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Accident – Death – Obituary News :
The Tragic Incidents Unfolded in Santa Cruz
In Santa Cruz, a public presentation this week highlighted the city’s progress in addressing homelessness issues. However, this positive news was overshadowed by the heartbreaking reality of at least three people losing their lives on the streets.
The Norm of Tragic Deaths
According to Deputy Chief Jon Bush of the Santa Cruz Police Department, the frequency of deaths among the homeless population is unfortunately common. “Whether it’s medical-related, health-related, or narcotics-related, we probably average one or two deaths a week,” Bush shared.
The Tragic Events
The series of tragic events began with the discovery of a woman near drug paraphernalia on railroad tracks in the Harvey West neighborhood. identified as Kianakeo Vasquez, 39, the toxicology results were pending in her case.
Shortly after, another individual was found deceased inside a tent in the northern tip of the city’s Arana Gulch green space. The discovery indicated that the death had occurred at least two months earlier.
Tragically, a third death occurred beneath the Water Street bridge, where emergency responders found a man beyond help. The man was later identified as Wayne Spann, 71.
City Response and Advocacy
As these heartbreaking events unfolded, the city of Santa Cruz is gearing up for the upcoming vote on Measure L, a sales and use tax that aims to address homelessness issues. Advocates believe that the tax revenue could support homeless encampment cleanup, provide essential services, and promote affordable housing.
Despite the recent deaths and concerns about a bacterial outbreak near a homeless encampment, city officials have not provided comments.
Progress and Challenges
The city’s three-year Homelessness Response Action Plan, approved in 2022, outlined priorities for spending $27 million to address homelessness. With funding primarily coming from state and federal grants, officials have been working towards goals such as providing shelter, safe-sleeping programs, and long-term housing solutions.
During a recent presentation, city Homeless Response Manager Larry Imwalle highlighted the progress made in moving individuals off the streets and into stable housing. The city has also seen a decrease in the homeless population and approval for new affordable housing units.
As Santa Cruz continues its efforts to tackle homelessness, sustainable funding remains a significant challenge for ongoing support services.
For more information on the city’s homelessness response efforts, you can visit cityofsantacruz.com/homelessness.
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