Newsom issues executive order for removal of homeless encampments in California

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has issued an executive order to direct state agencies on how to remove homeless encampments. The order comes a month after a Supreme Court ruling allowing cities to enforce bans on sleeping outside in public spaces. Newsom’s order is aimed at the thousands of tents and makeshift shelters across the state that line freeways, clutter shopping center parking lots and fill city parks. The order makes clear that the decision to remove the encampments remains in local hands. While Newsom cannot order local authorities to act, his administration can apply pressure by withholding money for counties and cities.