May 16 (UPI) -- California Gov. Gavin Newsom unveiled his model ordinance to address homeless encampments with dignity this week but advocates say the approach ignores real solutions.
Newsom's ordinance "Addressing Encampments with Urgency and Dignity" calls on local jurisdictions to immediately begin removing homeless encampments, giving 48 hours notice when possible.
Jay Wierenga, deputy secretary of communications for the California Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency, told UPI the issue of addressing encampments is ultimately a local issue.
"The governor's model ordinance is a template for them to address encampments with care, humanity and urgency," Wierenga said. "They can, and should, begin this work immediately. The governor's actions are reversing a crisis that is decades old, as the numbers show."
Related
