‘Take back the streets’ California Governor declares war on homeless encampments

California Governor Gavin Newsom has stepped up his efforts to tackle the state’s homelessness problem by once again urging cities and counties to ban homeless camps on public property. This move follows an earlier executive order that required state agencies to clear camps from state land and now encourages local governments to do the same.

The governor made this announcement at the same time as releasing $3.3 billion in Proposition 1 funding, which is set aside to create more housing and treatment options for people who are homeless or struggling with mental illness. This new funding comes on top of the $27 billion the state has already committed to fighting homelessness, per AP News.

Newsom shared a sample law for local governments to use as a guide when creating their own rules about homeless encampments. The model law suggests banning long-term camping in one spot and preventing camps that block sidewalks or walkways. However, it also says that officials must try to offer shelter options before clearing any temporary living spaces, as reported by Reuters.

California Governor trying to stop homelessness

The city of Los Angeles already has rules in place that ban encampments within 500 feet of schools and daycare centers and prevent camping within five feet of doorways or in ways that block wheelchair access.

The governor’s proposal has received both support and criticism. Some see it as a needed step to improve public safety and take back public spaces, while homeless advocates argue that the state does not have enough supportive housing or shelter space to house everyone who would be forced out of encampments. These advocates say the proposed bans ignore the real causes of homelessness, such as the lack of affordable housing and California’s high cost of living.

The legal situation around encampment bans changed after a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that said it is legal to ban public camping, even if there is not enough shelter available. This decision allowed 42 of California’s 482 cities and two of its 58 counties to pass camping bans. This trend is happening across the country, with about 160 cities and counties nationwide adopting similar rules. The Supreme Court’s ruling played a big role in shaping the governor’s plan and the model law he proposed.

On the other hand, conservative groups like the Cicero Institute are pushing for even stricter measures. They want California to pass laws that would let the state sue cities if they do not do enough to handle encampment problems. They argue this would make sure cities take responsibility for protecting both homeless residents and the general public. This viewpoint stresses the need for stronger enforcement and accountability at the local level.

Governor Newsom’s plan to address homelessness includes multiple strategies, such as putting more money into housing and treatment programs while taking a harder stance on public encampments.