Caltrans Will Clear San Jose Encampment Starting Monday
A scheduled sweep near Olinder Park and Interstate 280 will displace residents by the end of October.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Home Organization
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Caltrans is set to begin a scheduled sweep of a homeless encampment near San Jose's Olinder Park and Interstate 280 on Monday, October 12, 2026. The operation to clear the area near McLaughlin Avenue and Woodborough Place is expected to conclude by October 31.
Why it matters
The sweep aims to address encampments identified by officials as threats to infrastructure and public safety. Residents at the site now face displacement, following a similar dismantling of the large Jungle encampment at Coyote Creek earlier this spring.
Advocates identified 36 people living at the Olinder Park encampment as of October 2026, while Caltrans officials estimated the population at 20 residents. The site encompasses areas near McLaughlin Avenue, Woodborough Place, and Olinder Park.
The players
Caltrans
This state agency is responsible for maintaining highway infrastructure and managing encampments located on state-owned land.
Jobino Medina Sarabia
He is a 77-year-old resident who has experienced homelessness for 10 years and declined a shelter placement due to medical access concerns.
San Jose Housing Department
This city agency manages local shelter resources and coordinates with advocates regarding housing placements for displaced individuals.
The details
The state agency coordinates with local providers to notify residents before removing encampments. Some individuals, such as 77-year-old resident Jobino Medina Sarabia, have declined offered shelter at the Cerone tiny home village due to the distance from necessary medical care.
Timeline
The city dismantled the Jungle encampment in Spring 2026.
The Caltrans sweep is scheduled to begin on Monday, October 12, 2026.
The sweep is scheduled to conclude by October 31, 2026.
Culture Shift
The upcoming sweep mirrors the city's strategy during the 2026 dismantling of the Jungle encampment at Coyote Creek. This removal follows a pattern of displacement that continues to impact the local housing stability of residents previously centered in these areas.
Residents and commuters in the vicinity of McLaughlin Avenue and Interstate 280 should prepare for potential traffic disruptions during the sweep. Those navigating the area may see an increased presence of city and state personnel throughout the remainder of October.
The takeaway
Displaced residents often face significant barriers to accepting temporary housing when locations are not near their existing medical or support networks. City planning must account for these proximity needs to ensure that shelter transitions remain viable for vulnerable populations.
Further reading
For more on local housing efforts, visit Home Organization.
Source note: This article includes information reported by San José Spotlight.
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