Crews in Long Beach are beginning to clear out homeless encampments Monday following repeated threats from Gov. Gavin Newsom to withhold money from cities that do not comply with his recently issued executive order.
Officials say they will focus on “problem encampments” that block areas to public spaces like parks, libraries and beaches.
A notice posted at one of those locations, Gubiner Park, alerted residents that the city would remove a large encampment beginning Monday.
“On 8/19-8/20 this area will be cleared of all debris by the city of Long Beach. All personal belongings should be removed from the area prior to 7 a.m.,” a sign posted at the park read.
Video showed City Services and Police Department personnel beginning to clear the park around 9 a.m.
Long Beach Homeless Services Bureau Manager Paul Duncan said the city plans to build a fence around the park later Monday to keep the camp from being rebuilt.
“Regardless of a person’s housing status people should be able to use our public facilities,” Duncan said.
City officials said the homeless in the area will be contacted with available resources, but those who refuse to leave could be cited and arrested.
A man who had been kicked off the park grounds could be heard yelling as KTLA’s Annie Rose Ramos interviewed Duncan during the Morning News.
“We know that people need a place to stay,” Duncan said about the volatile situation. “Our hope is that we can get to a point where we have a conversation and that it doesn’t lead to a situation where it escalates … Yes, we are able to have citations and arrests but our goal is for everybody to remain safe and for us to peacefully resolve this,”
Mayor Rex Richardson said last week that officials are cautious about what camps to clear.
“This is only in the most extreme circumstances. These are when chronic encampments in our parks, beaches and libraries are really a threat to public health or accessibility … But let’s be very clear. This is not a solution to homelessness,” Richardson said.
The city’s response follows multiple warnings by Gov. Gavin Newsom that local officials must act or face consequences.
“If we don’t see demonstrable results I’ll start to redirect money … And that will start in January with the January budget,” Newsom said in Los Angeles on Aug. 8.
Newsom’s more aggressive approach to the issue follows a June Supreme Court ruling allowing counties and cities to enforce laws restricting homeless people from sleeping or camping in public spaces, even if shelter spaces aren’t available.
“No more excuses. We’ve provided the time. We’ve provided the funds. Now it’s time for locals to do their job,” Newsom posted on X, formerly Twitter, after issuing an executive order to remove encampments in July.
