Glen Garner, who is homeless, tries to cool off in the 99-degree heat in Edward Rendon Sr. Park at Festival Beach in Austin, TX, on July 1, 2024. “It’s tough,” he said of trying to survive the extreme heat.
Hermosa Beach, California – The city of Hermosa Beach has passed a new anti-camping ordinance that prohibits sleeping or setting up encampments in all public spaces. The vote, which took place Tuesday night, expands on previous regulations that only restricted camping on the beach, Strand, and parks.
Mayor Dean Francois cited a recent Supreme Court decision on public homeless encampments as a key factor in the city’s ability to enforce the new ordinance.
“The resulting final ordinance not only prohibits camping in all public places but also has more enforcement options to ensure Hermosa Beach remains a safe and sanitary environment for all,” Francois stated.
The measure aims to maintain public safety and cleanliness while working alongside Hermosa Beach’s existing “care first” program, which seeks to connect individuals experiencing homelessness with shelter and services. City officials emphasized that the goal is not just enforcement but also offering assistance to those in need.
Under the new ordinance, citations will be subject to dismissal if the individual completes a diversion program, providing a pathway to avoid legal penalties. Additionally, the city has placed a limit on the number of citations that can be issued within a seven-day period, ensuring a balanced approach to enforcement.
The city’s decision follows broader debates on how California municipalities should handle homelessness while adhering to legal requirements. With this new policy, Hermosa Beach joins other cities in implementing stricter public camping regulations while emphasizing outreach and support services for those affected.
The ordinance is set to take effect immediately, with city officials preparing for its enforcement in the coming weeks.
