Gov. Gavin Newsom has the city of Turlock, and other jurisdictions, in his political crosshairs after issuing “final warnings” for “breaking state housing law.”
Turlock, along with Atwater, Escalon, Merced County, Oakdale, Patterson, and nine other jurisdictions scattered throughout the state, were on Newsom’s hit list. The state Department of Housing and Community Development claims Turlock’s housing element – a mandatory plan for how the city will accommodate housing needs across all income levels – has been out of compliance since 2023.
“We had to file 15 lawsuits today as it relates to notices of violation under the housing element – HCD, our housing department – because people out of housing compliance,” Newsom said at a Wednesday press conference. “Enough.”
The governor went on to say in a social media post that if local governments fail to respond within 30 days, he’s taking them to court.
“Every community needs to address homelessness and create new, affordable housing,” Newsom wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “Period. Full stop.”
Turlock Mayor Amy Bublak acknowledged that Turlock has been out of compliance but said it’s something the city has been working hard to correct, and that the state is fully aware of those efforts.
“The former interim City Manager (Sue Borrego) told me there was pushback from the state, and they weren’t as responsive as we would’ve liked,” said Bublak. “But I thought we were there.”
According to the mayor, city and HCD staffers have exchanged a bevy of emails over the past six months, with Turlock asking for clarification and guidance on several fronts.
Just last week, the HCD in an email stated it had no further feedback for the city. But four days later, Turlock received a notice of violation from the housing department, according to Bublak.
Bublak said she doesn’t believe Turlock is being picked on by the governor.
“Do I think it’s personal?” Bublak said. “No, I don’t see it that way. I could, but I don’t know enough about the other cities to say what their issues are.”
Turlock first drew Newsom’s attention last spring when the city council opted not to unlock nearly $270,000 in grant funds for the We Care men’s homeless shelter. All that was needed was a $1 good-faith contribution by the city and a letter of recommendation. But the city tried to wring concessions from the shelter for 24/7 restroom access. The showdown ultimately led to the closing of We Care for the month of July, drawing the ire of Newsom.
“It is imperative that the city reconsider its priorities and demonstrate the kind of collaborative, accountable, and solutions-oriented leadership this crisis demands,” Newsom wrote last May. “Enough. Do your job.”
Bublak fired back, stating that public criticism doesn’t create a climate for collaboration.
“Your grandstanding on this issue reveals that state and county funding of homelessness programs is not a partnership with city government at all,” wrote Bublak. “It appears you do not want any meaningful input from cities. Instead, state and county funding sources rely on token gestures — like a letter of support and a nominal $1 contribution — to ensure cities continue to go along with your systemic failure on this vital issue.”
The issue of homeless has become a thorny one for Newsom, who is widely expected to seek a run for the White House in 2028. Since first elected governor in 2019, the state has spent nearly $25 billion, according to the state auditor, in efforts to combat the crisis, while about 190,000 Californians remain without a home.
