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City of San Diego opens new ‘safe lot’ for people living in RV’s, with few takers

Posted at 11:48 PM, Jun 17, 2019
and last updated 2019-06-18 11:01:51-04

SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - A month after enacting a new law that prohibits people from sleeping in vehicles, the city of San Diego opened a “safe lot” in Mission Valley Monday night.

It’s the third lot funded by the city, but it’s the first that will have room for people living in RVs. The city said it can fit about 100 RVs or 200 regular-sized vehicles.

The new lot is being run by Jewish Family Service, which also operates the two other lots.

The lots are the only public places where people living in their vehicles can sleep without the risk of being ticketed.

In May, the San Diego City Council voted to enact an emergency ordinance prohibiting people from living inside vehicles from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. and anywhere within 500 feet of a school or residence.

But on Monday night, only a handful of vehicles could be seen inside the lot in Mission Valley across from SDCCU Stadium.

Jewish Family Service declined interviews to all media.

A PR spokesperson hired by JFS wrote, “While the staff sets up the site and clients get settled, the City of San Diego and Jewish Family Service are placing a hold on media interviews and tours. We will be providing media access in the coming weeks.”