LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. — Driving up the streets that lead to the heart of Los Angeles, it’s hard to miss the overwhelming amount of people who find a place to sleep on the streets and benches of the city. However, an executive order signed by Governor Gavin Newsom threatens homeless encampments in California as the state continues its desperate attempt to control the rising homeless population. 

According to the non-profit news site CalMatters, the homeless tally has shown significant growth throughout the last ten years. 2010 counted 120,000 people who were either sheltered or unsheltered, but, by 2023, there were almost double the number of residents, with an additional 50,000 homeless residents. 

Largely associated with poverty, poor mental health and expensive living conditions, the homeless crisis has grown and evolved into one of the largest issues within California. Consequently, many voters in Calif. support candidates who vow to aid the rising number. 

Executive order to make an impact

On July 25, Newsom signed Executive Order N-1-24, which directs government agencies to remove homeless encampments in public locations such as state parks, beaches, public facilities and highways. The policy expresses concern for the safety and well-being of neighboring communities because the homeless population has shown a high correlation with criminal activities. 

After the camp is cleared and the belongings have either been returned to their owner or seized by officials, the previous inhabitants of the camp will be directed toward nearby homeless relief programs to receive aid and guidance.

Additionally, encampments are only in danger of being cleared if the camp acts as an obstruction to a public space (parks, libraries, etc.), poses a serious physical safety risk or has failed to receive community support. 

“I’m glad they’re cleaning up because I don’t always feel safe being (in Gumbiner Park in Long Beach) later in the day when I’m walking,” said a Los Alamitos High School junior who wished to go unnamed.

This executive order follows the Supreme Court case Johnson v. Grants Pass, which ruled that the homeless can either be fined or arrested for sleeping outside on public and private property. As the Supreme Court begins to confirm harsher restrictions on the act of being homeless, society shifts into a greater urgency to increase funds in homeless aid programs.

Newsom’s position as the governor of California has heavily focused on solving the homeless crisis that rampages California through the institution of several other Senate bills, such as Senate Bill No. 43, which forcibly institutionalizes mentally ill citizens who are a danger to themselves or others.

In relation to the bill, the homeless tend to be positively correlated with rising mental health issues as the study from the National Library of Medicine: “Homelessness, housing instability and mental health: making the connections” by Deborah K. Padgett confirms that 25-30% of homeless people suffer from at least one type of mental illness.

However, it is important to note that Newsom’s executive order does not extend to forcing smaller local governments to follow his orders. Accompanying his strong encouragement to California cities, he has also applied pressure and sent threats in order to induce action. He has threatened several times to withhold up to $1 billion in government funds from distribution in hopes to speed up the encampment’s clean up and removal.

What’s the deal in Long Beach?

One of the largest places of action within L.A. County is Long Beach. The city is continuing to clean up various locations throughout the city, such as Billie Jean King Library, Lincoln Park, Jenni Rivera Memorial Park, Gumbiner Park and Veterans Park.

The homeless situation is tamer within Long Beach; the L.A. Times reported that around 3,370 people out of 450,000 residents are homeless within the city of Long Beach, showing a 2.1 % decrease from 2023. The majority of those identified as homeless are living either in their vehicles or outside on public property. 

President and CEO of the Long Beach Rescue Mission Jeff Levine expressed his thoughts about the changes in homeless policy in an interview with the Griffin Gazette.

“I think introducing accountability to the effort to address this situation is a good thing. The application of this accountability is where it gets messy. We’re not going to arrest our way out of homelessness, but we do need the tools and ability to address situations (when) public health is compromised,” Levine said. 

Homeless shelters that surround the city must continue to prepare for a rise in the need for resources and refuge as the former residents of the encampments are referred to nearby shelters for help. The Long Beach Rescue Mission plans to prepare for the increase in need for homeless aid, expanding their facilities to accommodate a greater number of people.

“We are growing and will break ground on a new 60-bed shelter for women and children this year. Beginning next year, we will break ground on a new TAY shelter for men 18-24,” said Levine. “We’re expanding because the need is great. We have a great collaborative relationship with the city and do everything we can to partner to help those on our streets.”