Bakersfield politicians respond to Gov. Newsom’s threats to cut homelessness funding

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Governor Gavin Newsom vowed to cut city and county funding that aren’t cleaning up our homelessness encampments, just weeks after signing his executive order to clear encampments, and get people off the streets.

Governor Newsom was targeting county and city leaders because he says they are not doing enough in handling the homelessness crisis.

“I want a sense of urgency…urgency,” Newsom said.

Newsom signed the executive order after a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that allowed governments to fine and arrest people sleeping in public places. City and county leaders are not required to act on the executive order.

Newsom says that’s exactly why he needs to threaten cutting funds.

“If we don’t see demonstrable results, I’ll start to redirect money,” said Newsom. “I’m not interested in status quo any longer.”

Newsom already redirected 10 million dollars from San Diego County to San Jose to build tiny homes. California dedicated over $27 billion to the homelessness crisis and more than $40 billion in affordable housing.

Bakersfield Ward 3 Councilmember and assembly district 32 candiate Ken Weir responded to Newsom’s threats.

“I think you have to make up your mind,” said Weir. “When this all started, when people had their items on a sidewalk or a curb, it was their possession,” said Weir. “It was their property, if you took it away there was a penalty for doing that, so no matter what we do, it seems like Gavin Newsom’s going to penalize us.”

Kern County District 3 Supervisor, Jeff Flores, wants to use Newsom’s threats as an incentive for stronger encampment laws.

“I want the County of Kern to use this as a impetus to get more aggressive in the areas that we maintain,” Flores said.

Kern County had already made “public camping” illegal in 2021 and this executive order made it illegal to camp under overpasses, public parks and more, but the ordinance couldn’t be enforced if shelters are full.

Flores says he looks to strengthen those laws.

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