Santa Ana Mayor Valerie Amezcua is drawing a hard line on homelessness and crime.
Take the help — or face the consequences if you break the law.
A new viral social media video released on Amezcua’s account has put a spotlight on Santa Ana’s tougher approach and Orange County’s broader crackdown on public camping.
“And when help is refused and laws are being broken, there must also be accountability,” Amezcua said. “Our residents deserve clean neighborhoods. Our children deserve safe parks. Our businesses deserve safe streets.”
Amezcua’s message is blunt.
“Leaving people on the streets is not compassion. Helping them get off the streets is,” Amezcua said.
“This is what working together looks like. This is what protecting quality of life looks like.”
Amezcua also made clear that drug-related activity will face enforcement.
“We are sending a clear message that drug-related activity will not be tolerated in our city.”
The video quickly turned into a political grenade on social media, with critics blasting leaders in neighboring areas for failing to take the same approach.
“Why aren’t you doing this [Los Angeles Mayor] Karen Bass?”
Orange County passed its anti-camping ordinance last November.
The rules allow law enforcement to crack down on unhoused people who refuse shelter offers or service linkages while camping on county property.
The consequences can be steep.
Violators face fines of up to $1,000 and potential jail time.
The crackdown covers county parks, flood control channels and other county-owned land.
Orange County sheriff’s deputies and code enforcement officers can issue citations, impose fines or make immediate arrests.
They do not have to provide a prior warning or advance notice before beginning civil or criminal misdemeanor enforcement.
Active law enforcement sweeps began in December.
The policy reversed a 2019 legal settlement that had required the county to screen people for mental health needs and secure available shelter before issuing citations.
Santa Ana isn’t the only Orange County city cracking down on homeless encampments.
Anaheim, Newport Beach, San Clemente and Aliso Viejo have all toughened their anti-camping laws following a Supreme Court ruling allowing cities to fine and arrest people for camping and sleeping outdoors.
