LONG BEACH, Calif. (KABC) — On the heels of a U.S. Supreme Court decision and strong urging from Gov. Gavin Newsom, the city of Long Beach has begun a widespread cleanup of homeless encampments, now using the threat of citations or arrest to clear public areas.
Long Beach city workers cleared out and fenced in Gumbiner Park Monday morning, which had been home to an encampment of up to 25 people.
“The spaces that we’re picking are public spaces where we’ve seen a large impact, where it’s impacting the overall ability of the public to utilize that space,” said Paul Duncan, who heads up Long Beach’s Homeless Services Bureau.
Earlier this year, the Supreme Court cleared the way for cities to keep people from sleeping in public places with little fear of litigation.
Newsom has already ordered state agencies to start removing encampments from state-owned property, and is encouraging cities and counties to follow suit.
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