People in encampments deny bothering the NBA great. 'I know who he is, and nobody is harassing that guy'
Driving around Balboa Park in his white Tesla, Bill Walton points to his left, then to his right.
Bill Walton delivers a statement given about the city’s handling of homelessness at the Lucky Duck Foundation press conference. The issue became even more personal when a large encampment took root several months ago just blocks from his home. In a shot at the mayor, he has taken to calling the encampment between Zoo Place and Morley Field Drive “Gloriaville.”
Gloria said shelter capacity has increased, street outreach has expanded and more affordable housing has been built during his administration. “This is safe, secure, healthy, clean,” he said. “It wasn’t always this way. Years ago, this area was a disaster. But with political will and with leadership, this area has been reclaimed, restored and maintained. This is a spectacular community asset.”
Eddie Husband, who has been living in Balboa Park for the past few months, works on a bicycle near Park Boulevard and Morley Field Drive. He said he was not aware of anyone harassing or threatening others from using the park. “There’s usually a congregation of unhoused people under the bridges seeking shelter for the night, but we’ve never had any issue with them, and I’ve been doing that ride for two years every Wednesday night,” he said.
A woman wearing sparkly gold shorts fired up a glass crack pipe next to a tent, a man was busy repairing a chain to a bicycle and a few groups of people lounged in chairs. A pitbull and a mixed breed dog eyed passers-by while tied outside a couple of tents.