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California Governor Gavin Newsom has intensified efforts to address the state's homelessness crisis by urging cities, towns, and counties to ban homeless encampments on public property. On Monday, Newsom called for a crackdown on tent camps on sidewalks, bike paths, and parklands, marking a significant shift in the state's approach to homelessness.
The governor's administration has previously invested tens of billions of dollars in programs aimed at providing housing and treatment for homeless individuals. However, Newsom's latest move signals a tougher stance on the visible presence of homelessness across California. He has introduced a template for a local ordinance that municipalities can adopt to outlaw encampments and clear existing ones. "There are no more excuses," Newsom stated, emphasizing the need for local governments to address the issue.
This development follows a recent decision by the U.S. Supreme Court, which overturned a restriction that prevented cities from making homeless camps illegal due to a lack of shelter beds. As a result, many California cities and counties are now considering or have already enacted bans on sleeping in public spaces, even if they lack sufficient shelter capacity. This could lead to increased fines, citations, and arrests.
The homelessness crisis in California remains severe, with nearly two-thirds of the state's 186,000 homeless population being unsheltered. The total number of homeless individuals has risen by 8% since 2022, according to CalMatters.