Gov. Gavin Newsom on Monday called for California cities and counties to ban homeless encampments, a move that could embolden Stockton and San Joaquin County to take stronger action to confront the issue.
“There’s nothing compassionate about letting people die on the streets,” Newsom said in a statement.
The release of the model ordinance to curtail encampments comes amid what is seen widely as an effort by the Democratic governor to enhance his national stature and position himself for a possible run for the White House in 2028. Newsom’s crackdown on homeless camps could curry favor with more moderate and conservative voters. Last year, he attracted widespread attention for participating in the cleanup of a Los Angeles homeless camp…