Newsom tells California officials to remove homeless camps.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has issued an executive order to dismantle homeless encampments across the state, aiming to address the growing crisis of homelessness in California. The initiative was announced on Thursday, with the governor’s office emphasizing the importance of addressing these encampments while respecting the dignity and well-being of all Californians.
In a statement, Governor Newsom stated, “This executive order directs state agencies to move urgently to address dangerous encampments while supporting and assisting the individuals living in them—and provides guidance for cities and counties to do the same.” He stressed that it is time for everyone to do their part in addressing this pressing issue.
The executive order is expected to impact tens of thousands of homeless individuals who have established long-term encampments, some of which occupy entire city blocks and are associated with open-air drug use. The governor’s office has assured that individuals living in the targeted encampments will be notified in advance of any actions being taken.
The statement from Newsom’s office outlined that the executive order directs state agencies to adopt humane and dignified policies to address encampments on state-owned property. This includes providing necessary support to inhabitants before the encampments are removed.
Governor Newsom cited the recent Supreme Court decision in Grants Pass v. Johnson as a catalyst for this initiative. The court’s ruling last month determined that laws restricting sleeping in public areas do not violate the constitutional prohibition against “cruel and unusual punishment.” This decision, passed by a 6-to-3 vote along ideological lines, is expected to pave the way for similar anti-encampment policies in cities nationwide.
Newsom had advocated for the Supreme Court to hear the Grants Pass case, expressing that previous court decisions preventing the government from penalizing individuals occupying public spaces had hindered efforts to address the homelessness crisis effectively.
The executive order issued by Governor Newsom marks a significant step towards tackling the complex issue of homelessness in California. By prioritizing the safety and well-being of homeless individuals while addressing the challenges posed by encampments, the state aims to make meaningful progress in combating homelessness and ensuring a better quality of life for all its residents.
