Social Services meets with Lapis Road campers

A resolution that will allow camping on Lapis Road under certain conditions is set to take effect Friday at 6 p.m.

Ahead of that, staff with the Department of Social Services met with people on Lapis Road to see if they qualified under the new restrictions.

-Valid vehicle restriction
-No illegal dumping of trash and refuse
-Must be gone between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
-Understand the parking program is temporary

People who met the criteria were given a placard.

Campers caught breaking the rules could have their privileges revoked or even cited by authorities.

“Part of the challenge is, for local government for public safety, is that we do have to enforce the law, so we do have to enforce the vehicle laws,” said Elliott Robinson, director for the Department of Social Services. “And the sheriff doesn’t have a choice about that. So really what we’re looking for is people who can abide by all other state and local laws.”

A dumpster and two portable bathrooms will be brought in for campers.

Public safety and health concerns prompted the crackdown on the one-mile roadway. At this point, it seems to be working.

“My understanding, there were almost 80 vehicles out here last night,” said Commander John Thornburg with the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office. “As you can see going up and down Lapis Road, there’s maybe ten now. So it accomplished what we needed and the county is out here cleaning up the trash. The people that were here, from talking to them, actually cleaned up a lot of it themselves.”

That includes Jay Reed, who has lived on Lapis Road for six month. On Thursday, he helped tow people’s RV’s and fifth wheels to other locations. He said the enforcement was a long-time coming.

“These restrictions are great restrictions and that’s what we’ve been pushing for,” Reed said. “And whoever came up with this 10-6, a lot of people may not like that, but it’s a good idea because it allows me, when I come back to help clean up to find out who is serious and who is not.”

Those who left during the day were seen headed towards Marina and Castroville. Other RV’s and trailers were spotted near Twin Bridges.