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http://www.latimes.com/news/local/orange/la-me-tents18mar18%2C0%2C1589130.storyBy David Kelly, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
March 18, 2008
Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times
Tent City residents gather as the city of Ontario starts the process of sorting out who may stay and who must leave. The city issued wristbands – blue for Ontario residents, who may stay, orange for people who need to provide more documentation, and white for those who must leave. The aim is to reduce the number of people living there from over 400 to 170.
Officials begin thinning out the encampment, saying the city can provide space only for those who once lived there and can prove it.
By David Kelly, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
March 18, 2008
Dozens of Ontario police and code enforcement officers descended upon the homeless encampment known as Tent City early Monday, separating those who could stay from those to be evicted.
Large, often confused, crowds formed ragged lines behind police barricades where officers handed out color-coded wristbands. Blue meant they were from Ontario and could remain. Orange indicated they had to provide more proof to avoid ejection, and white meant they had a week to leave.
Photos: City to reduce homeless...Many who had taken shelter at the camp -- which had grown from 20 to more than 400 residents in nine months -- lacked paperwork, bills or birth certificates proving they were once Ontario residents.
"When my husband gets out of jail he can bring my marriage certificate; will that count?" asked one tearful woman.
Another resident, clearly confused, seemed relieved to get a white band -- not understanding it