The Democrats are in an uproar. Their biggest names are shedding the party.
And now Gavin Newsom betrayed the Democrat Party with this shocking order
Newsom Pushes for Homeless Encampment Bans Across California
On Monday, California Governor Gavin Newsom called on cities and counties statewide to prohibit homeless encampments on public spaces like sidewalks and bike paths, intensifying efforts to tackle the escalating crisis. His administration introduced a model ordinance for local governments to adopt, designed to clear encampments and restore public access.
The proposed ordinance bans camping for more than three days, establishing semi-permanent shelters, or obstructing pathways. It requires cities to make “every reasonable effort” to provide shelter or housing options and give at least 48 hours’ notice before dismantling encampments.
This approach diverges from traditional liberal policies, which have focused on housing and treatment rather than penalizing homelessness. “There’s nothing compassionate about letting people die on the streets,” Newsom declared. “Local leaders wanted resources—we provided historic state funding. They needed legal clarity—the courts delivered. Now, we’re offering a ready-to-use model to act swiftly, humanely, and connect people to shelter, housing, and care. The era of excuses is over.”
State Incentives and Local Challenges
While the ordinance is optional, Newsom is encouraging compliance with $3.3 billion in funding from a $6.4 billion state bond, approved by voters in 2024, to expand housing and treatment facilities for those with severe mental health and addiction issues.
Newsom, a former San Francisco mayor and potential 2028 Democratic presidential candidate, is addressing a traditionally local issue. Since 2019, his statewide homelessness initiatives have struggled, with a 2024 audit revealing $24 billion spent over five years with little progress. Newsom has criticized local leaders for their inaction.
“Tents and encampments cannot become a way of life,” he stated at a Monday press conference.
“Permanent structures blocking sidewalks, hindering kids, seniors, and people with disabilities from moving freely—it’s unacceptable. Last year, we raised the bar for local plans, and we’re working with the legislature to push further.”
The model ordinance allows cities to set their own penalties, offering enforcement flexibility. In the Bay Area, funding will support new addiction treatment centers in Oakland and San Jose, a skilled nursing facility in Napa, and a mental health clinic in San Rafael.
San Francisco, long plagued by homelessness, will receive $27 million for 73 treatment beds. Mayor Daniel Lurie called it a “strong first step” to expand services. Despite pledging 1,500 shelter beds in six months during his campaign, Lurie has not met this target but plans to open 300 by summer’s end.
With 3,200 shelter beds, San Francisco still cannot accommodate its over 6,400 homeless residents.
Oakland faces a graver situation, with 3,500 unsheltered individuals and only 1,300 temporary beds. San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan has proposed arrests for those refusing shelter three times, prioritizing street clearance. In Los Angeles, Mayor Karen Bass continues to focus on encampment removal, though the city’s 45,000 homeless population remains a public health crisis.
California’s Homelessness Crisis and Opposition
California accounts for half of the nation’s unsheltered homeless, with 187,000 people recorded in 2024, two-thirds living on streets or in tents, cars, and parks, according to the Public Policy Institute of California.
Not everyone supports Newsom’s plan. “Sadly, Newsom and others are relying on outdated tactics,” said Jesse Rabinowitz of the National Homelessness Law Center. “We’ll keep advocating for real solutions like housing and services.”
Mike Posner, a homeless man who moved to San Francisco during the pandemic, questioned the plan’s viability. “It’ll never happen here,” he told the Washington Examiner. “If it does, I’ll head to LA. No big deal.”
