Rancho Cucamonga, CA — As summer approaches, growing concerns over homeless encampments and fire safety took center stage at the Rancho Cucamonga City Council and Fire Board meeting held May 23, where several residents called on local officials to address what they described as a worsening crisis along the 210 Freeway corridor.
Three residents gave impassioned public comments about the impacts of unhoused individuals setting up camps near their neighborhoods. Their testimonies cited safety issues, deteriorating quality of life and a lack of coordinated response from local agencies.
One resident expressed frustration and fear about the visible growth of tent encampments.
“A few months ago, it was only one tent. Now there are more,” she said. “Even if a few of these unhoused people are decent human beings, the fact that they are setting up tents will bring an influx of not so decent humans in the area.”
She said the increase in encampments has led her to feel unsafe, particularly when visiting parks or shopping with her two-year-old granddaughter.
“I shouldn’t have to feel unsafe when out and about, but I’m starting to,” she told council members. “As leaders of our city, you all need to take steps to eliminate this problem right now.”
Another resident, Wendy Lopez, echoed similar concerns and criticized the lack of follow-up by city officials after a prior meeting on May 5.
“While I appreciated the opportunity to express my concerns, I am disappointed to report that there has been no follow-up or visible action taken since that time,” Lopez.
Lopez described reaching out to multiple agencies, including the Rancho Cucamonga Police Department and flood control authorities, but said the responses were fragmented and ineffective.
“There appears to be a significant disconnect, and as residents, we are left feeling unsupported and unsafe in our neighborhood,” she said. “We have requested increased patrols north of the 210 Freeway, yet we have not seen any measurable improvement.”
Councilmembers acknowledged the concerns raised by speakers.
City Manager John Gillison responded, saying, “We have the contact information for some of these individuals, so we’ll get back in touch with them.”
He also confirmed the city would provide updates on jurisdiction and coordination efforts across departments.
The council also introduced a new ordinance to designate moderate, high and very high fire hazard severity zones in compliance with California state fire regulations.
Deputy Fire Marshal Shane Adams provided a historical overview of fire mapping and the rationale behind the proposed updates.
“The first map came out in 1985 after major fires like the Panorama Fire,” Adams said. “Now we use modern modeling tools including climate change impacts, plume modeling and ember cast, which can travel four to six miles from a fire.”
As fire season looms and public pressure mounts, residents say they are looking for more than acknowledgments, they want results.
