California Governor Gavin Newsom has issued an executive order calling for the dismantling of homeless encampments across the state. The move, announced Thursday, follows a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision that supports the enforcement of bans on sleeping outside in public spaces. Newsom's directive aims to address the pervasive issue of homelessness by urging state agencies to adopt humane policies for the removal of these encampments while providing assistance to the individuals affected.
"There are simply no more excuses. It's time for everyone to do their part," Newsom declared, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. The executive order instructs state officials to urgently address encampments on state property and provides guidance for cities and counties to follow suit.
The timing of this executive order has raised eyebrows among homeless advocates. Chris Herring, an assistant professor of sociology at the University of California Los Angeles, criticized the move, stating, "Newsom could have issued this order before the Supreme Court decision. The only difference now is that states and localities are free to confine and arrest people even when there is no shelter available." Herring argues that the order seems politically motivated as Newsom seeks to "clear his name of the homeless crisis, especially as he's in the national spotlight right now amid the presidential election."
In San Francisco, city officials have already begun taking action in line with the governor's order. "Our city encampment teams and street outreach staff have been going out every day to bring people indoors, and to clean and clear encampments," stated Parisa Safarzadeh, a spokesperson for Mayor London Breed. This initiative has reportedly led to a five-year low in the city's tent count.
The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority recently reported a slight decrease in homelessness in both Los Angeles County and the city, the first drop in six years. Despite this, the numbers remain high, with 45,253 homeless individuals in the city and 75,312 in the county. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass described the Supreme Court decision as unfortunate, warning of its potential to lead to a new wave of criminalization against the homeless.
Newsom, however, praised the court's ruling, stating it "provides state and local officials the definitive authority to implement and enforce policies to clear unsafe encampments from our streets." He added that the decision removes legal ambiguities that have previously hampered local officials' efforts to address the issue effectively.
The Supreme Court case has significant implications nationwide, as cities and states grapple with increasing homelessness. LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger expressed support for Newsom's order, emphasizing the importance of local governments in managing encampment removals. "Cities have an obligation to develop housing and shelter solutions in tandem with support services provided by County government," Barger said.
Newsom's administration, which has allocated approximately $24 billion to address homelessness, has faced criticism for not consistently tracking the impact of this spending. Despite these efforts, homelessness remains a persistent issue in California, which is home to roughly one-third of the nation's homeless population.
Political analyst Brian Sobel suggested the timing of the executive order is "curious," given the current political climate, but believes it aligns with Newsom's longstanding focus on homelessness. "If you're going to put it in a political context of the election, this isn't going to magically fix the problem," added Wesley Hussey, a political science professor at California State University, Sacramento.
Local officials and business groups have largely supported Newsom's decision. San Francisco Mayor London Breed announced an "aggressive" campaign to clear encampments in August, stating that the governor's order would not alter the city's plans. LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger praised Newsom's urgency, noting that local government remains central to addressing the issue.
Homeless advocates, however, argue that these sweeps are cruel and ineffective, calling for more housing solutions instead of crackdowns. Newsom's order directs state agencies to prioritize clearing encampments that pose safety risks and to provide advance notice and support to affected individuals. Local governments are encouraged to adopt similar protocols, emphasizing the need for a coordinated effort to address California's homelessness crisis.
