
A temporary restraining order that prevents the clearing of a Petaluma homeless encampment will remain in place at least through this month. After a hearing on Thursday, U.S. District Court Judge Edward Chen made the ruling for the homeless encampment at Steamer Landing Park but with one key change: a parking lot near the property must have at least three parking spaces cleared of belongings. An injunction had been put into place in early October that prevented city officials from clearing the camp. That injunction has been extended twice. Housing officials have argued that alternative housing sites were unavailable and that the city’s largest homeless shelter, the Mary Isaak Center, did not meet health standards. Another court hearing will be held next month to discuss housing options for the dozens of camp residents at Steamer Landing Park.