Vallejo’s Encampment Sweep Targets 74-Year-Old Woman Today
UPDATE: A 74-year-old unhoused woman named Tory Todd was forcibly removed from her tent outside the JFK Library in Vallejo today, marking the third time this year that city officials have executed an encampment sweep. This urgent action raises significant concerns for the vulnerable population living in the area.
City officials, including Natalie Peterson, Assistant to the City Manager, initiated the sweep under threat of arrest for those who refused to leave. Todd, who suffers from both physical and mental disabilities, was among several residents given eviction notices last week as part of a scheduled cleanup of Union Plaza, an area known for its high concentration of unsheltered individuals.
“This morning, we started the process of notifying individuals that they would need to pack their belongings,” Peterson stated. The enforcement of these sweeps is seen by advocates as devastating to those already facing hardships.
Unhoused advocate Joey Carrizales helped Todd gather her belongings during the sweep. He expressed his frustration, stating, “The situation with Tory is devastating. The city has not leveraged their power to help her, and she has gotten progressively worse.” Carrizales has previously advocated for Todd in various city meetings, highlighting the ongoing neglect faced by the unhoused.
The encampment outside the library has become a focal point for the city’s unsheltered population, often relying on community donations for survival. Local shelters frequently reach capacity, leaving residents like Todd with nowhere else to go.
Peterson confirmed that the city council has identified Union Plaza as a “high priority area” for these sweeps. This proactive approach coincides with the upcoming Mad Hatter Parade, Vallejo’s largest annual holiday event, which raises questions about the timing of these actions. Carrizales noted, “It doesn’t surprise me,” indicating that the sweeps may be performed to clean up the area for events.
Concerns have also arisen regarding the procedural integrity of the sweeps. Advocacy representative Eli Smith criticized the city for failing to contact support agencies like IHART during these removals. “There are basic procedural guidelines that have not been followed,” she stated, emphasizing the need for better communication between city staff and supportive services.
During today’s sweep, three to four unhoused residents were removed. Although this number is relatively small compared to previous efforts, the lack of a concrete housing plan for those displaced remains alarming. Peterson acknowledged the challenges her small team faces in managing encampment sweeps across the city, stating, “With the manpower that we have, it takes a while to get to all the locations.”
After the removal, Todd was temporarily moved to the Transformative Village, operated by the Solano Dream Center, but only lasted one night before being admitted to Sutter Solano Medical Center for further care. Carrizales characterized the city’s approach as “a Band-Aid on a shotgun wound,” emphasizing that without sustainable housing solutions, the cycle of displacement will continue.
“We’ve collectively dropped the ball,” said Floyd Hall, another unhoused resident. “Tory needs assistance, and she needs housing.” His comments underscore the profound lack of resources and support available to the unhoused community in Vallejo.
As the situation develops, advocates are calling for immediate action and long-term solutions to address the needs of vulnerable residents like Todd. The scrutiny surrounding these encampment sweeps highlights a growing need for compassion and effective policy to support those experiencing homelessness in Vallejo.
Follow our coverage for the latest updates on this developing story.
