California Gov. Gavin Newsom has mandated the removal of homeless encampments from public property following a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that permits such bans. Newsom emphasized that the makeshift camps, lacking basic amenities, pose urgent public health and safety hazards. This directive has elicited mixed reactions, with some viewing it as necessary while others believe it fails to address the root causes of homelessness in the state.
Public Health and Safety Concerns
Newsom stated that the executive order was necessary due to the urgent public health and safety hazards posed by makeshift camps lacking electricity and running water. He emphasized, “There are simply no more excuses. It’s time for everyone to do their part.”
The response to the executive order was mixed. Homeless services providers expressed skepticism, arguing it would not address the underlying crisis in a state known for its high housing costs. Conversely, some cities and counties applauded the decision and committed to clearing their own streets and sidewalks.
“The broom theory of sweeping people from here to there, it doesn’t solve anybody’s problem,” said John Maceri, CEO of Los Angeles-based social services provider The People Concern.
Implementation and Response
The executive order directs state agencies, such as the California State Parks Department, to prioritize clearing encampments that pose the greatest safety risks. Agencies are instructed to provide notice and connect individuals living in the encampments with service providers to help store their belongings for at least 60 days.
Maceri acknowledged Newsom’s emphasis on involving service providers as a positive step but warned the order might encourage cities and counties to criminalize homelessness. The governor’s office did not specify where the displaced individuals would go once the encampments were removed.
Despite the state’s $24 billion investment in cleaning up streets and finding housing, tents and cardboard shelters remain prevalent across California. The state has the largest homeless population in the country, at 180,000 people.
Legal and Local Government Reactions
The Supreme Court recently upheld ordinances in Grants Pass, Oregon, that penalize homeless people for sleeping on public property, ruling that these measures do not violate the Constitution’s Eighth Amendment against cruel and unusual punishment. Following this decision, some local officials, including San Francisco Mayor London Breed, expressed intentions to align with Newsom’s directive.
“San Francisco is already doing what the Governor is calling for, with efforts well underway since long before the Grants Pass ruling,” Breed said, highlighting the city’s significant investments in shelter and housing and its proactive approach that led to a five-year low in street tent count.
In Los Angeles, Mayor Karen Bass reiterated that the city does not criminalize homelessness and instead focuses on housing and services. “For the first time in years, unsheltered homelessness has decreased in Los Angeles because of a comprehensive approach that leads with housing and services, not criminalization,” she stated.
The executive order received varied reactions from public figures. Former Los Angeles City Council member Mike Bonin labeled the order as “horrible,” while California Assembly Member Alex Lee deemed it both ineffective and “morally wrong.” However, Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger supported Newsom’s decision, emphasizing the need for cities to develop housing and shelter solutions alongside support services provided by County government. “This formula, which is largely based on partnerships, is how we can deliver permanent results. No single entity can achieve that,” Barger stated.
