Governor Gavin Newsom has expanded state partnerships to include the cities of Ontario, San Bernardino, and San Diego as part of an ongoing effort to clear homeless encampments from California highways. The move increases the total number of city partnerships under the state’s Encampment Delegated Maintenance Agreements to 13.
These agreements allow the state to offset costs for local agencies that collaborate with the California Department of Transportation on removal efforts. Participating cities can manage cleanup tasks on state rights-of-way, provided they comply with state reporting requirements and policies to maintain transparency. Primary activities include removing encampments, collecting litter and debris, managing vegetation, and cleaning graffiti.
State officials noted that the program aims to balance public safety with the need to connect individuals with housing and supportive services. Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin said the partnerships are designed to improve safety while expanding pathways to care. Caltrans Director Dina El-Tawansy added that the collaboration combines regional expertise with department best practices to benefit both the traveling public and those experiencing homelessness…