Migrant Camp Residents Seek Homes
Reacting to a move by the San Diego County Health Department to destroy a large camp for migrant workers near the trendy La Costa resort, city housing officials Monday began processing low-cost housing applications from camp residents.
Valle Verde is one of several migrant camps in San Diego’s North County that have come under increased scrutiny as development has moved closer to the once-isolated encampments.
Last week, the Health Department, reacting to mounting complaints from residents, ordered the camp torn down by Jan. 1. County officials told the property owners, Carlsbad Partners, Ltd., an investment group, to dismantle the camp and clear it. The owners presented a cleanup plan to the county, but because the property sits on a coastal strip it needs additional approval by the California Coastal Commission.
Steven Escoboza, assistant director of county Health Services, said that a decision was made to find low-income housing for all of the displaced aliens, with families being placed first. Officials estimate that there are now about 12 families living in the camp.
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