Graying Of LA’s Homeless Population Adds New Complications To How City Is Managing Crisis
And even as L.A. struggles to help its oldest homeless people, an additional 8,000 people in their mid-50s to early 60s are living on the county’s streets and in shelters. And many of them have the same disabilities and health problems as their elders. Meanwhile, San Diego has approved an apartment complex for formerly homeless senior citizens.
Los Angeles Times:
22% Surge In Number Of Older Homeless People Catches L.A. Officials Off Guard
While L.A.’s overall homeless population dipped slightly, Colucci’s age group, 62 and up, shot up 22%, to nearly 5,000 people. The city and county have been slow to respond to the graying of the homeless population, advocates said. While some homeless people are aging in place, L.A.’s spiraling housing costs increasingly are driving people into homelessness for the first time at advanced ages, advocates said. A fall, a job loss or a medical crisis pushes them over the edge. (Holland, 7/19)
In other news from across the state —
San Diego Union-Tribune:
Imperial Beach Approves Marijuana Ordinance
Imperial Beach on Wednesday approved an ordinance to allow one recreational marijuana dispensary in the city. The 3-2 vote came after nearly two hours of public comment and council deliberations. The city’s regulation places a strict vetting process on prospective pot shops. Applicants must pay a $10,000 application fee, show they have $300,000 in liquid assets, have a detailed security plan, pass background checks, have at least one manager with previous marijuana industry experience, and find a location that is not within 900 feet of a school, park or daycare center. (Solis, 7/18)
Modesto Bee:
‘We Can Do Better.’ Staff Members Ask County To Keep Low-Income Health Services
Stanislaus County supervisors approved a recommendation Tuesday night to explore possible outsourcing of health care services for low-income residents. Speakers at the meeting said employees who run the county-owned clinics in Modesto, Ceres, Turlock and Hughson should have a chance to fix the problems with medical staff shortages and declining patient volume. (Carlson, 7/18)
Capital Public Radio:
Parents Call Travis Air Force Base Daycare Negligent After Daughter Was Touched Inappropriately By Classmates
The parents of a 5-year-old girl have filed a claim of negligence with Travis Air Force Base after they say their daughter was touched inappropriately by classmates twice in three weeks. Marcus Robinson and Tanisha Porter said their daughter was touched inappropriately last week, after employees had been notified of an earlier incident and had received requests to increase supervision. (Moffitt, 7/18)