California Governor’s Approach to Homeless Encampments
California Governor Gavin Newsom has recently expressed his intentions to address the issue of homeless encampments, specifically mentioning that he’d be more likely to act if his celebrity friends are involved.
Text messages obtained reveal that Newsom’s office took steps to assist football player Marshawn Lynch, who co-hosts a podcast with him and happens to be a friend. These messages were shared with the San Francisco Chronicle.
Numerous requests—over 311—were made by neighbors in Oakland urging officials to clear an encampment on Dover Street. In 2024, RVs and other vehicles appeared in the area, causing concerns as they blocked access to the freeway. However, it seems Lynch’s particular request caught notable attention from the governor’s office.
The chief of staff for then-Mayor Shen Thao, who faced federal bribery charges last year, mentioned receiving a call from Newsom’s office about the RVs parked near Lynch’s family home. They were, apparently, seeking prompt assistance with the situation.
A few days later, the chief of staff reached out again to Oakland officials, informing them that Newsom’s office had noted the circumstances. Chief Lee Hanson pointed out that pit bulls had taken over the streets around the area.
In light of this, city officials suggested hiring animal control and potentially declaring an emergency regarding the encampment, which would allow them to bypass the usual 72-hour notification. Following these discussions, they seemed to fizzle out.
Interestingly, pressure from Newsom hasn’t been able to expedite the process. A city spokesperson indicated that it took several months for the encampment to relocate to a nearby state-managed property.
Lynch has chosen not to comment on the matter. Meanwhile, Newsom’s office stated that he often expressed his concerns to Thao about the encampment, citing a lack of urgency on her part.
In the past, Newsom has shown support for Lynch, notably back in 2012 when he vouched for him during disciplinary actions related to a DUI.
While Newsom’s position on the homeless encampments aligns him with some conservative viewpoints, it’s noteworthy that the river encampment in his own neighborhood remains unaddressed.
