LONG BEACH, Calif. — Long Beach officials began removing homeless encampments from public areas Monday in response to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s recent mandate to clean up city streets or risk losing state funding. The initial focus was on five public parks with significant homeless populations, as the city moved to comply with the governor’s order.

The action follows a Supreme Court ruling that has empowered cities across California to clear encampments from public spaces. Long Beach authorities say they’re prioritizing the removal of encampments that hinder access to public amenities such as parks, libraries and beaches.