From Cycling Through Homelessness to City Hall

Dane White is a fifth-generation native of Escondido, California. He was introduced to drugs at 11 or 12, which he says is part of why he was sent to boarding school. After he finished school he returned to drugs and alcohol during his senior year.

From about 17 to 21 he moved in and out of homelessness, and he spent several years living on the streets. For a short time he was also in the foster care system. According to the Fox News report, he went into rehab only after a judge ordered it. His first rehab was in Utah. He then returned to San Diego and checked into a programme there that he says ultimately turned things around.

Years later he entered politics in his home city. At the end of 2022 he became the youngest mayor in Escondido's history. He says a frightening encounter with a person living on the street, who chased him through a parking lot and threatened him, helped push him to run. The man admitted to it, received a citation, and the case was dropped.

As mayor, White has been outspoken about homelessness. He says the state's housing-first approach has failed for a very small percentage of people, and opposes a one-size-fits-all approach. He says he has no problem with low-barrier shelters, but argues that many people need structure and accountability. He says homelessness in Escondido is mostly tied to drug and alcohol addiction, believes state leaders have politicised the issue, and says cities should look out for themselves and partner with community groups. His goal is to move half of the city's homeless population into shelter within a year, which he considers reasonable with proper funding.