Do you remember “Bizarro World,” the fictional planet first published by DC Comics in the 1960s?

Also know as Hrtae (“Earth” spelled backward), the society was ruled by the Bizarro Code, where essentially, people did the opposite of what would be done on Earth.

In California, we have our own version of “Bizarro World” unfolding right in front of us, where Gov. Gavin Newsom — the same Democrat who once championed housing-first policies, defended encampment protections, and vetoed bills seeking accountability in homelessness spending — is now singing from the Republican hymnal.

Today, Newsom and leading Democrats are calling for what Republicans were pilloried for demanding just a few years ago: the removal of homeless encampments from public spaces, increased enforcement even when shelter isn’t guaranteed, and tying housing dollars to behavioral health compliance.

The governor’s newest push to urge cities to ban encampments — and his endorsement of a model ordinance limiting camping on public land — sounds almost verbatim like the Republican talking points he once condemned as cruel and ineffective.

It is almost like the move of someone who wants to run for president faster than he can run away from his party’s policy failures …

A few years ago, Republicans in Sacramento and across California cities proposed practical measures regarding homelessness: clear encampments........

© Santa Clarita Valley Signal