Susan Talamantes Eggman

A new law was supposed to keep severely mentally ill Californians from falling through the cracks. So far, it’s resulted in few people getting long-term care.

California lawmakers have spoken on average for more than six hours this year. Others have said comparatively little. How effective can you be if you stay silent?

Gov. Gavin Newsom made mental health a priority since he took office five years ago. The ballot initiative voters approved this week will provide billions of dollars to fund housing and treatment facilities for mentally ill Californians.

California voters this spring are considering a $6.4 billion bond that would build thousands of housing units and treatment beds for people with serious mental health conditions. A 2018 ballot measure that made similar promises offers lessons about the obstacles that stand in the way of construction.