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Fri, Mar

A Continuing Crisis: Volunteers Needed Now for the Annual Homeless Count

LOS ANGELES

RANTZ & RAVEZ-Most of the honest, law-abiding Los Angeles residents have run out of patience, understanding and compassion when dealing with the expanding homeless population.

The constant excuses received from city, county and state officials are beginning to fall on deaf ears. We have heard enough talk and read enough articles to realize that nothing has worked to a significant level; officials now want more money to address the matter. More money in addition the billions that have been already been spent with dismal results.  

The latest community reports reflect the continuing serious crime and quality of life issues communities throughout Los Angeles are experiencing in the wake of the failure of government officials and organizations to have impact on the problems. As the negative factors caused by the homeless crisis continues, community frustration is growing. We see increasing crimes that include violent situations involving homeless people. Some neighborhood residents are frightened to venture out of their homes after dark. 

Now, with the situation at a breaking point, we learn that Mayor Garcetti and County Supervisor Kathryn Barger are working with President Trump’s administration behind the scenes. While this is taking place, Governor Newsom has proposed that $1.4 billion additional dollars be allocated toward helping the homeless population. As this all moves forward toward some implementation, matters on the streets will remain as usual, which means you need to use caution in public areas and shopping centers.  

I know one date that will spark genuine interest in addressing the homeless situation in the LA region: the 2028 Olympics. I don’t believe any elected officials will showcase the LA area as long as there are homeless camps spread throughout the region. I hope the matter can be resolved before 2028. 

If you are interested in assisting with the Annual Homeless Count, now is the time to volunteer.  Volunteers are needed for the count in the San Fernando Valley and other regions. This will take place from January 21 through 23. The San Fernando Valley Count will occur on Tuesday, January 21. More than 80 cities and 200 communities across LA County will be canvassed by volunteers. I have been involved in all previous Counts along with many valley residents. If you are interested in volunteering, contact The Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count.  

You can review the list of locations and select the one where you will feel most comfortable. There was a 16% increase in LA’s homeless population last year, bringing the total to 36,000 who were counted.    

Proposed California State Budget for 2020-2021 

Governor Newsom unveiled the proposed State Budget for the next fiscal year: a total of $222.2 billion. $900 million has been earmarked for recruiting teachers and for other school related costs. $1.4 billion is dedicated for homeless and healthcare services. $200 million for fire related matters, $100 million for a program to protect homes in fire-prone areas. $90 million for new technology to battle fires. The full proposed budget will be sent to the Legislature for review and adjustments in the coming months. It will be implemented on July 1.  

The National Economy is looking good as we enter 2020 

The first week of January reflected an uptick for the national economy. The country added 140,000 new jobs in December. The unemployment rate held steady at a 50-year low. 2.11 million jobs were created in 2019. The unemployment rate ended the year at 3.5%. These are positive numbers and we hope they continue in the months to come.

 

(Dennis P. Zine is a former and retired LAPD Supervisor, former and retired 12-year Los Angeles City Councilman and current General Manager at Bell Canyon in Ventura County. Edited for CityWatch by Linda Abrams.)

                        

 

 

                     

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