Berkeley Begins Clearing Longtime Homeless Encampment As Appeals Made In Emergency Hearing

CBS Bay Area

September 16, 2026

Before the sun rose Tuesday morning, a sweep of Berkeley's long-established and embattled Harrison encampment began.

Police tape and cruisers created a perimeter on Eighth Street as officers moved through the encampment, shining lights, waking people up and telling them to leave so city crews in hazmat gear could begin clearing the space.

For more than a year, the city has battled a group of advocates called the Berkeley Homeless Union in court. An attempt to clear the encampment in 2025 led to a temporary injunction after the union sued the city. A judge recently finalized protections for certain union members with disabilities.

Click here for the full story via CBS San Francisco Bay Area

CBS Local Digital Media personalizes the global reach of CBS-owned and operated television and radio stations with a local perspective.