In a startling revelation of the dire state of affairs in Oakland, California, footage has surfaced revealing a sprawling ‘shantytown’ that has taken root as the city continues to spiral into a cesspool of crime and squalor.
The video, captured by Michael Oxford, host of CaliBased, on May 31, showcased a vast expanse of makeshift houses lining service roads that lead into main thoroughfares in Hooverville, Oakland. These temporary structures, constructed from wood, tarp, and other discarded materials, were surrounded by a landscape strewn with trash.
Parts of Oakland are worse than a third world country.
They just allow people to live in absolute squalor, wherever they choose.
This looks like Hooverville during the great depression.
Welcome to Oakland’s very own Gavinville. pic.twitter.com/L58uK2E6Sh [1]
— Michael Oxford – AKA The Santa Cruz Mountain Goat (@SCMountainGoat) June 1, 2024 [2]
Of particular concern was the sheer scale of the ‘shantytown,’ stretching along a substantial stretch of road in the Bay Area city. Oxford expressed disbelief at the unsanctioned settlement, labeling it a ‘shantytown’ and denouncing city officials for permitting such conditions to persist.
Describing parts of Oakland as worse than a third-world country, Oxford’s caption underscored the city’s tolerance for residents living in deplorable conditions at their own discretion. Comparing the scene to the Great Depression-era Hooverville, he painted a grim picture of Oakland’s descent into what he dubbed ‘Gavinville.’
Echoing Oxford’s sentiments, Tom Wolf, a former homeless man in recovery from substance addiction, condemned the living conditions, attributing the crisis to drug-related issues.
“This is Oakland, California. Worse than any shanty in the third world. You know how we got here? Drugs.” – Tom Wolf [3]
Despite its picturesque location in the San Francisco Bay area, Oakland’s decline into a dystopian landscape stands in stark contrast to its natural beauty. The city, alongside its affluent neighbor San Francisco, has grappled with rising levels of crime and squalor, with critics pointing fingers at progressive policies for exacerbating the situation.
All the stores in Oakland have closed down. Why is that? pic.twitter.com/t0uE4oicCk [4]
— Catch Up (@CatchUpFeed) February 5, 2024 [5]
Recent events, such as the removal of traffic lights at a busy intersection due to repeated tampering and copper theft, highlight the impact of the growing homeless encampments in the area. The installation of stop signs in place of functioning traffic lights signaled a troubling acceptance of deteriorating urban conditions.
Oakland has replaced traffic lights at one intersection with 4-way stop signs due to people stealing copper wires and tampering with the city electrical boxes that supply power to the traffic lights.
Tam Le owns Le’s Auto Body & Engine Repair, which is located at the corner of… pic.twitter.com/PhOmVom7YO [6]
— RedWave Press (@RedWave_Press) May 20, 2024 [7]
Furthermore, instances of copper theft, including raids on Tesla charging stations, underscore the broader issue of criminal activity plaguing the region. Reports of homeless individuals tapping into city infrastructure for power and materials further illuminate the challenges faced by local authorities.
From furnished caves along riverbanks to the caves in Modesto being emptied of belongings and debris, the pervasive homelessness crisis reflects a systemic failure to address essential social services. Even as Oakland’s lawmakers face recalls over lenient approaches to crime, residents grapple with high rates of car theft and escalating violent incidents.
Homeless cave camps discovered in Modesto, CA. Furnished caves along the river. We’ll talk about this on the Porter Brothers Show at 12noon EST.
What do you think are some of the things that go on in these riverfront shanties? pic.twitter.com/bj05GXkq72 [8]
— Bruce Porter Jr. (@NetworksManager) January 25, 2024 [9]
As Oakland grapples with a wave of challenges, including the forced closure of an In-N-Out Burger outlet due to rampant burglaries, the city’s struggle to combat crime and deprivation remains a troubling reality that demands urgent attention.