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.
• Salinas to Consider Rent Stabilization Ordinance
Proponents seek a 2% maximum on annual rent increases in a proposal to be considered by the Salinas City Council on August 20.
(08/17/2024) → Voices of Monterey Bay
• ADU Rule Changes Discussed in Santa Cruz
The Santa Cruz Planning and Community Development Department hosted an online meeting to present and discuss potential changes to policies regulating accessory dwelling units on August 15.
(08/16/2024) → Santa Cruz Sentinel
• Q&A With Departing Sheriff Jim Hart
Lookout Local sat down with departing Santa Cruz County Sheriff Jim Hart for a look back on his 10 years in local law enforcement.
(08/16/2024) → Lookout Local
• Santa Cruz Pacific Avenue/Beach Street Roundabout Improvements Approved
In their August 13 meeting, the Santa Cruz City Council approved a plan to improve the Pacific Avenue/Beach Street roundabout.
(08/15/2024) → Santa Cruz Sentinel
• Mountain Charlie Road Residents to Get Temporary Road
Santa Cruz County officials have allocated $500,000 towards construction of a temporary road for use by residents affected by the Mountain Charlie Road slow-moving landslide.
(08/15/2024) → Santa Cruz Sentinel
• As If Fentanyl Wasn't Bad Enough
On August 15, Santa Cruz County Health Officials announced the detection of animal tranquilizer mixed with Fentanyl in the local illicit drug supply.
(08/15/2024) → Lookout Local
• Pajaro Middle School Reopens
After being damaged in the 2023 breach of the Pajaro River levee, students returned to the Pajaro Middle School for the first time in 17 months after repairs were completed.
(08/14/2024) → Santa Cruz Sentinel
• Santa Cruz Mayor Keeley Is Cancer-Free
After a July 2023 diagnosis of bladder cancer, Santa Cruz Mayor Fred Keeley underwent a year of treatment without missing a single city council meeting. On August 8, he learned his cancer had been eliminated.
(08/14/2024) → Lookout Local
• Santa Cruz County Supervisors Expand Composting Toilet Program
The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the expansion of a 2022 composting toilet pilot program.
(08/14/2024) → Santa Cruz Sentinel
• New Santa Cruz Assistant City Manager Named
The City of Santa Cruz has hired Michelle Templeton for the role of assistant city manager.
(08/14/2024) → Lookout Local
• FEMA Funding Shortfall Effects Felt in Santa Cruz County
Several projects underway in Santa Cruz County to repair local roads impacted by storms in 2023 are affected by FEMA funding shortfalls.
(08/13/2024) → Lookout Local
• Contract Approved for Pogonip Homeless Camp Cleanup
The Santa Cruz City Council approved a contract to clean up an estimated 40 homeless encampments sprinkled throughout the Pogonip scenic open space reserve.
(08/13/2024) → Santa Cruz Sentinel
• Supervisors Approve E-Bike Rules
In its August 13 meeting, the Santa Cruz Board of Supervisors approved an ordinance prohibiting e-bikes from sidewalks in the unincorporated parts of the county.
(08/13/2024) → Santa Cruz Sentinel
• More California Schools Are Banning Smartphones, but Kids Keep Bringing Them
Schools that banned phones a few years ago have advice for other districts as the governor calls for a crackdown.
(08/19/2024) → CalMatters
• Proposition 36 Explainer
The Sacramento Bee explains Propisition 36, the anti-crime measure on the November Ballot.
(08/16/2024) → The Sacramento Bee
• Gavin Newsom Signs New Retail Theft Laws as Voters Weigh Even Tougher Penalties
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
• CA Legislature Kills Bills, Lots of Bills
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
• California Seeks Biden Administration Approval for Controversial Diesel Truck Ban
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
• Bond Voyage: Supporters Yank California’s Largest-Ever Affordable Housing Measure
Backers pulled a $20 billion affordable housing bond off Bay Area ballots today, amid fears that it wouldn’t pass.
(08/14/2024) → CalMatters
• Californians Will Vote on a $18 Minimum Wage. Workers Already Want $25 and More
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
Gov. Gavin Newsom walks through a homeless camp with a garbage bag.
