California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s latest executive order tells state agencies and cities to clear out homeless encampments “with urgency and dignity.”
“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,” says Newsom. “The state has been hard at work to address this crisis on our streets. There are simply no more excuses. It’s time for everyone to do their part.”
Except, you know, Newsom already made an effort to clear encampments involving state agencies. It failed because no one audited the $24 billion or kept track of stats.
So let’s throw more money at the problem!
1) Agencies and departments subject to my authority shall adopt policies, generally consistent with California Department of Transportation’s Maintenance Policy Directive 1001-R1, to address encampments on state property, including through partnerships with other state and local agencies, and shall prioritize efforts to address encampments consistent with such policy. Such policies shall include the following:a. Whenever feasible, site assessment in advance of removal operations to determine whether an encampment poses an imminent threat to life, health, safety or infrastructure such that exigent circumstances require immediate removal of the encampment.b. Where exigent circumstances exist, as much advance notice to vacate as reasonable under the circumstances.c. Where no exigent circumstances exist, posting of a notice to vacate at the site at least 48 hours prior to initiating removal.d. Contacting of service providers to request outreach services for persons experiencing homelessness at the encampment.e. Collection, labeling, and storage for at least 60 days of personal property collected at the removal site that is not a health or safety hazard.
Local governments can apply for a $3.3. billion grant “to expand the behavioral health continuum and provide appropriate care to individuals experiencing mental health conditions and substance use disorders.”
The $3.3 billion comes from Proposition 1, which has $6.4 billion to treat and house those with severe mental illnesses and $950 million on housing interventions.
Remember when the left lost their minds when SCOTUS ruled that cities could remove homeless encampments after a 24-hour notice?
Do you think Newsom will receive the same outrage? I doubt it.
Well, they might go crazy on Newsom. He admits in his EO that he urged SCOTUS to review City of Grants Pass v. Johnson.
Leslie has done a great job keeping us updated on the homeless problem in California, including the $24 billion failure.
So, again, how is Newsom’s E.O. any different or better than his other efforts to tackle the homeless problem?
Coronado Mayor Richard Bailey, a Republican, ended the city’s homeless problem in 2023.
The city doesn’t tolerate any basic code violations but works with police to get people the help they need:
Bailey explained that the city works with the police department and a homeless service provider to give the homeless only one option — to get the help they need.Coronado funds “reasonable” services to help those struggling get “back on their feet,” but noted the city also has a no-tolerance policy for violating municipal codes.
Unfortunately, many homeless people have mental health problems. They need help.
Throwing money at the problem doesn’t solve the problem in the long run.
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