LOS ANGELES—A ban on homeless encampments is a step closer to reality, after the Los Angeles City Clerk March 3 approved a petition on the matter led by City Councilmember Joe Buscaino. The “Safer Streets LA” measure—which also aims to increase temporary housing in the city—can now be circulated for signatures until July. Buscaino and “Safer Streets LA” organizers need about 65,000 signatures to request the city council pass the measure in an ordinance. If the council does not adopt the measure, it will appear on the ballot in the upcoming November 2022 city elections. Buscaino’s effort would kick in only after people have been offered shelter and refused it. If ultimately approved, the measure would give the mayor the power to declare a local homelessness emergency that would also allow the city to cut-through red tape to build more shelters. “Creating enough transitional housing will be the fastest way …