California Encampment Rules Remain a Patchwork as Some Counties Draft First Policies
State incentives following a Supreme Court ruling have not produced consistent rules for clearing camps.
Overview
- CalMatters found wide variation in encampment policies, with some jurisdictions relying on detailed playbooks and others offering little or no guidance.
- San Diego uses a 10-page policy that specifies when clearances can occur and how workers must handle personal belongings.
- Stockton leans on police guidance that urges “reasonable care” with property but lacks specific procedures, while Mendocino County has no policy at all.
- Santa Cruz and Monterey counties are writing their first formal rules after Governor Gavin Newsom urged more uniform local policies in May.
- Advocates warn that poorly managed sweeps can traumatize people, and they say litigation has been key to securing safeguards such as advance notice, disability accommodations and proper property handling.