Supervisor Barger Reacts to County’s Homeless Encampment Strategy After Tuesday Board Meeting

Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger issued a statement Tuesday addressing the County’s strategy for homeless encampments following recent developments. Her reactions came after in-depth Board of Supervisors discussion on the matter.

Barger, who represents Pasadena, responded to two significant developments: the U.S. Supreme Court’s City of Grants Pass v. Johnson et al. decision and California Governor Gavin Newsom’s executive order on homeless encampments removals.

The Grants Pass ruling expanded municipal officials’ authority to enforce local laws on unsafe encampments. However, it has also raised concerns about potential shifts in homeless populations between jurisdictions.

On July 25, Governor Newsom issued an executive order directing state agencies to dismantle homeless encampments across California. The order emphasizes urgency and dignity in addressing the issue, urging local governments to utilize state resources.

Barger focused on the complexity of clearing encampments in a County as large as Los Angeles. 

“This is about our capacity to house and deliver a well-orchestrated strategy with several ingredients: sustaining outreach work, building trust, and delivering coordinated social services,” Barger said.

She cited testimony from Sheriff Luna and County housing and mental health experts as evidence of effective partnerships in implementing compassionate strategies.

Barger noted that the governor’s executive order would affect coordination with state agencies. 

“The Governor’s Executive Order means we will have an extra layer of strategic coordination with Caltrans and other state agencies, which isn’t new,” Barger said.

The supervisor advocated for continued collaboration with city partners to address homelessness regionally. She cautioned against “shuffling people experiencing homelessness around or calling on law enforcement partners to cite them,” describing such methods as ineffective.

“I want to be clear: enforcement is certainly an important tool, but it needs to be applied strategically and in a way that sustains permanent change,” Barger said. She added that enforcement “will remain a last resort to maintain public safety and public health.”

Acknowledging criticism of the slow pace of progress, Barger defended the County’s approach. 

“Some believe our work to resolve homeless encampments isn’t happening fast enough, but fast doesn’t always mean successful,” Barger said.