Homeless camp damaged in arson attack

The city-approved homeless encampment at Lee Gerner Park in Novato, Calif., on Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022. (Sherry LaVars/Marin Independent Journal)

Novato police are investigating a suspected arson attack at the homeless encampment in Lee Gerner Park.

The fire broke out around 3:30 a.m. Tuesday in the park, which borders Novato Boulevard, Seventh Street and Grant Avenue. The fire burned several tents, the fence surrounding the encampment and a large tree in the encampment, police reported.

Novato firefighters extinguished the fire before it could spread to other buildings. The warehouse is adjacent to a commercial building and is near the Novato library and a restaurant.

Police said campers were evacuated and no injuries were reported.

Investigators are seeking information from the public that may help identify a suspect. Novato police can be reached at 415-897-4361.

The camp, which used to be a collection of tents without restroom facilities, was approved and regulated in 2022 after the California Homeless Union sued the city, challenging an ordinance that regulates where camping is allowed in public places.

As part of a settlement between Novato and the plaintiffs in 2022, the city agreed to keep the warehouse operating until at least October of that year.

The city built the camp with $200,000 in stimulus funding from the American Rescue Plan Act. The camp has a maximum capacity of 17 people.