Gavin Newsom faces backlash over filmed cleanup of LA homeless camps as Internet doubts his intentions

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Governor Gavin Newsom has discreetly enlisted the services of a renowned photographer, whose previous clients include Mark Zuckerberg, George W Bush, and Barack Obama, to enhance his public image as a prominent figure in the state.

On Thursday, August 8, Charles Ommanney, a former photojournalist and war photographer clicked pictures of the 56-year-old Democratic governor wearing aviator sunglasses, jeans, and work gloves as he collected debris left behind from a recently cleared homeless encampment in Los Angeles County.

Ommanney also captured the Golden State governor surveying the aftermath of the Borel Fire in Kern County at the end of last month.

This week, while standing at the edge of a steep river embankment, Ommanney photographed Gov Newsom collecting various items left behind at the San Fernando Valley encampment, including a shopping cart, skateboard, soiled blankets, and tires.

Around six months ago, Ommanney was appointed as the director of photography for the governor's office. This role, with a salary of $200,000, makes him one of the highest earners in the Newsom administration, as per the state controller’s office. Governor Gavin Newsom himself received a salary of $234,101 last year, according to Politico.

What prompted Gavin Newsom to clean up homeless encampments in LA County?

Gavin Newsom’s press office recorded a midday clean-up near the 5 Freeway in Mission Hills alongside Caltrans crews, according to KTLA.

This follows an executive order by Gov Gavin Newsom issued two weeks earlier, directing agencies to remove tents and makeshift shelters throughout California.

These shelters and tents have been visible on freeways, in city parks, and in shopping center parking lots.

Gov Newsom reportedly wanted municipalities to “address unsanitary and dangerous encampments within their communities and provide people experiencing homelessness in the encampments with the care and supportive services they need.”

The executive order was signed on July 25 in response to a ruling by the US Supreme Court allowing cities to enforce bans on sleeping outdoors in public spaces.

"No more excuses. We’ve provided the time. We’ve provided the funds. Now it’s time for locals to do their job," Newsom shared on X.

What did the governor’s office say regarding Charles Ommanney’s role?

Charles Ommanneу has taken a new role within Governor Newsom’s office. His team notes that similar positions exist in other governors' administrations as well.

There was no official announcement for Ommanneу's position, as the administration typically shares new senior staff hires.

According to a statement by Gov Newsom's spokesperson Izzy Gardon, “Charles plays an instrumental role in communicating the work of state government across visual platforms — including social media, helping us meet Californians where they are at."

The role seems fitting for a governor with ambitions beyond the state and a penchant for promoting his achievements through media outlets.

This year, instead of the traditional State of the State address delivered before a live audience of congressional representatives and journalists, Gov Newsom’s office released a video showcasing the governor delivering his speech behind a podium, which was edited with relevant images.

The gubernatorial address, released just before President Joe Biden’s June debate, heavily emphasized national issues painting a dramatic picture, seemingly targeting the national audience. The video also included some of Ommanneу's photos.

After documenting the governor’s trip to China on a freelance basis last year, Ommanneу was hired full-time by Governor Gavin Newsom in January.

Internet mocks Gavin Newsom clearing homeless encampments in LA

People online shared their reactions, thoughts, and opinions on the Golden State governor filming himself during a midday clean-up underneath an overpass in Los Angeles on Thursday.

One X user remarked, "I can actually respect this move by Newsom. I don't like him at all but at least he is on the ground trying to fix the issue."

Another user said, "Gavin Newsom is so fake! He could care less!"

A user wrote, "You don't get credit for cleaning up a mess you caused."

Another X user quipped, "Cosplaying at cleanup."

Another user claimed, "He should be downtown where the homeless live on the streets."

Finally, this user tweeted, "Probably the most productive thing he’s done as Governor even if it’s all for show. We all know that was all for the media and he didn’t really do much."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.