SAN FRANCISCO – The homeless encampments that have joined the Golden Gate Bridge and Hollywood sign as recognizable features of the California landscape will soon be swept away if Gov. Gavin Newsom has his way.
Armed with last month’s Supreme Court decision allowing cities and states to enforce bans on sleeping outside in public areas, Newsom directed agencies Thursday to clear out the encampments that have proliferated in the state’s urban centers, most noticeably in San Francisco, Los Angeles and the capital city of Sacramento. Authorities would have to provide a two-day notice before taking action.
Before the Supreme Court’s ruling on the Grants Pass case, a lower court’s decision had thwarted municipalities’ efforts to remove encampments.
“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,’’ Newsom said in a statement . “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.’’