SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — This week, the governor of California asked cities and counties in the state to stop homeless people from setting up camps. He even gave them example laws to help remove the tents from streets, parks, and rivers in many parts of the state.

Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, focused on homelessness as a main goal when he became governor in 2019. Before that, dealing with homelessness was mainly the job of mayors and local leaders, but Newsom invested a lot of money to turn old motels into homes and started other plans to solve the problem.

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

Can you tell me about the specific rules in the model ordinance?

The proposed rule by Newsom would stop people from camping in the same spot for a long time or blocking public areas like sidewalks. It says that before removing a camp, cities and areas must give a warning and try hard to find and offer a place to stay for the people there.

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 poor condition of the streets. They say they need steady funding for long-term projects, not funding that comes and goes.

Carolyn Coleman, the head of the League of California Cities, said that 80% of cities have plans for homeless camps. However, they need money to deal with the main reasons people are homeless, like not having enough places to live.

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

What is the opinion of people who support the homeless?

Alex Visotzky from the National Alliance to End Homelessness said that studies show that stopping people from camping and using other strict rules makes it harder for them to find a place to live and a job.

People might lose important papers or be unable to reach their trusted support person, so they have to begin again.

In Los Angeles, Jay Joshua oversees a small encampment that also serves as his residence, asserting that such settlements can offer a secure environment for their inhabitants.

How are cities in California dealing with the issue of encampments?

Large cities with Democratic mayors have started to remove the camps, saying they are a danger to public health and safety.

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

Are municipalities and regional authorities obligated to implement it?

Newsom cannot force cities and counties to ban homeless camps.

However, new laws about temporary camps were announced along with $3.3 billion for mental health and addiction treatment centers, suggesting he might connect state money to following the new rules.

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