Officials in California cleared a homeless encampment at a state beach in response to an executive order from Governor Gavin Newsom. The cleanup operation at Dockweiler State Beach involved bright yellow trash trucks, county workers, and local law enforcement. The initiative was led by LA City Councilmember Traci Park and the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority. While the beach is part of California’s state park system, the maintenance and lifeguard services are provided by the county, and policing is handled by the city. Governor Newsom had issued the executive order earlier in the summer, urging cities and state agencies to remove homeless encampments on public land.
In an effort to address homelessness, Governor Newsom has allocated approximately $24 billion for cleanup efforts and housing initiatives in the state. This includes $3.2 billion in grants specifically for Los Angeles county and city to build shelters, clear encampments, and connect homeless individuals to services. However, there has been pushback from Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and LA County officials who disagree with the approach of criminalizing homelessness or simply clearing encampments without providing adequate services or shelter. Despite the significant investment in addressing homelessness, the gap between the number of homeless individuals and available emergency shelter beds remains a challenge in Los Angeles County.
During the cleanup operation at Dockweiler State Beach, individuals like 63-year-old James Kingston, who had been living in the encampment, were forced to leave. Kingston shared that he collected cans and bottles on weekends for money, and being homeless for the past six years, he had experienced similar cleanup efforts before. Some individuals left as soon as police arrived, while others watched as officials cordoned off their tents. Prior to the cleanup, the residents had received a notice about the operation and had to quickly gather their important belongings. Kingston expressed resignation to the situation, noting that letting go of possessions was a part of being homeless.
The tensions between state initiatives to address homelessness and the local response in Los Angeles reflect the complexities of the issue. Governor Newsom’s executive order to clear encampments has been met with resistance from local officials who believe that criminalization and cleanup efforts alone are not effective solutions. With a significant homeless population in Los Angeles County and limited emergency shelter beds, the challenge of providing long-term solutions to homelessness persists. The cleanup at Dockweiler State Beach serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle to address homelessness in California and the need for comprehensive, compassionate approaches to support individuals experiencing homelessness.
