An East Oakland lot, now home to a growing community of RVs and tents, was recently bestowed with the not-so-glamorous title of “Homeless Encampment” on Google Maps. Whether a rogue intern at Google or a clever troll wanted to make a statement , we can’t tell just yet , but one thing’s for sure: it’s bringing some twisted humor to an otherwise serious situation.

Nestled near the bustling Fruitvale district, this so-called business listing has already drawn its fair share of attention , and not the good kind. As KRON4 reported, reviews mocking the situation surfaced faster than you can say “gentrification”. One cheeky review stated, “Such a fun place! You have to come, bring the whole family! God I love California”. Pro tip: sarcasm isn’t a salad dressing.

And while the apparent “business” at Alameda Avenue and East Eighth Street may not be winning over Bay Area Families anytime soon, it’s highlighted among actual businesses like Bay Breeze Inn and Taqueria El Paisa. Nothing says community support like juxtaposing taco stands with a homeless encampment , it’s like a weird version of Yelp gone rogue.

At one point, the listing even had a designated phone number, which was linked to the office of interim Oakland Mayor Kevin Jenkins. Talk about a PR blunder! Just imagine the mayor’s staff getting calls to book a family camping trip at what is essentially a dumpster driven by dreams of social equity. Apparently, trolls are the new political activists?

We did reveal the quick deletion of some of these hilarious reviews, but trust , the screenshots and the memories remain etched in the ever-changing world of internet fame. If anything, this incident serves as a reminder of the barriers and struggles that homeless communities face in a city known for its innovation.

Instead of shy away from scrutiny, perhaps the city could take notes on the real issues plaguing its residents. Shoving another blighted patch of land under the rug isn’t going to solve anything, and neither will a hilarious Google Maps listing , but hey, at least we got a chuckle out of our precarious situation! As social media continues to shine its merciless spotlight, let’s hope for solutions, not just punchlines.