On February 10, the City of Sausalito declared a state of emergency due to a growing crisis with unsheltered members of our community. The declaration was prompted by a fire and explosion on the evening of February 9 at the tent encampment at the Marinship Park tennis courts.

"This state of emergency is a clear signal to county leaders that our small town needs extra resources, including money and manpower, to deal with this crisis," Sausalito Mayor Janelle Kellman said. "Since the onset of the encampment, Sausalito has been working closely with Marin County officials, and we have repeatedly requested additional support from the county to help find permanent housing for unsheltered residents."

"While we appreciate the recent allocation of funds, it is not sufficient for the unique dynamic of our encampment, and we are asking for further help and support," Mayor Kellman said. "This is costing an overwhelming amount of taxpayer dollars, and private landowners have incurred significant losses. We are committed to working collaboratively with the county to reach a long-term solution."

The county is the primary recipient of state and federal housing funds.

The emergency declaration, called a "proclamation of a local emergency," was signed by City Manager Chris Zapata, who is also Sausalito's Director of Emergency Services. The City Council is expected to formally ratify the proclamation at its regular meeting on February 15.

Encampment resident Debra Ellen Hazelwood was arrested in connection with the fire and explosion. The 61-year-old Hazelwood admitted to using a cigarette lighter to set fire to two tents, one of which contained a propane canister. There were no injuries as a result of the blaze. Additional details can be found in a press release from the Sausalito Police Department.

READ THE PROCLAMATION OF A LOCAL EMERGENCY

The fire at the Marinship Park tent encampment on February 9

City staff clear charred debris on February 10