VIEW FROM HERE-Sheriff Alex Villanueva played no role in creating the homeless crisis.
Although homelessness should not be a law enforcement matter, Sheriff Villanueva recognizes that the increased crime surrounding homeless encampments does fall into his bailiwick.
“The sheriff shall preserve peace, and to accomplish this object may sponsor, supervise, or participate in any project of crime prevention, rehabilitation of persons previously convicted of crime, or the suppression of delinquency.” Calif. Gov Code, § 26600
The sheriff has no desire to arrest the homeless. Per Fox News Channel 11’s coverage of Villanueva’s June 23, 2021, press conference concerning the homeless encampment on Venice Beach. “Villanueva often referred to Mayor Garcetti and the Board of Supervisors as “architects of failure,” saying the city “handcuffed the LAPD,”’ preventing them from using law enforcement to prevent people from camping on the beach and sidewalk