California Reports 9.5% Drop in Los Angeles County Unsheltered Homelessness Amid Ongoing Debate Over Governor Newsom's Record

SACRAMENTO, CA – Governor Gavin Newsom's tenure in California has drawn sharp criticism regarding the state's pressing issues, including homelessness, crime, and environmental challenges, yet recent state data indicates some progress in key areas. Mike Netter, a prominent critic, recently stated on social media that Newsom "has no record of success in government — and, in fact, has an embarrassing record of failure across decades in political life." This perspective contrasts with official reports highlighting significant state investments and some positive trends.

On the issue of homelessness, a central point of contention, Netter claimed Newsom "did nothing." However, the Newsom administration has allocated over $20 billion since 2019 to address the crisis, implementing initiatives like Project Homekey and CARE Court. Preliminary data for 2025 shows a 9.5% decrease in unsheltered homelessness in Los Angeles County and a 19% decrease in Riverside County, with the state attributing this to "unprecedented state investments." Despite these efforts, California's overall homeless population increased from approximately 130,000 in 2018 to 174,000 in 2023, though the state asserts it has slowed growth compared to national trends.

Regarding public safety, Netter asserted that Newsom "attacks guns, but not crime." Official data from the California Department of Justice shows that in 2024, nearly every major crime category, including violent crime and homicides, dropped. The state reported a 6% decrease in violent crime and an 8.4% decrease in property crime, attributing these declines to over $1.7 billion invested since 2019 in public safety initiatives and law enforcement support. Governor Newsom has frequently highlighted that California's homicide rate is lower than that of several Republican-led states, such as Alabama and Arkansas.

The tweet also criticized Newsom's handling of environmental issues, stating, "California suffered crushing droughts and devastating wildfires. Newsom did nothing about either." While the state has faced severe environmental challenges, Newsom's administration has focused on climate policies and water management, including efforts to fast-track water storage projects like Sites Reservoir. Critics, however, point to ongoing water scarcity issues and the state's vulnerability to wildfires.

Newsom's progressive stance on social issues was acknowledged by Netter, noting that as San Francisco mayor, he "was the first public official in the U.S. to allow same-sex marriage." The tweet further criticized his push for a "transgender agenda" and turning California into a "sanctuary for illegal aliens, abortions, and the homeless." California has indeed solidified its position as a sanctuary state, expanding healthcare access regardless of immigration status and protecting reproductive rights, often clashing with conservative states and federal policies.

The governor's political style has also drawn fire, with Netter calling him "the most partisan governor in America, attacking successful Republican states like Florida and trashing Trump bitterly." Newsom has engaged in highly public debates with Republican governors and former President Donald Trump, using social media and public forums to defend California's policies and challenge conservative narratives, particularly on economic performance and crime rates. His office actively publishes comparative statistics to counter criticisms from other states.