Mayor Sheng Thao declared an executive order to increase sweeps of homeless encampments in Oakland, seizing on a Supreme Court decision that enables cities to clear these areas.
'Being unhoused is not a crime in Oakland,' Thao stated, emphasizing the need to balance compassion with the protection of critical infrastructure while stating that the city has been actively clearing encampments.
Advocates criticize the clearance efforts, stating that they merely displace homeless individuals without providing adequate shelter, exemplified by Talya Husbands-Hankin's concerns about stealing property from the unhoused.
Thao's strategy aligns with other mayors, particularly in election cycles, as demonstrated by San Francisco Mayor London Breed’s similar approach in preparation for her reelection bid.
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