Judge Rules In Favor Of Homeless Ex-Inmates Fighting For Better Mental Health Discharge Services
The federal judge says the group can continue to fight Los Angeles County in court over jail release policies. The ex-inmates, in an effort to break through the jail-to-skid row cycle, want better discharge services, including prescriptions for medication and referrals to community mental health treatment providers.
Los Angeles Times:
Judge Lets Homeless Ex-Inmates Fight For Mental Health Services
A federal judge said Tuesday that a group of homeless people can continue to fight Los Angeles County in court over jail release policies that they claim perpetuate the cycle of inmates with untreated mental illness bouncing from incarceration to skid row. The ruling came in a court battle over a settlement reached earlier this year between the Sheriff's Department and federal authorities as part of an effort to end deputy abuse of inmates and to improve chronically poor treatment of mentally ill inmates. (Holland, 5/17)
In other news from across the state —
Daily Pilot:
Sober-Living Home Slated For Closure Is Eyed By Another Rehab Operator
A Westside Costa Mesa sober-living home scheduled to close this week as part of a settlement agreement is being vetted by another company looking to continue drug and alcohol rehabilitation services there, according to city officials. City spokesman Tony Dodero said Clean Path Recovery, based in Costa Mesa, is seeking a state license to operate a rehab facility at 973 Arbor St. and house up to six tenants there. The home is one of 15 that Solid Landings Behavioral Health, another Costa Mesa-based sober-living operator, agreed to close by this week as part of an agreement reached last month with the city. (Zint, 5/17)
KPCC:
Malibu Schools PCB Trial May Have National Implications
A Los Angeles federal court heard a lawsuit Tuesday alleging that Malibu's school district has not done enough to remove PCBs from its campuses, in a one-day trial that could have far-reaching implications for how school districts nationwide must deal with the toxic chemical compound. (O'Neill, 5/17)
The Ventura County Star:
Ventura County Seeks Community Input On Medical Marijuana Regulation
The County of Ventura is hosting two community meetings to consider options for regulating delivery, dispensing and cultivation of medical marijuana in unincorporated areas. (5/18)