The Republican leader in the California Senate praised the San Diego City Council’s 5-4 vote to pass the “Unsafe Camping Ordinance” to restrict homeless encampments, calling it a model for the state.
Sen. Brian Jones, who represents East County, said San Diego had achieved what the state legislature could not in addressing the homeless crisis.
“Thank you to the five members of the San Diego City Council who supported the ‘Unsafe Camping Ordinance,’” said Jones. “As I’ve said from the beginning, compassionately clearing encampments is not a partisan issue.”
“While Capitol Democrat lawmakers refuse to act on homelessness, we will be monitoring the implementation and effectiveness of the Unsafe Camping Ordinance with the goal of taking it statewide. It’s time to fix California,” he added.
The ordinance, introduced by Councilmember Stephen Whitburn and supported by Mayor Todd Gloria, prohibits homeless encampments in all public spaces, including schools and parks, if shelter beds are available.
Jones said the ordinance is similar to his bipartisan Senate Bill 31, which sought to prohibit homeless encampments near schools, daycare centers, parks, and libraries. The measure stalled in the Public Safety Committee in March.
“It’s time for all elected officials to follow the lead of the San Diego City Council and prioritize compassion and safety over political gamesmanship,” Jones said.
While the City Council is officially nonpartisan, all members are Democrats, as is Gloria.
The vote was close, with Council President Sean Elo-Rivera breaking with Gloria and voting against the ordinance, citing its potential harm to seniors and people with disabilities.
“I hope I am wrong and the law will be enforced in a way that limits harm on people experiencing homelessness and potential unintended consequences on San Diego neighborhoods,” he said.