On Thursday, Governor Gavin Newsom (D) of California participated in a cleanup effort with Caltrans workers to remove a homeless encampment beneath a Los Angeles freeway. He also discussed the necessary steps with FOX 11 anchor and reporter Elex Michaelson.
Newsom issued an executive order in late July that directed state agencies to commence the removal of homeless encampments throughout the state.
“With the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision in Grants Pass v Johnson, local governments now have the tools and authority to address dangerous encampments and help provide those residing in encampments with the resources they need,” Newsom said in a statement in the wake of the important ruling.
When asked about the current response of cities, towns and counties to his order Newsom said the following during his cleanup:
“Yeah, I mean, cities, I’ve been pretty impressed. Counties? No, counties mean — you know, it’s a diffuse nature of leadership in a county. You have multiple members of boards of supervisors. Mayor, there’s one person accountable. Mayor Bass has done a wonderful job. She’s been a great partner. You’re seeing that down 10.4%, over 10% decline in unsheltered homeless population last year,” he said.
.@GavinNewsom is in Mission Hills cleaning up a homeless encampment near the freeway.
He’s frustrated L.A. County leaders aren’t doing more to remove encampments.
I talk about that & the presidential race coming up on @FOXLA at 6p & @TheIssueIsShow pic.twitter.com/jMxg4A1lP7
— Elex Michaelson (@Elex_Michaelson) August 8, 2024
“So that’s progress. But I’m not seeing that at the county level. And with all due respect, there’s no more excuses. Everything the cities and counties have asked for. The state of California is delivered and the Supreme Court just delivered. So there’s no more excuses! So where’s the urgency?” he continued.
“Drop everything else, get out there and address the number one, two and three issue in this state with an intensity of purpose. That’s the kind of action I want to see. And again, for me, if we don’t see, it’s not complicated. We’re not going to continue to make the investments in communities that aren’t willing to do their part. I will redirect those dollars to counties and cities that are doing their part. And so that’s clear.” he added.
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