Gov. Gavin Newsom has taken grief for failing to fulfill what seems like a pretty achievable campaign promise: appointing a homelessness “czar” to help the 150,000 Californians living in shelters and on the streets. Newsom’s quest, which at various points had the mayor of Sacramento, the state secretary of health and human services and...
California Asks for Surplus Federal Land to House Homeless
SACRAMENTO — California is asking the Trump administration to provide surplus federal land that could be used to build housing for the homeless, mirroring a new state program. Gov. Gavin Newsom sent the request in a letter Tuesday to U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson amid an ongoing...
Poll Reveals Mounting Pressure on Newsom to Fix Homelessness
Gov. Gavin Newsom spoke powerfully about California's homelessness crisis during his Wednesday stop in Fresno, saying “Enough is enough. We got to own this. We got to meet this moment." Listen to this article: But, in addition to fulfilling the moral imperative of giving people a hand up, the governor has...
Newsom Cheers Kaiser $25M Pledge to California Housing Fund
OAKLAND — Calling California's homeless crisis a public health issue, hospital giant Kaiser Permanente on Friday pledged $25 million to a new state fund aimed at getting people off the streets. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order last week creating what he proposes to be a $750 million fund...
Newsom Pledges $11.5 Million to Fresno for Homeless Needs
Continuing a statewide tour, Gov. Gavin Newsom visited a mental health crisis center in Fresno on Wednesday, announcing that $11.5 million in help is coming to the area. Listen to this article: The funding will be in the form of emergency grants for the city and Fresno County. "Enough is...
California Voters May Consider Mandate to End Homelessness
SACRAMENTO — An advisory council appointed by Gov. Gavin Newsom called Monday for California voters to consider a legally enforceable mandate to end homelessness, as the state grapples with one of its most pressing and politically fraught problems. Newsom notably did not adopt the council's recommendation when he outlined his...
GOP to Newsom: You’re Failing the People You’re Supposed to Serve
In his inaugural address one year ago, Gov. Gavin Newsom said of California, “This is where America’s future is made. This is our charge. That is our calling.” Gov. Newsom has had a full year, and a supermajority of Democrats in the Legislature. And yet with this power and ability...
Dyer and Janz Go Toe-to-Toe in Hard-Hitting Forum
Fresno's leading candidates for mayor hammered on their campaign themes — and sometimes on each other — at a televised forum Tuesday evening that covered a variety of topics, including homelessness, marijuana dispensaries, and facing up to mistakes. Listen to this article: Jerry Dyer emphasized his long experience as...
Gov. Newsom Targets Homeless Crisis in Budget, Order
SACRAMENTO — Gov. Gavin Newsom said Wednesday that he is seeking $750 million in part to help pay rent for people facing homelessness in the most populous state's latest attempt to fight what he called a national crisis. Newsom planned to sign an executive order Wednesday creating the fund, two...
McDonald's Tries to Shoo Homeless With Bagpipe Music
A McDonald's restaurant in midtown Sacramento is trying to drive away homeless people by loudly playing nonstop bagpipe music. The tactic isn't working and it is also annoying the neighbors of the restaurant, which is open 24 hours a day. "It actually penetrates through the walls. We can hear it ...