Mayor Valerie Amezcua of Santa Ana is adopting a firm stance against homelessness and crime.
She insists that those in need must seek help, or they may face legal repercussions.
In a recent series of viral social media videos, Amezcua highlighted the city’s intensified initiatives and a wider crackdown on public camping across Orange County.
“They must be held accountable when assistance is refused and laws are broken,” Amezcua stated. “Our neighborhoods need to be clean. Our kids deserve safe parks. Our businesses require secure streets.”
Amezcua’s message is clear.
Residents who obey the law and taxpayers shouldn’t have to give up their parks, roads, and neighborhoods to unlawful activities.
“Leaving people on the street isn’t compassion. Helping them off the street is,” she emphasized.
“This is what collaboration looks like. This is about safeguarding our quality of life.”
Amezcua also announced that activities related to drugs will face stricter enforcement.
“We are making it clear that drug-related activity will not be accepted in our city,” she added.
The video sparked considerable debate on social media, with critics questioning local leaders who have not adopted similar policies.
“Why aren’t you doing this? [Los Angeles Mayor] Karen Bass?”
Last November, Orange County enacted an anti-camping ordinance.
This law enables law enforcement to take action against unhoused individuals denied shelter or services while camping on county property.
Violators could face significant consequences, with fines reaching up to $1,000 and potential jail time.
The focus of the enforcement includes county parks, water control channels, and other county-owned land.
Orange County sheriff’s deputies and other law enforcement officers have the authority to issue citations, impose fines, and make prompt arrests.
No prior warning is necessary before enforcement begins for civil or criminal misdemeanors.
A robust law enforcement operation commenced in December.
This new policy overturned a 2019 legal agreement requiring counties to assess mental health needs and ensure shelter was available before citations could be issued.
The tougher regulations follow the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Grants Pass v. Johnson, which permits municipalities to prohibit public camping even without available shelter beds.
