Governor Gavin Newsom’s executive order to remove encampments in California has drawn both support and skepticism.
Many local leaders say they are already doing preparatory work similar to the governor’s order, but some groups worry it’s not practical.
While many local agencies, organizations and governments agree that homeless encampments are a safety and health concern, especially for the people who live there, some question whether the governor’s oversight will be effective.
“It’s time to act with urgency at the local level to clean up these places and focus on public health and public safety. There are no more excuses.”
The executive order directs state agencies and urges local governments to remove homeless encampments and provide support to the people living in them, recommending that states use Caltrans’ encampment policy as a guideline, which provides up to 72 hours’ notice to people living in encampments that pose a threat to the health and safety of the community.
The directive comes one month after a Supreme Court ruling allowing cities to ban camping in public spaces.
Some elected officials in Southern California, including Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley, have voiced support for the order.
“I applaud Governor Newsom’s executive order, which builds on local anti-camping policies and directs state agencies and departments to remove encampments through aggressive outreach by caseworkers, public notices, and dignified storage of personal belongings of people who refuse to evacuate,” Foley said in a statement.
“This discussion must focus on incorporating public input and developing procedures that meet the Governor’s call for an urgent response to homeless camps while respecting the dignity and safety of homeless people,” said Long Beach City Council Member Christina Duggan, who also voiced support.
But officials with the Los Angeles Union for Human Rights, which successfully sued the city and county over homelessness, said it may be too early to celebrate before seeing the effects of the directive.
“Unfortunately, we’re concerned that people will be forced out of these places, which is not healthy or beneficial for anyone, not for the city, not for the people who live there,” said Elizabeth Mitchell, the group’s lead attorney.
A lawsuit brought by the LA Human Rights Alliance resulted in a five-year settlement agreement that increased shelter, critical services and resources for homeless people in the city and county.
Mitchell supports the executive order but questions how it will be implemented and enforced.
“The details are still emerging, but there’s some cautious optimism,” she said, “but I think without clear timelines and metrics, there’s a real concern that there won’t be accountability.”
Local governments are not legally bound by the order but are encouraged to follow the guidelines and could have critical funds withheld if they don’t.