Power Struggle Between LA Mayor and Newsom Erupts Over Encampments Ruling

Well, folks, it seems the Golden State’s shining city of angels is about to get a reality check. While the rest of us have been navigating life’s obstacles, California’s elite have been playing musical chairs with their homeless policy. But now, thanks to the Supreme Court, the music has stopped, and someone’s left without a seat. Grab your popcorn, patriots, because this political drama is about to unfold right before our eyes.

Supreme Court Ruling Ignites Homelessness Policy Debate

The U.S. Supreme Court has issued a ruling that allows local governments to enforce anti-camping ordinances and clear homeless encampments without providing alternative sleeping arrangements. This decision has sparked a heated debate between California’s state and local leadership, particularly between Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.

Governor Newsom, seizing the opportunity presented by the Supreme Court ruling, issued an executive order addressing encampments on state property. He emphasized the urgency for local governments to act, stating, “We have now no excuse with the Supreme Court decision. This executive order is about pushing that paradigm further and getting the sense of urgency that’s required of local government to do their job.”

Los Angeles Mayor Pushes Back

Mayor Karen Bass, however, has taken a different stance. She criticized the Supreme Court decision and opposes removing encampments, citing concerns about criminalizing homeless individuals. Bass argued, “The criminalization of homelessness and poverty is dangerous. It does not work, and it will not stand in Los Angeles County.”

This clash of perspectives has exposed a growing political divide among California Democrats over how to handle homelessness and encampments. While Newsom pushes for swift action, Bass and her allies advocate for a more cautious approach.

“I do not believe that it is ultimately a solution to homelessness,” Bass stated, referring to the removal of encampments. She further questioned the practicality of enforcement, asking, “How are they supposed to pay for their ticket, and what happens when they don’t pay? Does it go into a warrant and give us an excuse to incarcerate somebody?”

Potential Consequences and Challenges

The varying enforcement of anti-camping ordinances across different cities may lead to the migration of homeless populations. This raises concerns about the potential for a “whack-a-mole” effect, where clearing encampments in one area simply pushes the problem to another.

Adding to the complexity of the situation, a state auditor report has criticized the lack of accountability in tracking homelessness spending. This revelation comes as Los Angeles County prepares to vote on a ballot measure to increase sales tax for homelessness programs.

“Now that the U.S. Supreme Court has held that cities may enforce an anti-camping ordinance, California politicians have no shield against the fury of state residents who are sick to death of seeing tent encampments on the sidewalks, streets, median strips, freeway embankments, pedestrian bridges, parks, beaches, and other public spaces.” – Author

As the debate rages on, it’s clear that California’s approach to homelessness is at a crossroads. With the Supreme Court ruling providing new tools for local governments, and state leadership pushing for action, it remains to be seen how cities like Los Angeles will balance compassion with the need for public order. One thing is certain: the days of kicking the can down the road are over, and Californians are watching closely to see how their leaders will respond to this pressing challenge.

Sources:

“The criminalization of homelessness and poverty is dangerous.” – Karen Bass

“We have now no excuse with the Supreme Court decision. This executive order is about pushing that paradigm further and getting the sense of urgency that’s required of local government to do their job” – Gavin Newsom

“I do not believe that it is ultimately a solution to homelessness” – Karen Bass

“How are they supposed to pay for their ticket, and what happens when they don’t pay? Does it go into a warrant and give us an excuse to incarcerate somebody?” – Karen Bass

“I want to be crystal clear. The criminalization of homelessness and poverty is dangerous. It does not work, and it will not stand in Los Angeles County.” – Lindsey Horvath

“We have had to move from a compassionate city to a city of accountability. And I have been leading the efforts to ensure we are addressing this issue differently than we have before.” – London Breed

https://www.theblaze.com/news/bass-newsom-homeless-order-clean

Now that the U.S. Supreme Court has held that cities may enforce an anti-camping ordinance, California politicians have no shield against the fury of state residents who are sick to death of seeing tent encampments on the sidewalks, streets, median strips, freeway embankments, pedestrian bridges, parks, beaches, and other public spaces.” – Author

“Enforcing a generally applicable anti-camping ordinance does not violate the Eighth Amendment’s ban on cruel and unusual punishment, the Supreme Court ruled.” – Author

“Removing tent encampments would ‘criminalize’ homeless people.” – Mayor Karen Bass

“We don’t have an answer” – Supervisor Kathryn Barger

https://www.sbsun.com/2024/08/01/the-days-of-endlessly-waiting-for-unhoused-individuals-to-agree-to-accept-services-are-over/

“While the executive order actually doesn’t do much of anything, it was good for several days of news headlines that made it sound as if Newsom was ordering an end to tent encampments statewide.” – Susan Shelley

“Meanwhile, the city and county of Los Angeles have made it clear that they will make no changes to existing policies as a result of the governor’s order.” – Susan Shelley

“Mayor Karen Bass complained that removing tent encampments would “criminalize” homeless people.” – Susan Shelley

“We don’t have an answer” – Kathryn Barger

“The days of endlessly waiting for unhoused individuals to agree to accept services are over. Politicians can either catch up or head out.” – Susan Shelley