SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — California's governor asked the state's cities and areas to stop homeless camps this week, even giving a plan for removing the tents on streets, in parks, and along rivers in many parts of the state.

When Governor Gavin Newsom became governor in 2019, he decided that dealing with homelessness was very important. Before that, it was mostly a problem for city leaders, but Newsom invested money in turning old hotels into homes and started other programs to help.

However, he has often asked cities and areas to help, and on Monday, he showed a suggested plan that local governments can use to clear away camps. Here is some information:

What does the model ordinance say?

Newsom’s suggested rule stops people from camping for a long time in one place and from blocking sidewalks and other public areas with camps. It says cities and areas should warn people and try hard to find and offer them shelter before removing their camps.

What is the official stance of local authorities?

Groups representing California's cities and counties disagreed with the idea that they are responsible for the condition of the streets. They say they need steady, long-term funding for lasting projects, not just money given occasionally.

Carolyn Coleman, the head of the League of California Cities, said that 8 out of 10 cities have plans for dealing with homeless camps. However, she added that they need money to fix the main problems that cause homelessness, such as needing more places to live.

The California State Association of Counties says the state hasn't given as much money to help with homelessness as it promised, and half of the money went to companies that build houses.

What is the opinion of people who support the homeless?

Studies show that rules against setting up camps and other punishments make it harder for people to find a stable place to live and work, says Alex Visotzky from the National Alliance to End Homelessness.

People might lose essential papers or communication with a helpful manager, meaning they have to begin again.

In Los Angeles, Jay Joshua lives in and watches over a small camp, which he believes can be a safe place for the people living there.

How are cities in California dealing with the problem of homeless camps?

Large cities led by Democratic mayors have started to remove temporary camps, saying they are a risk to public health and safety.

In San Francisco, the new mayor, Daniel Lurie, promised to make the city sidewalks cleaner. In San Jose, Mayor Matt Mahan has suggested arresting people if they refuse a place to stay three times.

Do cities and counties have to accept it?

Newsom cannot force cities and counties to ban homeless camps.

However, the suggested law about setting up camps was announced at the same time as $3.3 billion in grants for places that treat mental health and drug issues. This suggests that the state money might depend on following the law.

In 2022, he stopped giving $1 billion in state money to local governments because he said their plans to reduce homelessness were not good enough.