Governor Gavin Newsom’s recent executive order mandating the removal of homeless encampments from state land has stirred confusion and mixed reactions among local leaders and advocates across California. The directive, which aims to address the growing homelessness crisis, has raised questions about its implementation and impact on cities and counties already grappling with limited resources and shelter options. This was reported by KPIX | CBS NEWS BAY AREA and CBS 8 San Diego, so let’s explore their insights.
The Executive Order and Its Ambiguities
The executive order instructs state agencies to clear encampments on state land, providing guidelines for outreach services, including giving residents two days’ notice before clearing and ensuring their property is stored for at least 60 days. However, the order’s implications for encampments not on state property remain unclear. Sandy Perry from the Affordable Housing Network of Santa Clara expressed concern, stating, “I don’t have a problem with moving people from encampments if they have a place that is provided for them to go, but the cities have not enough shelters, not enough housing”.
Local Responses
San Francisco Mayor London Breed highlighted her city’s ongoing efforts to manage encampments, emphasizing the need for sufficient shelter options. She noted, “When we go to various encampments, we have enough shelter options for the people we are offering shelter to”. However, she did not directly address Newsom’s order, indicating that the primary change might be in situations involving state property.
Support from Oakland
Oakland Mayor Sheng Tao supported the order, aligning it with Oakland’s goals to remove encampments and build affordable housing. Tao stated, “Not only are we removing the homeless tents and what have you, but we are also building affordable housing. We are going to continue this work to make sure people live in a dignified way”.
The Perspective from San Diego
At an annual summit on homelessness held at UC San Diego, State Senator Catherine Blakespear and Mayor Todd Gloria discussed the crisis and Newsom’s order. Blakespear, who hosted the summit, emphasized the need for accountability in homelessness programs. “We need to have much more accountability around the programs we are funding. The goal should be to have people exiting homelessness to housing,” she said .
Mayor Gloria noted that the governor’s order aligns with San Diego’s existing encampment ban and expressed hope that it would serve as a directive for smaller cities to increase their efforts. “We all understand encampments are unsafe and unhealthy. You do have to give people a place to go,” Gloria remarked .
Advocacy and Criticism
Deacon Jim Vargas, president and CEO of Father Joe’s Villages, voiced concerns about the practical implications of the order. He pointed out the lack of concrete solutions for providing adequate shelter and services. “It’s one thing to say that encampments are not allowed and are outlawed. It is another thing to realize, okay, where are these individuals going to go?” Vargas commented.
Vargas emphasized the importance of coupling encampment removals with increased shelter availability and comprehensive services. He stressed, “Homelessness is a crisis we can solve in our communities, but the solutions must be grounded in our shared humanity”.
Political Reactions
Republican State Minority Leader Brian Jones cautiously welcomed Newsom’s recognition of the homelessness issue but criticized the timing. “While I am cautiously optimistic that the governor has finally taken note of the urgency of this problem, albeit many years later than needed, Californians deserve Government for the people, not the PR hits,” Jones stated .
The Need for Comprehensive Solutions
Newsom’s executive order represents a significant step towards addressing homelessness, but its effectiveness hinges on the availability of adequate shelter and support services. Clearing encampments without providing viable alternatives risks merely shifting the problem rather than solving it. The confusion and mixed reactions from local leaders underscore the need for a coordinated, well-resourced approach that prioritizes both immediate relief and long-term solutions.
“Where Are the 24 Billion Dollars?”
People in the comments shared their thoughts: “Why now?? Is he thinking of running for office?? Where are the 24 billion dollars , this is our money gone to waste.”
One commenter is not convinced: “People seriously believe anything that comes out of newsoms veneers ,you need help”
Another person concluded: “I sense a VP pick coming. He needs to clean up his record. Too little too late.”
Moving Forward with Caution
As California grapples with the complexities of the homelessness crisis, Newsom’s order has ignited a crucial conversation about how best to support the state’s most vulnerable residents. The path forward requires a balanced strategy that combines enforcement with compassion, ensuring that all actions taken are grounded in a commitment to human dignity and effective, sustainable solutions.
Impacts on the Homeless Population
What are your thoughts? What are the potential impacts of Governor Newsom’s executive order on the homeless population, particularly those with no immediate access to shelters? How can state and local governments improve coordination to ensure that policies addressing homelessness are effectively implemented and humane? What role should the private sector and non-profit organizations play in supporting government efforts to tackle homelessness?
Explore the full insights by viewing the video on KPIX | CBS NEWS BAY AREA’s YouTube channel here and CBS 8 San Diego’s YouTube channel here and website here.
