Homelessness

Many California cities offer their homeless residents one-way bus tickets to other places.

Gov. Gavin Newsom's plan to "Trump-proof" California takes a defensive approach to solving a problem that will outlast Trump: improving the effectiveness of our state government.

Sacramento-area growth has concentrated in its suburbs. The city is no longer the center of the region, which has missed chances to expand.

Experts predict funding cuts and policy changes. But Trump and Newsom appear to agree on encampment sweeps.

As a red wave overtakes the nation's political system, Los Angeles County voters sent a signal that liberal policies to address homelessness are still desired with Measure A poised to pass.

Californians overwhelmingly backed Prop. 36 to lengthen criminal sentences for certain theft and drug offenses, and to direct more people to drug treatment after convictions. Voters’ views changed on public safety after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Homeless Californians face many barriers to casting a ballot, even in elections that affect their lives. Some counties and nonprofits are trying to boost turnout.

This week Gov. Gavin Newsom promised $750 million to a few already wealthy entertainment producers and $827 million to cities and counties helping homeless people gain shelter.

Extrapolating from a report on housing Los Angeles' homeless population, it could cost California $10 billion a year, for 10 years, to fix homelessness statewide.

With Measure A, Los Angeles County voters will have a chance to express their view of the progress being made on homelessness and elected leaders like Mayor Karen Bass who have made it a defining issue.