Long Beach city officials are considering more aggressive measures to address homelessness, including potentially issuing tickets or arresting individuals living in tents on city streets. This development comes in the wake of a June U.S. Supreme Court ruling that granted local governments more authority to clear homeless encampments.
On Monday, Long Beach city government sent a memo to high-ranking city officials detailing changes in their approach to homelessness following the Supreme Court’s decision in the “Johnson v. Grants Pass” case. The ruling allows city governments to clear homeless encampments regardless of the availability of shelter beds.
The city memo emphasized that while the primary focus will be on providing shelter and support for homeless individuals, ticketing or arrests could be employed as a last resort. “While issuing citations or making arrests is not likely to reduce the overall number of people experiencing homelessness, these tools may be used in situations where there are threats to public health or safety,” the memo stated.
Situations that could lead to ticketing or arrest include homeless encampments blocking access to public facilities, occupying excessive space, or causing significant public health or safety issues.
This move by Long Beach aligns with recent actions by California Governor Gavin Newsom, who issued an executive order for statewide clearance of homeless encampments. Newsom has threatened to withhold funding from local governments that do not comply with the order.
However, not all local governments are following suit. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has stated that the city will continue its “Inside Safe” program, which only relocates homeless individuals when shelter is available. The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has also passed a resolution against ticketing or arresting homeless individuals, putting them at odds with Governor Newsom’s directive.
The Board of Supervisors’ resolution applies to unincorporated areas of the county.
As cities and counties across California grapple with this complex issue, Long Beach’s approach represents a shift towards more stringent enforcement measures in addressing homelessness, while still emphasizing the importance of providing support and shelter.
Radio Seoul 1650 Michelle Chong
