STOCKTON, Calif. — Hours after California Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order telling state agencies to clean up homeless encampments on state lands, few political leaders and nonprofits in Stockton wanted to speak about it on camera, but conversations are happening about its impacts.
"We've got a housing and homelessness crisis going on up and down the West Coast," said Stockton City Manager Harry Black, adding that he wasn't surprised by the announcement of the order. "We're already working toward what (Newsom is) asking local governments to do. We're already working on it and so we are in alignment with the message."
Even though that message was directed at state departments, Black says that if the city doesn't go along, there could be repercussions.
"(Newsom) can affect the local government in terms of the level of funding that we receive from the state," said Black. "We welcome that strong language."
In a statement, Stockton's Mayor Kevin Lincoln share similar sentiments.
"The recent executive order issued by Governor Gavin Newsom to dismantle homeless encampments in California marks a critical moment for our state and the City of Stockton, " the statement said in part. "It is time to address the dangerous encampments that pose significant risks to both the individuals living in them and the broader community. We must move urgently to ensure public safety while providing the necessary support and assistance to those in need."
People living on the streets of Stockton had mixed opinions learning about the executive order.
"Housing... that would be the first thing... the food, whatever, the services, whatever, but it's housing," said Maria Zamora on what she needs to be able to get off the streets on her own. "What are we going to do? Where are they going to put us at?"
Zamora has been homeless for three years and hopes that the renewed focus on clearing encampments will result in more services for people in need instead of solely displacements.
A meeting is planned for Aug. 27 where Stockton council members will direct city staff on how to move forward. One of the city's largest homeless shelters, St. Mary's Community Services said it is monitoring the policy developments and any impacts it may have on programs and services.
"What the governor is saying, I think is appropriate and it's timely," said Black. "Clearly whatever we decide as a city to do, it's going to cost more money. We're going to need more resources, we're going to need more people."
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