Written by Jacob Michaelson.
Governor Gavin Newsom has put forth an invitation to the public to design a new state coin. In a stunning twist, the most popular design thus far features none other than California’s most iconic landmark—no, not the Golden Gate Bridge, but a detailed engraving of a homeless encampment. Because, after all, nothing screams “The Golden State” like tents, tarps, and shopping carts lined up along the sidewalk.
The governor’s office says the initiative is a way to “honor the resilience of all Californians” and “celebrate the diversity of our experiences.” While some might argue that this is a darkly ironic way to celebrate a growing crisis, Newsom seems unfazed. After all, what better way to immortalize his legacy than by ensuring that future generations can carry a little piece of California’s most pressing social issue right in their pockets? Forget commemorating natural beauty or cultural achievements—California is now the proud owner of a coin that sums up its recent legacy in a single image.
Of course, the design isn’t all bleak. In keeping with California’s reputation for innovation, the coin is set to be made from recycled materials, including discarded needles, broken shopping cart wheels, and fragments of crumbling infrastructure. A nod to sustainability, no doubt. Critics are already lining up to question the wisdom of such a move, but in the land of Hollywood, where even the most dystopian concepts are embraced as avant-garde, this idea might just find its way into circulation—literally.
Coins as Political Statements?
The decision to mint coins featuring homeless encampments has left many scratching their heads, while others have simply burst out laughing at the absurdity of it all. It’s not every day that a state decides to enshrine its failures in metal, but then again, California has always been a trendsetter. One wonders what other states might follow suit. Perhaps New York will release a coin celebrating its skyrocketing crime rates, or Illinois might design one featuring its infamous potholes. The possibilities are as endless as they are dismal.
Newsom, for his part, has spun the new coin as a “conversation starter,” encouraging Californians to engage with the issue of homelessness more deeply. Because nothing fosters a deeper understanding of a crisis like glancing at a coin while you’re buying your morning coffee. It’s a strategy so transparent that even the thinnest of veneers couldn’t hide its true intent: to distract from the fact that under Newsom’s watch, the homelessness crisis has spiraled out of control.
But who knows? Maybe the coin will catch on. After all, in a state where it’s not unusual to see a tent pitched next to a Tesla, perhaps this is exactly the kind of symbol California needs. It’s an emblem of what happens when well-meaning policies go awry, and when virtue signaling takes precedence over effective governance. And in a state that prides itself on being the first in so many areas, why not be the first to immortalize your own failure?
The Artistic Flourishes
What’s most striking about the proposed coin design isn’t just the subject matter, but the artistry with which it’s being handled. Early mock-ups show intricate details, such as a meticulously crafted tent city complete with tiny figures huddled around a makeshift fire. In the foreground, there’s even a recreation of a public restroom turned out-of-order, with a hand-lettered sign that reads, “Good Luck!” The back of the coin is expected to feature an inscription of the state’s motto, but with a twist: “Eureka! We’ve Found the Bottom.”
It’s almost poetic, really, that a state with as much wealth and opportunity as California would choose to commemorate the stark contrast between its promise and its reality. For decades, people have flocked to California in search of a better life, only to find themselves caught up in a system that seems more interested in preserving appearances than in solving problems. The new coin captures this dichotomy perfectly, offering a snapshot of a state where dreams and disillusionment live side by side.
And let’s not forget the flip side, which is equally symbolic. Instead of the traditional image of Lady Liberty or an eagle soaring majestically, the other side of the coin will feature a series of rolling blackouts. This is, after all, California, where even basic utilities can’t be taken for granted. The image is said to be so detailed that you can almost hear the hum of generators and the faint cries of frustration as the lights go out yet again. It’s a fitting tribute to a state that once led the world in innovation and now leads it in irony.
Our Take
Governor Newsom’s decision to create a coin featuring homeless encampments is a stark reminder of how far California has fallen. While some might see this as an attempt to “start a conversation,” it feels more like a desperate attempt to distract from the real issues at hand. Instead of addressing the root causes of homelessness, the state is choosing to immortalize its failures in metal. This is bad for the public because it normalizes the very crisis that needs to be solved. It’s a disservice to the people of California, who deserve real solutions, not empty gestures. And while the coin may serve as a conversation starter, it’s one that begins with a punchline and ends with a sigh.
