SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif- San Luis Obispo Police received a call Saturday night from a local business about people hanging out on a roof in downtown. "They reported that they had seen tents on top of the roof, people drinking, and they believe some people may have been staying on top of the roof for some time," says Captain Chris Staley.
Tuesday morning chairs were still visible from the street. Three businesses share the roof. Business owners said they don't think it is homeless people camping out. "I don't believe at all it's a campsite, there's no signs of any homeless persons belongings, there has never been any sightings of any homeless people on the roof," said Matthew Pearce, the owner of San Luis BBQ Company.
SLO police say the rooftop set up appears to be an illegal encampment due to what they found. "Several chairs, we found numerous bags full of garbage, lot's of empty cans and bottles, and there appeared to be an area where they had been using for a restroom area," says Captain Staley. Rene Scarnegi, the owner of Westen Espresso and Tea said the people on the roof were not affecting her business and she didn't even know they were there. Her only worry was for their safety. "I hope no one gets hurt, I don't know if this should necessarily go on because of that, it's a safety issue."
There isn't access around the building, but Pearce says there is one place. "The access is from inside the building, there are no signs of anyone getting on the roof from any other way." He also thinks it is just some locals drinking on the roof after work.
San Luis Obispo Fire and Police both say it is a safety concern to be camping on a roof, because these kind of encampments could lead to fires as well as other health issues. Police are encouraging businesses to check their buildings and access areas, and to call police or the fire department if they suspect any people camping out.
