HOMELESS ENCAMPMENTS on state property have been ordered cleared by Gov. Gavin Newsom (Shutterstock).

The clearing of homeless encampments from state property was ordered Thursday by Gov. Gavin Newsom.

It comes in the wake of a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that overturned a lower court’s decision that barring such sleeping arrangements constituted “cruel and unusual punishment.”

Under the order, state agencies – defined in part as those responsible for waterways, beaches, parks, state transportation systems – would “prioritize” clearing out homeless camps that pose a safety or public health hazard. Homeless people would be given “reasonable” advance notice and information about social services for the unhoused.

Cities and counties may follow a similar pattern. California is believed to have one-third of the homeless population of the U.S., in part because of the mild weather.

Top cartel leaders arrested by U.S.

Ismael Zambada Garcia and Joaquin Guzman Lopez, considered leaders of the powerful Sinaloa drug cartel in Mexico, have been arrested by U.S. law enforcement officers, the Justice Department announced on Thursday.

TWO LEADERS of the Sinaloa drug cartel has been arrested by U.S. agents (Shutterstock).

The Sinaloa group is considered one of the biggest drug trafficking groups in Mexico, specializing in cocaine and fentanyl.

“Fentanyl is the deadliest drug threat our country has ever faced,” said Attorney General Merrick Garland. The pair were initially held in El Paso and Lopez is expected to be tried in federal court in Chicago.

The law enforcement team that made the arrests included the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security.

Sports: Kershaw’s victorious return

CLAYTON KERSHAW (Flickr/Malingerer).

The Los Angeles Dodgers’ pitching staff got a big boost on Thursday with the return from the injured list of Clayton Kershaw. He got the start against the visiting San Francisco Giants, working four innings and giving up six hits and two runs. He struck out six and walked two to help  the Blue Crew on its way to a 6-4 victory.

Shohei Ohtani hit his 31st homer and newcomer Nick Ahmed added another round-tripper, his second of the season.  Teo Hernandez had the best day, going 3-for-4 with a double and two RBIs.

The Dodgers have now won six of seven games since the All-Star break. Their record is 62-42, seven and a half games ahead of the second place San Diego Padres in the National League West.

They’ll be in Houston Friday through Sunday to play the Astros, leaders in the American League West.

Weather: Down in the Eighties

After a flirtation with 90, daytime temperature highs in our West Orange County area are drifting down to the low 80s. The forecast for Friday is for a high of 85 with an overnight low of 65. Highs will drop to 81 on Saturday and Sunday (with lows of 63 and 62), then bob up just a bit to 82 (62) on Monday.