Gov. Gavin Newsom issues executive order for removal of homeless encampments in California
The move to begin dismantling thousands of encampments throughout California comes after the high court ruled last month in favor of an Oregon city that ticketed homeless people for sleeping outside. The ruling rejected arguments that such “anti-camping” ordinances violated the Constitution’s ban on “cruel and unusual” punishment.
“No more excuses. We’ve provided the time. We’ve provided the funds. Now it’s time for locals to do their job,” Newsom posted Thursday on X.
Newsom praised the decision at the time, saying it “provides state and local officials the definitive authority to implement and enforce policies to clear unsafe encampments from our streets.”
“This decision removes the legal ambiguities that have tied the hands of local officials for years and limited their ability to deliver on common-sense measures to protect the safety and well-being of our communities,” Newsom added.
The case was the most significant appeal involving unhoused Americans to reach the Supreme Court in decades, and it was closely watched by cities and states across the nation wrestling with a sharp increase in homelessness.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
"Given the ruling's implications, we as a community must now work together to ensure the proper execution of this decision, focusing on the welfare of our citizens, including us,".
"Undeniably, this decision empowers us to take decisive action in addressing the homeless issue, prioritizing the safety and well-being of our city and its residents, including us."
