Hollywood movie displaces homeless people in Sacramento before Leo DiCaprio filming

Sacramento’s Cesar Chavez Plaza, a haven for the city’s most vulnerable, has undergone a surprise transformation ahead of the filming of a major motion picture featuring Hollywood heavyweight Leonardo DiCaprio. On February 8, 2024, six homeless tents were removed from the plaza, a decision that raised a wave of questions and ignited a heated debate over the city’s treatment of its unhoused residents.

A divided city

As the rain fell, the city’s decision to remove the tents became increasingly controversial. The city insists this is standard procedure for events that receive permits, not just movies. Sacramento officials said the removals were done in accordance with the law, with 24-hour notice given to affected individuals. However, the timing of the clearance operation, during a rainstorm, exacerbated the challenges faced by the displaced.

The city offered shelters to affected individuals, but not all residents took up the offer. According to the Sacramento Homeless Federation, some homeless individuals reported that city crews did not provide them with a place to shelter. With nearly 1,300 shelter beds available in the city, the situation highlights the ongoing struggle to provide adequate housing for Sacramento’s homeless population.

Rare shelter

The city’s shelter system is typically at capacity, with a waiting list of more than 1,200 people. The new shelter on Roseville Road, which was offered as a temporary solution for those affected by the removal of tents, is not an option for everyone. Some individuals reported feeling unsafe in shelters, while others cited strict rules and regulations as barriers to entry.

As Sacramento grapples with the complex issue of homelessness, the city’s decision to remove tents before filming sparked a larger conversation about the resources and supports available to the homeless community. While the city maintains that its actions were in line with standard procedures, critics say more must be done to address the root causes of homelessness and provide long-term solutions for those in need.

show must go on

The film, tentatively titled “BC Project,” is set to star Leonardo DiCaprio alongside Teyana Taylor, Sean Penn, and Regina Hall. As the cast and crew prepare to roll cameras in Sacramento, the city’s homeless population continues to face an uphill battle for resources and support. The controversy over the removal of the tents has highlighted the stark contrast between the glamor of Hollywood and the harsh realities faced by those living on the streets.

As the discussion continues, one thing is clear: The issue of homelessness in Sacramento is complex and multifaceted, and requires a nuanced and compassionate approach. The city’s decision to clear out tents ahead of filming has sparked a conversation that extends beyond the entertainment world, highlighting the ongoing struggle for housing and support in California’s capital.

As rain continues to fall on Sacramento’s Cesar Chavez Plaza, displaced individuals are left to face the challenges of finding a new place to call home. The city’s decision to vacate tents before filming has sparked heated debate, highlighting the ongoing struggle for housing and support in California’s capital. As the spotlight turns to Project BC and its star-studded cast, the city’s homeless residents remain in the shadows, fighting for a chance to reclaim their place in a world that often ignores their plight.