Gov. Gavin Newsom walks through a homeless camp with a garbage bag.
Just as California’s homelessness crisis and retail crime become central focuses of the presidential race, with Kamala Harris’s record as attorney general and district attorney being grossly mischaracterized, Gov. Gavin Newsom is delivering an old-fashioned crackdown.
The timing is almost certainly coincidental. Like Harris, Newsom has never been particularly soft on crime. As mayor of San Francisco, he initiated controversial policies to deal with the proliferation of unhoused individuals living on his city’s streets.
The governor’s executive order two weeks ago, compelling state agencies to clear homeless encampments on state property and encouraging counties and municipalities to do the same, was consistent with positions that he’s held throughout his career.
The first sentence of the press release that accompanied the governor’s order stated that Newsom was “directing state agencies to urgently address homeless encampments with dignity and compassion.” As Chris Neklason points out below, Newsom has spent years laying the groundwork—and marshaling the money—to make such “compassionate coercion” possible.
‘Compassionate Coercion’ and Public Safety
Elected officials need to balance the competing needs of a variety of constituents. In two historic moves over the past several weeks, Gov. Gavin Newsom and the California legislature have enacted moves that have drawn harsh criticism from some civil-liberties groups, with California’s lawmakers advocating for individuals and businesses demanding civil order.
“I’m here on behalf of 40 million Californians who are fed up,” Newsom said of the camping ban, adding, “I’m one of them. I want to see results.” Tough talk that might seem like a political ploy if there was not a raft of recent legislation to back it up—and protect the vulnerable folks who will be affected.
Sacramento State has put a corrected version of the CapRadio audit report online.
(08/20/2024) The Sacramento Bee
73 accessory dwelling units have been built in the City of Manteca over the last 4 1/2 years.
(08/20/2024) Manteca Bulletin
The Manteca City Council approved a 3/4 cent sales tax measure for the November ballot to fund a new headquarters building for the police department.
(08/20/2024) Manteca Bulletin
There's an increase of Sacramento area teens becoming addicted to nicotine.
(08/19/2024) CapPublicRadio
A combined 818 units of rental housing is being proposed for 120 Bypass and Main Street interchange in Manteca.
(08/16/2024) Manteca Bulletin
Altamont Corridor Express train service to the Santa Clara Great America stop near Levi's Stadium will continue for seven 49er home games this year.
(08/16/2024) Stocktonia
The Tracy City Council held a workshop on August 13 seeking to modify the Measure B business tax passed by voters in 2022.
(08/16/2024) Tracy Press
A contract with a private vendor has helped remove 80-100 bags of trash daily from Manteca city streets.
(08/15/2024) Manteca Bulletin
The City of Manteca is considering stiffening penalties for participating in illegal sideshows and street races, including impounding vehicles.
(08/15/2024) Manteca Bulletin
The San Joaquin County Historical Museum is accepting applications for this year's docent class.
(08/15/2024) Stocktonia
The City of Sacramento is preparing to introduce an ordinance meant to stimulate construction of more multiple dwelling unit housing.
(08/14/2024) CapPublicRadio
A ribbon cutting. ceremony celebrated the opening of the 15-acre Champion Park in River Islands.
(08/14/2024) Manteca Bulletin
The Ripon City Council is working with the Ripon Consolidated Fire District to determine how to improve fire protection following the defeat of the Proposition 218 fire service funding measure.
(08/14/2024) Manteca Bulletin
Manteca High has launched a pilot program in which student cell phones will be kept in lockers during classes.
(08/13/2024) Manteca Bulletin
A survey undertaken in May and June indicated an overall surplus of parking in downtown Manteca, leading to discussions of future infill project parking requirements.
(08/13/2024) Manteca Bulletin
After Ripon property owners voted down a parcel assessment to fund increased fire services, and Manteca voters consider a sales tax increase to boost local fire services, scrutiny increases over continued Manteca support of Ripon fire protection.
(08/13/2024) Manteca Bulletin
One incumbent faces no challengers while another will run against two.
(08/13/2024) LodiNews
California officials have warned students for years that for-profit schools may make misleading career claims — leaving them with “a mountain of debt” but no job. Still, many for-profit schools remain on the state’s list of recommended job training programs.
(08/20/2024) CalMatters
Schools that banned phones a few years ago have advice for other districts as the governor calls for a crackdown.
(08/19/2024) CalMatters
The Sacramento Bee explains Propisition 36, the anti-crime measure on the November Ballot.
(08/16/2024) The Sacramento Bee
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed bills that aim to make it easier to prosecute retail theft. He’s asking voters to reject a ballot measure that would impose even tougher penalties.
(08/16/2024) CalMatters
With 830 bills in the dreaded Senate and Assembly suspense files, legislators were busy August 15 killing about a third of them.
(08/16/2024) CalMatters
The EPA must grant a waiver before the diesel truck measure can be implemented. It’s one of California’s most controversial measures to clean up air pollution and greenhouse gases.
(08/14/2024) CalMatters
Backers pulled a $20 billion affordable housing bond off Bay Area ballots today, amid fears that it wouldn’t pass.
(08/14/2024) CalMatters
Proposition 32 to increase the minimum wage from $16 isn’t as far-reaching as when it was first proposed. Fast food workers are already making more, and health care employees are on track. But worker groups are already pushing for more.
(08/13/2024) CalMatters
