City council members in Norwalk, California, have extended a ban on homeless shelters despite threats of "legal action" from Gov. Gavin Newsom, reported LAist.
Newsom, a Democrat, on Monday called out Norwalk, stating it was "counterproductive and immoral for any community to throw up their hands and say they've done enough while they still have people in need."
"We can't leave people in dangerous and unsanitary encampments. The city of Norwalk needs to do its part to provide people with shelter and services," he said.
The moratorium, he added, "violates several state planning and fair housing laws, including the Housing Crisis Act, the Anti-Discrimination in Land Use Law, Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing, and Housing Element Law."
Norwalk's five council members on Tuesday voted to extend the ban for 10 months and 15 days, stating that such facilities pose a threat to the health, safety, and welfare of the public, and that it needs additional time to study the effects of the rule.
City authorities have until Sept. 23 to respond to the notice.