For Immediate Release  
Date: 7/25/2024

Statement from Chairman Don Wagner on Governor Newsom’s Executive Order on Homeless Encampments

(Santa Ana, CA) – The following is a statement from Don Wagner, Chairman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors, on Governor Gavin Newsom’s recent executive order on homeless encampments in California:

“While Governor Newsom holds authority to implement a homeless response for the state in the wake of the Grants Pass decision, there is no reason counties and other local governments should follow his lead given his track record,” said Don Wagner, Chairman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors. “Homelessness has increased dramatically during his tenure, which followed a pandering failed promise to end homelessness within ten years during his tenure as San Francisco's mayor.”

“Under Newsom’s leadership, “Wagner continued, “California has witnessed an explosion of homelessness, with the situation getting worse, not better. Nearly half of all the nation’s homelessness is here in California. What does that say about the Governor’s leadership on the issue? In Orange County, we have cleared encampments, seen a growth in homelessness below the state’s rate of growth, and advocated for the Grant’s Pass ruling and a return to local government of the ability to act decisively in response to local situations. We should not give up local control now that we’re freed from the rule of Federal Appellate Courts by turning it back over to Gavin Newsom.

“I’m happy that the Governor has decided to not dictate to Orange County how we will address clearing out the homeless encampments in our jurisdiction and allow us to tackle this issue without being micromanaged by the state. We will do what we believe is appropriate for our local communities, both by being compassionate to the homeless, and giving reprieve to the law-abiding citizens who have for far too long been forced to tolerate this unacceptable situation in their neighborhoods and communities.”

To learn more about the Third District office, please visit donwagnerca.com and follow him on social media @donwagnerca for the latest updates.

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