Sofia Cardenas News Today

Politicians pushing to make homeless encampments illegal across wide swaths of California point to one city as proof it will work.

A new bill would make it illegal for homeless residents to camp in certain places, such as near schools, throughout California. Its authors say such a ban has had great success in San Diego. But a closer look at that city paints a more nuanced picture.

By Marisa Kendall/ Calmatters / April 11, 2024 Politicians pushing to make homeless encampments illegal across wide swaths of California point to one city as proof it will work. “San Diego gets it,” Senate Republican Leader Brian Jones said during a recent press conference. “They are having great success so far with their ordinance, and…

A new bill would make it illegal for homeless residents to camp in certain places, such as near schools, throughout California. Its authors say such a ban has had great success in San Diego. But a closer look at that city paints a more nuanced picture.

The definition of "adequate shelter" is at the heart of debates raging across California in the five years since a federal appeals court ruled that it’s cruel and unusual punishment to evict homeless people from public spaces when they have no other options.

Police can’t force homeless people from encampments unless the city in question has “adequate shelter” to offer the people getting forced off the street, according to courts. Now everyone involved wants to know what “adequate shelter” is.

Cities in the West can’t legally clear homeless camps unless they can provide adequate alternative shelter to the camp residents.

Police can’t force homeless people from encampments unless the city in question has “adequate shelter” to offer the people getting forced off the street, according to courts. Now everyone involved wants to know what “adequate shelter” is.

Police can't force homeless people from encampments unless the city in question has "adequate shelter" to offer the people getting forced off the street, according to courts. Now everyone involved wants to know what that means.

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