The attempt to extend San Diego’s ‘Unsafe Camping Ordinance’ statewide through Senate Bill 1011 faced defeat as it was voted down by the Senate Public Safety Committee on Tuesday.
Initiated by Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones of San Diego and co-authored by Senator Catherine Blakespear of Encinitas, SB 1011 aimed to offer a statewide solution to address homelessness while replicating the principles of the local ordinance.
Senator Jones articulated the bill as a means to compassionately address encampments while facilitating pathways towards stable housing. The proposed legislation sought to impose a ban on encampments within a 500-foot radius of schools, transit stops, and communal open spaces throughout California. Additionally, it aimed to restrict camping on sidewalks when shelter beds were available.
Jones emphasized the dual objective of enhancing public safety in California and aiding individuals residing in homeless encampments. However, despite these intentions, the bill faced rejection following concerns voiced by homeless advocates.
Rachel Hayes, a local advocate who experienced homelessness firsthand, highlighted the diverse circumstances leading to homelessness and opposed the camping ban. Drawing from her own journey from street living to permanent housing, Hayes emphasized the need for compassion and comprehensive solutions rather than punitive measures.
Hayes argued that camping bans could exacerbate the situation by dispersing individuals to remote areas, complicating outreach efforts by caseworkers and potentially inflicting further trauma. Instead, she underscored the urgency of addressing California’s housing affordability crisis as a fundamental solution to homelessness.
In response to the vote’s outcome, Senator Jones acknowledged the feedback received and expressed intentions to refine the legislation for future consideration. With the defeat of SB 1011, the debate over homeless encampments and housing policies in California continues to evolve, underscoring the complexities of addressing one of the state’s most pressing challenges.