Gov. Gavin Newsom’s executive order Thursday calling for state officials to begin removing homeless encampments from state lands prompted both praise and criticism from political leaders across California.
Todd Gloria, mayor of San Diego and chair of California Big City Mayors coalition, welcomes the direction that Newsom took.
“The state’s large cities have been leading on resolving unsafe and unsanitary encampments while simultaneously ensuring that vulnerable unsheltered residents have options available to them to move off the streets, into care and on a path to housing and better quality life,” said Gloria.
But mayoral candidate Larry Turner, who will rival Gloria in the upcoming Mayoral race, took a different stance.
“Governor Gavin Newsom’s executive order to remove homeless encampments across California is a misguided and shortsighted approach to a deeply rooted issue,” said Turner. ”There is no new jail space, no new shelter beds, just big talk about encampment sweeps.”
Deacon Jim Vargas, president and CEO at Father Joe’s Villages, offered a perspective from someone who works closely with homelessness.
“People – no matter their circumstances – have the right to safe and adequate shelter,” said Vargas. “But thousands of individuals and families across California have few options when they come to lay their head down for the night.
As one of the largest homeless service providers in Southern California, we know that jail is not a solution to this growing crisis.”
Similar to Gloria’s stance, Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones shared his thoughts on Newsom’s executive order.
“It’s about damn time! Letting people live and die on the streets or in our parks is unsafe and unsanitary,” said Jones. “While I am cautiously optimistic that the governor has finally taken note of the urgency of this problem, albeit many years later than needed, Californians deserve government for the people, not the PR hits.”
Senator Catherine Blakespear offered thanks to Newsom for his leadership, and highlighted potential next steps.
“We need to start with the premise that encampments in the public right of way, on public land or in open spaces are not safe or sanitary places for ongoing living,” said. Blakespear. “Creating a humane and compassionate plan for people to move inside is an important step forward.
-City News Service contributed to this article
