rat infestations and health risks, prompting the city to conduct rodent abatement and demolish structures to protect public safety.
Homeless advocates and residents express frustration, arguing the city is not providing adequate assistance or housing alternatives, and many displaced individuals plan to re-camp nearby due to lack of options.
Vehicle residents may remain in their cars, but property outside vehicles can be removed or stored, with notices warning that refusal to leave the site could result in citations or arrests.

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