California Governor Gavin Newsom's surprise order to state agencies to clear homeless encampments on state land last week has been met with a general "wait and see" attitude by regional officials who are still working to understand how the state rules will filter down to local jurisdictions.
Newsom’s order follows a Supreme Court ruling allowing cities to enforce bans on sleeping in public spaces. The order mandates the removal of encampments that pose safety risks and urges cities to adopt similar protocols. It also calls for providing services to individuals who are cleared from encampments.
"This executive order directs state agencies to move urgently to address dangerous encampments while supporting and assisting the individuals living in them — and provides guidance for cities and counties to do the same. The state has been hard at work to address this crisis on our streets. There are simply no more excuses. It’s time for everyone to do their part," said Governor Newsom in a statement.
While the order requires action from state agencies, it encourages and supports local agencies to take similar steps, including a solicitation for cities to apply for the newly available $3.3 billion in competitive grant funding from Proposition 1 to expand the behavioral health continuum and provide appropriate care to individuals experiencing mental health conditions and substance use disorders — with a particular focus on people who are most seriously ill, vulnerable, or homeless.
Santa Monica officials said the City Attorney’s Office continues to evaluate the recent Supreme Court decision on the Grants Pass matter and is also now assessing potential regional impacts from Newsom’s executive order for state agencies on encampment resolution.
State property covered by the new order includes sections of the PCH and freeway that pass through town under the authority of Caltrans. However, the new rules will have little impact on those pieces of property as according to Newsom’s office, the existing Caltrans policy is actually the model for the rest of the state to follow.
"Governor Newsom’s order directs state agencies and departments to adopt policies and plans consistent with the California Department of Transportation's (Caltrans) existing encampment policy," said the announcement. "Since July 2021, California has resolved more than 11,000 encampments, and has removed 248,275 cubic yards of debris from encampments along the state right of way in preparation for Clean California projects. Prioritizing encampments that pose a threat to the life, health, and safety of the community, Caltrans provides advance notice of clearance and works with local service providers to support those experiencing homelessness at the encampment, and stores personal property collected at the site for at least 60 days."
No immediate changes to city policy are anticipated and Communications and Public Information Manager Lauren Howland said that going forward, the city will continue to base policies and programs on best practices, at the direction of the City Council, and implement any new direction in close coordination with other regional entities.
"Santa Monica dedicates significant resources to the strategic priorities of Addressing Homelessness and Clean & Safe. This includes a robust and comprehensive strategy that combines enforcement of the city’s current anti-camping ordinance with outreach, affordable housing, social services and behavioral health programs," she said. "Encampment resolution includes the Homeless Support Team (HoST), which has removed hundreds of tons of debris from Santa Monica streets since its launch in late 2023. Santa Monica also works closely with Caltrans to address encampments along the freeway. The city also consistently advocates for regional, state and national resources and collaboration to address homelessness and public safety in Santa Monica."
Reaction from the County Board of Supervisors was both cautious and hopeful.
"I applaud Governor Newsom’s emphasis on urgency. He rightfully points out that local government remains at the helm of homeless encampment removals. Cities have an obligation to develop housing and shelter solutions in tandem with support services provided by County government," said Supervisor Katherine Barger. "This formula, which is largely based on partnerships, is how we can deliver permanent results. No single entity can achieve that."
Board Chair Lindsey Horavth said County efforts were already largely in line with the new state policy.
"Los Angeles County’s Pathway Home Program is doing exactly what this state order calls for - urgent and humane encampment resolution," she said. "Los Angeles County is — and has been — all in on doing our part under our homelessness emergency. I look forward to Tuesday’s Board discussion, which will also include Mayor Bass and Sheriff Luna, at our Board of Supervisors meeting about how Los Angeles County will continue to coordinate and scale a regional response that delivers lasting results."
matt@smdp.com
