California City Defies Gavin Newsom With Homeless Shelter Ban [Video]

The California city of Norwalk has extended its ban on homeless shelters despite the threat of a legal action from Governor Gavin Newsom.

Following a 45-day rule issued in August that bars new permits for shelters, transitional housing and supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness, Norwalk authorities have opted to extend the moratorium by 10 months. California’s Department of Housing and Community Development responded with a notice of violation, and if the city doesn’t reverse its policy, it could face legal action.

The city said such facilities pose a threat to the health, safety and welfare of the public, and that it needs additional time to study the effects of the rule. According to the Los Angeles Almanac, there are 198 homeless people in Norwalk as of this year, up from 101 in 2023.