Gov. Gavin Newsom has issued an executive order ordering California officials to dismantle the homeless camps across the state.
Newsom announced his initiative on Thursday. His office stated that the Governor has ordered “state departments and agencies to adopt clear policies which address the homeless encampments urgently while respecting the dignity and the well-being of Californians.”
Newsom stated in a press release that “this executive order directs State agencies to act urgently to deal with dangerous encampments while supporting and aiding the individuals who live in them.”
He added, “The state is working hard to resolve this crisis in our streets.” There are no excuses. “It’s time that everyone does their part.”
The order will affect tens and thousands of Californians who have set up permanent encampments and occupied entire blocks of the city with open-air drug use.
The Governor’s Office has stressed that residents of targeted encampments would be notified in advance.
Newsom’s statement said that the executive orders “directs State agencies and Departments to adopt humane, dignified policies to address encampments urgently on state property. This includes taking necessary and deliberate measures to inform and support people living at the encampment before removal.”
The governor says that the Supreme Court decision Grants Pass V. Johnson, last month, found that laws prohibiting sleeping in public places did not violate constitutional restrictions against “cruel or unusual punishment.”
The decision was taken by a 6 to 3 vote based on ideology.
Newsom encouraged the Supreme Court in the case. He claimed that court rulings that prevented the government from punishing vagrants who occupied public spaces created an “insurmountable roadblock”.
