California Governor Gavin Newsom has issued an executive order mandating that state officials begin to take down homeless encampments in cities around the Golden State.
This sudden order from Newsom comes after a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling the governor has previously praised. However, some advocates have already criticized Newsom for this move.
The Supreme Court’s Decision on Homeless Encampments
This executive order occurred only a few weeks after the Supreme Court decided that an Oregon city wasn’t violating the Constitution by ticketing homeless people who were sleeping outside.
Through this ruling, the court rejected advocates that claim “anti-camping” ordinances go against the Constitution.
Giving Power to State Officials
Last month, after this Supreme Court ruling was revealed, Newsom praised the decision, as it clearly states state and local officials have the power to deal with the homelessness crisis.
The governor said the ruling “provides state and local officials the definitive authority to implement and enforce policies to clear unsafe encampments from our streets.”
Local Officials’ Hands Are No Longer Tied
Newsom further added that this ruling allows for local officials to feel that their hands are no longer tied.
“This decision removes the legal ambiguities that have tied the hands of local officials for years and limited their ability to deliver on common-sense measures to protect the safety and well-being of our communities,” Newsom explained.
Newsom’s Surprise Executive Order
Now, Newsom’s latest executive order shows how he may be using the Supreme Court’s ruling as a way to deal with homeless populations in California.
This order — which some Californians are surprised and upset about — requires state officials to begin the process of taking down homeless encampments.
No More Excuses
In a statement explaining this executive order, Newsom stated that this order will help to address and deal with dangerous encampments in California.
“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,” Newson explained. “There are simply no more excuses. It’s time for everyone to do their part.”
Adopting Humane Policies
However, the order also asks state and local officials to ensure they are adopting humane policies when taking down these homeless encampments.
The order says officials must “adopt humane and dignified policies to urgently address encampments on state property.”
Homeless Advocates Fight Back
Many homeless advocates have already shot back at Newsom’s executive order, as they feel that the governor is only issuing this order because he has the backing of this new Supreme Court decision.
Chris Herring, a University of California Los Angeles assistant professor of sociology, said, “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.”
Will Incarceration Rise?
Herring further alleged that this could lead to more severe issues revolving around the homelessness crisis in California, such as the possibility that incarceration could rise.
“So before the Supreme Court ruling cities were in the position where they would have to provide shelter offers before removing encampments. Now … they will be able to carry out these encampment sweeps with the very real threat of issuing people incredibly expensive fines of which people cannot pay and often results in a warrant or an arrest or can result in incarceration,” Herring added.
A Political Win for Newsom?
Some advocates, such as Herring, have suggested that this new executive order comes as Newsom faces the national stage in politics. Many analysts have theorized that Newsom could be in the running to be Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate.
According to Herring, this order is only being sent out to clear Newsom’s name from the California homeless crisis.
Officials Are Already Getting to Work
Only hours after Newsom issued this executive order, state and local officials revealed that they were already getting to work on clearing homeless encampments.
LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger has said that Newsom is correct in his declaration that clearing these homeless encampments is the local government’s job.
Helping Solve the Homeless Crisis in California
Barger further stated that this order, combined with support services, can help bring about resolutions in California.
Barger said, “Cities have an obligation to develop housing and shelter solutions in tandem with 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.”
