Yesica Prado

Aug 5, 2024 | thestreetspirit.org | Yesica Prado |Laura Zink

On July 9, Berkeley City Councilmember Cecilia Lunaparra introduced an emergency agenda item — a resolution affirming the city’s commitment to not escalate harm against unhoused people following the controversial Supreme Court decision that made it legal for cities across the country to cite and arrest people for public camping. “This resolution is written very explicitly to be an assertion of our values. It does not change any policy,” said Lunaparra.

May 10, 2024 | mindsitenews.org | Yesica Prado

This story was originally reported and published by San Francisco Public Press. In San Francisco, as in many cities, it is not uncommon to cross paths with a person experiencing homelessness in the throes of a mental health crisis. The scene can be tragic, confusing and sometimes might feel dangerous. Bystanders might wonder how to summon help from the city – and what will happen if they do. We created a flow chart to answer those questions, though it does not capture all possible outcomes.

May 7, 2024 | sfpublicpress.org | Yesica Prado |Madison Alvarado

In San Francisco, it is not uncommon to cross paths with a person experiencing homelessness in the throes of a mental health crisis. The scene can be tragic, confusing and sometimes might feel dangerous. Bystanders might wonder how to summon help from the city — and what will happen if they do. We created a flow chart to answer those questions, though it does not capture all possible outcomes. Scroll down or click here to find it.

May 6, 2024 | sfpublicpress.org | Madison Alvarado |Yesica Prado

On a windy day last fall, a slender man stood on a corner of the bustling intersection at Van Ness Avenue and Market Street, anxiously seeking help. He flagged us down, asking that we call an ambulance. He said the dead leaves on the ground were out to hurt him and that his legs were bleeding. We didn’t see any blood. He told us his name was Jay and that he was unhoused. Uncertain what to do, we dialed 311, San Francisco’s non-emergency helpline.

Aug 2, 2023 | sfpublicpress.org | Yesica Prado

Berkeley is accelerating plans to more humanely deal with homelessness in the wake of a San Francisco Public Press report on a chaotic encampment raid in October, and city staffers say they will start collaborating with unhoused people and homeless advocates when planning to clean or clear large encampments. Several city departments are changing procedures in response to complaints from those living in encampments and their advocates, and from residential and commercial neighbors.