The Governor of California, Gavin Newsom, finds himself grappling with an escalating homelessness crisis, which he has described as “a disgrace.” Despite attempts to place blame on Republicans, the situation remains dire, with cities like San Francisco and San Diego overrun by homeless individuals, leading to the closure of local businesses.
In a recent interview with Fox News anchor Sean Hannity, Newsom faced probing questions about the issue after Westfield, a prominent mall in downtown San Francisco, ceased making mortgage payments due to escalating violence and plummeting sales.
According to the Public Policy Institute of California, the number of homeless people in the state is projected to increase by a staggering 6% between 2020 and 2022, representing a total rise of 13% during Newsom’s tenure as governor.
During the interview, Newsom acknowledged that California had failed to make substantial progress in addressing homelessness over the past two decades. He attributed the lack of progress to exorbitant housing costs, cumbersome regulations, and the impact of local governance. However, he also pointed out that his relatively short time in office was insufficient to compensate for the historic rise in homelessness that occurred during a Republican administration in 2005.
Taking responsibility for the situation, the governor asserted, “I own this.” He acknowledged the alarming statistics highlighting California’s homelessness crisis, admitting his part in the problem.
Government data concerning San Francisco reveals a concerning upward trajectory in the number of homeless individuals, which has surged from 5,400 in 2005 to over 7,700 projected for 2022. Furthermore, since Newsom assumed office in 2019, more than 8,000 people have migrated to the city, exacerbating the issue.
While estimates from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) suggest a decrease in the overall number of homeless people in California from 188,000 in 2005 to 161,000 in 2020, there are concerns about the accuracy of these figures. Changes in reporting methods, particularly the discontinuation of counting individuals classified as “hidden homeless” who were staying in hotels or with friends, may have contributed to a misleading perception of progress, as noted by Politifact.
In response to Hannity’s claim that there are currently over 170,000 homeless people in California, Newsom highlighted his efforts in addressing the crisis, stating, “I just got 68,000 people off the streets last year, and by the way, that’s been PolitiFact’d. 68,000.” He emphasized that his administration had allocated $15.3 billion towards implementing a comprehensive homeless strategy, a significant increase from the initial half a billion dollars when he assumed office. Newsom further stressed that the state of California was actively engaging with local governments, holding them accountable for not constructing sufficient housing. Notably, housing starts in the state have reached record levels, yielding tangible benefits, but Newsom remains steadfast in his demand for continued accountability.
The devastating impact of the opioid crisis on California’s homeless population has contributed to a shocking 41% increase in drug-related fatalities in the first quarter of 2023, compared to the same period in the previous year. Local medical examiner data revealed that between January and March, 200 people in the coastal metropolis of California lost their lives due to drug overdoses, a significant increase from 142 deaths in 2022.
Meanwhile, San Francisco has witnessed a 5% rise in homicides and a staggering 16% surge in robberies from May 2022 to May 2023. The alarming increase in crime, coupled with a 23% drop in revenue per available room, has prompted businesses, including hotels, to reconsider their operations in the area, as reported by The Wall Street Journal.
Despite the challenges faced by California, Newsom expressed his unwavering love for the state. However, he acknowledged the unacceptable state of the streets, sidewalks, and encampments, vowing to address these issues.
San Francisco, in particular, has seen the closure of establishments like Whole Foods and Nordstrom due to safety concerns and the changing dynamics of the downtown area. The impact on convention venues has also been significant, with Michelle Russo, head of AVE, a hotel consulting group, highlighting that San Francisco’s security fears have rendered it an unsuitable location for conventions. The repercussions of this absence are expected to persist, affecting the city’s hospitality industry and property values.
As the homelessness crisis in California persists, it remains a pressing challenge for Governor Newsom and the state. Efforts to find sustainable solutions, alleviate suffering, and restore safety to communities are of paramount importance. Continued vigilance and comprehensive strategies are essential to address the complex web of issues contributing to the crisis, ensuring a brighter future for all Californians.