Overview

• State officials expect deployment within the next month targeting encampments on rights-of-way in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, San Diego, Sacramento, San Jose, Long Beach, Anaheim, Bakersfield and Fresno.
• Caltrans will clear sites on state property such as highway medians, ramps and underpasses, while the California Highway Patrol provides public safety support during operations and monitors cleared areas.
• The Office of Emergency Services will manage logistics and procurement, the Department of Housing and Community Development will coordinate housing and supportive services, the Interagency Council on Homelessness will guide locals, and Health and Human Services will support health care.
• Newsom’s move builds on a 2024 executive order following the Supreme Court’s Grants Pass v. Johnson decision, which expanded local authority to restrict public camping.
• Local coordination is underway with a one-year San Diego pilot for city crews on Caltrans land, a similar new Caltrans agreement with San Francisco, and Chula Vista seeking clearance for work on freeway ramps; the governor’s office contrasted California’s model with Trump’s federal approach.