California Assembly Republican Caucus
SACRAMENTO — Gavin Newsom rolled out his latest plan on homelessness. His old hometown newspaper didn’t even pretend to take it seriously.
Emily Hoeven of the San Francisco Chronicle called it what it is: a rerun. No new ideas. No binding action. No impact.
“Newsom’s announcement contained little news.”
The so-called plan? A suggested ordinance that cities don’t have to adopt. No enforcement. No funding. It even includes a line saying not to penalize people for sleeping outside if they have nowhere else to go. So again, what changed? Nothing.
Here are the facts:
- $27 billion spent during Newsom’s time in office
- No statewide metrics to show results
- A 2024 audit said California still doesn’t know what works
- Caltrans blocked 200 affordable units in Woodside because of wildflowers
Statewide leaders responded with frustration:
- League of California Cities: “Cities need funding, not model encampment ordinances…”
- California State Association of Counties: “The state has not done everything it can to address homelessness…”
Newsom keeps passing the buck. Cities have already taken action. Most have encampment policies in place. Many updated their laws a year ago to follow state guidance. What they need is help. Not another memo.
“Sigh. Another day wasted on political posturing instead of substantive policy.”
– Emily Hoeven
California’s homelessness crisis is growing. The governor’s response is not.