The shuttered Oakmoore Golf Course in Stockton edged closer to becoming a “safe camping” zone for unhoused people as the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to proceed with its purchase.
With one member abstaining to avoid a conflict of interest, four of five supervisors authorized the purchase of the golf course, which is part of two Wilson Way parcels totaling 62 acres the county will buy for $9.6 million.
The vote came after hearing comments from residents, business operators and social workers. Some expressed concern and frustration there hasn’t been direct communication about the project. although the board discussed the proposal at its Nov. 12 meeting. Others said a safe camping area is needed.
Board members emphasized that Tuesday’s vote concerned only the purchase of the property and did not finalize its use as a public campground. That could come later.
At the same time, District 2 Supervisor Paul Canepa, who has been the biggest advocate for a safe-camping space — going so far as to refer to it as “Camp Canepa” — said the campground would be removed if it isn’t successful.
