Newsom takes right steps on tent cities

Sure, a cynic might describe the images of a work-clothes-wearing Gavin Newsom cleaning up a Los Angeles homeless encampment as a photo op that gave his new photographer compelling material.

But, in fairness, the governor’s latest homeless efforts are a welcome sign the state is getting serious about dealing with sprawling tent cities that have overtaken public spaces.

Newsom last month issued an executive order calling on state agencies to adopt the California Department of Transportation’s maintenance policies for cleaning up state-owned properties. He also encouraged local governments to follow these guidelines. In a new twist, Newsom threatened to withhold state homeless funding from locals if they don’t clean up the sites now.

“This is not about criminalization,” Newsom said, according to an Associated Press report. “What’s criminal is neglecting people that are struggling and suffering and dying on our watch.”

He’s right. Allowing destitute people — most of whom face substance-abuse and mental-health problems — to live on the streets is not humane.

This is the result of the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision in Grants Pass v. Johnson, which upheld the right of that Oregon city to enforce an anti-camping statute.

The court overturned a 2018 9th Circuit Court of Appeal that described such ordinances as “cruel and unusual punishment” — and forbade removals unless cities had adequate shelter space. Newsom filed an amicus brief in the case.

California has spent billions of dollars to build housing for the homeless, with the governor this month awarding $130 million to local governments through its Homekey program. This program is flawed, as it focuses on building permanent housing (at vastly inflated costs), rather than temporary housing coupled with social services. The state needs a new approach.

It’s also important to follow up after photographers have left.

For instance, Newsom had pledged to fund 1,200 tiny houses, but after a year only a small portion ever were built.

Still, the governor is on the right track here and Californians can thank the Supreme Court for freeing states and localities to deal with this vexing problem.