Golden State Today

Local leaders across California have expressed support for Governor Gavin Newsom's executive order aimed at addressing homeless encampments with urgency and compassion. The directive instructs state agencies to develop policies to manage encampments and provides guidance for local governments to create their own strategies. The state has invested $24 billion in housing and homeless support services, which local officials are encouraged to utilize.

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, chair of the California Big City Mayors Coalition, stated: “California’s Big City Mayors welcome the Governor’s renewed direction and sense of urgency to address homelessness with tangible and meaningful action.”

Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg emphasized a balanced approach: “The guidance is really consistent with our two-pronged approach. I believe in compassionate enforcement... Compassionate enforcement and aggressively increasing capacity on the shelter side, on the services side, and on the housing side, is the key.”

San Francisco Mayor London Breed highlighted ongoing efforts: “San Francisco is already doing what the Governor is calling for... This proactive approach has led to a five-year low in our street tent count.”

Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln called for urgent action: “It is time to address the dangerous encampments that pose significant risks... We must move urgently to ensure public safety while providing necessary support.”

San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan expressed eagerness for collaboration: “We’re eager to work with the state... we appreciate Governor Newsom’s order signaling that the state is also ready to solve this crisis with both compassion and urgency.”

Compton Mayor Emma Sharif praised Newsom's partnership: “I commend Governor Newsom for his partnership in urgently addressing the housing crisis affecting our state.”

Bakersfield Mayor Karen Goh supported clearing unsafe encampments: “The City of Bakersfield supports Governor Newsom’s urgency... Bakersfield looks forward to working with state and local partners.”

Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts commended Newsom's leadership: “I applaud and commend Governor Newsom’s executive order on encampments... His order will result in increased order and public safety.”

Ojai Mayor Betsy Stix appreciated available resources: “The Encampment Resolution Funding Grant is helping us navigate the Grants Pass Decision... We’re grateful to have resources to find solutions for our unhoused community.”

Santa Barbara Mayor Randy Rowse stressed health priorities: "Illegal encampments put lives at risk... Here in Santa Barbara we have had a policy of clearing encampments after a multi-day posting period."

Riverside Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson welcomed additional tools: "We appreciate the Governor’s Executive Order as it provides another tool in our arsenal."

Costa Mesa Mayor John Stephens called for effective programs: "Where heavy lifting happens...is when effective programs are developed through collaboration at all levels of government."

Moreno Valley Mayor Ulises Cabrera focused on non-criminalization approaches: "It is important that we do not criminalize the unhoused community but instead focus on providing them with housing."

Coachella Mayor Steven Hernandez prioritized wraparound resources: "I commend the Governor for his executive order that will help address encampments statewide."

Fresno City Councilmember Nelson Esparza looked forward to implementation: "We support the Governor’s order and look forward to implementing it via local ordinance."

California Association of Counties CEO Graham Knaus shared commitment from counties' perspective: "California’s 58 counties will continue working together with the Governor..."

Emily Halcon from Sacramento County outlined collaborative approaches taken locally.

Orange County Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento emphasized dignity respect while tackling challenges posed by encampments.

Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley warned against delays citing critical needs due unresolved issues causing deaths among vulnerable populations.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger underscored partnerships between city-county entities being crucial delivering permanent results

Ventura County Supervisor Matt LaVere reiterated need clean-up efforts recognizing importance balancing cleanup actions alongside supportive measures