San Francisco (AP) — California's governor this week advocated for prohibiting homeless encampments, simultaneously presenting draft legislation aimed at empowering cities and counties within the state to dismantle the clusters of tents found on streets, in parks, and along riverbanks.

Upon assuming office in 2019, Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom elevated the issue of homelessness to a top priority for his administration. While previously considered primarily a concern for mayors and other local authorities, Governor Newsom has actively tackled the problem by allocating funds to convert old motels into housing and implementing other significant measures.

Despite this, he consistently urged cities and counties to fulfil their responsibilities, and on Monday, he unveiled draft language for camp abatement that local governments could adopt. Here is a summary:

The model ordinance, proposed by Governor Newsom, establishes regulations prohibiting 'unreasonable camping' in specific locations, as well as encampments obstructing sidewalks and other public areas. Furthermore, the ordinance mandates that cities and counties provide notice and make every reasonable effort to identify and offer shelter prior to clearing such encampments.

カリフォルニアの市や郡を代表する地方自治体のグループは、道路の状態の責任が自分たちだけにあるという考えに反対しています。彼らは、一時的なお金ではなく、長く続くプロジェクトのために、何年も使える安定したお金が必要だと言っています。

Caroline Coleman, Executive Director and CEO of the League of California Cities, noted that while eight out of ten cities have policies to address encampments, they require funding to tackle the fundamental causes of homelessness, such as housing affordability.

Furthermore, the California State Association of Counties points out that the actual funding allocated to homelessness issues is significantly less than stated by the state, with half of it seemingly diverted to housing developers.

ホームレス支援団体のAlex Visotskyさんは、調査によると、キャンプを禁止したり罰を与えるようなやり方は、ホームレスの人々が安定した家や仕事を見つけるのをさらに難しくしていると言っています。大切な書類をなくしたり、頼れる担当者と連絡が取れなくなったりして、すべてを最初からやり直さなければならなくなることがあります。

In Los Angeles, Jay Joshua, who oversees a small encampment where he himself resides, contends that these camps can serve as secure environments for their inhabitants.

Major Californian cities, predominantly led by Democratic mayors, have initiated crackdowns on encampments, citing them as a threat to public health and safety.

Across the Bay Area, newly elected San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie has pledged to enhance sidewalk cleanliness citywide, while in San Jose, Mayor Matt Mahan is proposing arrests for individuals who repeatedly decline offers of shelter, marking a significant shift in addressing homelessness.

Do local governments have the authority to implement this? Governor Newsom lacks the power to compel cities and counties to adopt the camping ban. However, the proposed legislation is presented alongside the announcement of $3.3 billion in grants for mental health and substance abuse treatment facilities, suggesting that state funding may be contingent upon its adoption.

In 2022, the state also suspended the allocation of $1 billion in state funds, citing that the municipalities' plans for reducing homelessness were not meeting acceptable standards.