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Describing the homelessness crisis as the “biggest scar in the reputation” of California, Gov. Gavin Newsom warned counties last week that he would redirect money if he did not see “demonstrable results” over removing homeless encampments.
- Newsom to reporters on Thursday in Los Angeles : “You’ve got the money, you’ve got the flexibility, you’ve got the green light, you’ve got support from the state. The public is demanding it of you. And if this is not the most important issue, you’re not paying attention.”
The governor’s warning follows his July executive order that directed state agencies to adopt policies to clear camps on state property — and he urged local governments to do the same. Newsom issued the order a month after the U.S. Supreme Court granted cities more authority to clear encampments and arrest or fine unhoused people for sleeping in public spaces.