homelessness

A sign warning against selling fentanyl in Placer County hangs over Taylor Road in Loomis on July 24, 2023. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

Commentary

Californians made it clear they want a different approach to addiction and homelessness

Instead of pushing harm reduction strategies to reduce drug overdoses, a county district attorney believes a recently approved ballot measure, Proposition 36, strikes the right balance to break the cycles fueling addiction and homelessness.

By Vern Pierson • January 27, 2025

A burned-out structure with scorched walls and an arched doorway stands amidst charred vegetation. Smoke lingers in the background, and a partially intact gate with the number '203' leads to the property. A few green trees and palm trees remain standing in the hazy, orange-lit landscape.

Commentary

As LA fires destroy homes, California’s housing crisis is about to get worse

Housing construction permits were already trending downward. Now the wildfires have taken away at least 10,000 occupied homes.

By

Dan Walters

• January 17, 2025

A person stands at a podium, smiling, wearing glasses and a navy blazer over a teal top. The podium features a sign that reads "TREATMENT NOT TENTS" with a small bear icon, suggesting a California-related context. A microphone is attached to the podium, and the background appears softly blurred.

Commentary

Why 2025 will be a pivotal year for Mayor Karen Bass — and Los Angeles

As Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass begins the second half of her term, her work is about to get a great deal more difficult, and the coming year may test her formidable energies.

By

Jim Newton

• January 3, 2025

Surrounded by workers in hazmat suits and bright orange waste bags, Gov. Gavin Newsom helps clear a homeless encampment in San Diego.

Commentary

Billions of dollars later, California’s homeless crisis persists under Newsom

Gavin Newsom began his governorship with promises of decisive action on key issues, homelessness among them. Despite billions of dollars in spending, the population has increased and the crisis remains a weapon for Newsom's opponents.

By

Dan Walters

• December 18, 2024

Dr. Rishi Patel from the Akido Street Medicine team checks on an unhoused man living in a vineyard in Arvin on May 28, 2024. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Homelessness

Federal health care dollars are helping to house homeless Californians. Trump could stop that

Gov. Newsom launched an ambitious program that uses Medi-Cal to help Californians access housing, healthy food and more. Now, its fate is in the hands of President-Elect Trump.

By

Marisa Kendall

• December 12, 2024

A person wearing a beige jacket and cap walks down a city street, pulling a large, crumpled blue tarp. The scene is framed by tall buildings, parked cars, and a modern glass structure in the background. The muted urban setting is illuminated by soft, natural light, highlighting the quiet and solitary moment.

Housing

Busing people out of homelessness: How California’s relocation programs really work

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

By

Marisa Kendall

• November 26, 2024

A person in a suit speaks at a podium labeled "GOOD-PAYING JOBS," gesturing with their hands. Behind them, two individuals stand near informational boards with text and graphics. The setting appears to be an indoor event space with industrial lighting.

Commentary

The best way California can prepare for Trump? Fix its state government

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.

By Bob Stonebrook • November 25, 2024

Two people are crossing the street in almost deserted downtown Sacramento, and cars are driving down the street.

Commentary

Sacramento region gained people but flubbed economic opportunities over 50 years

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

By

Dan Walters

• November 22, 2024

A bulldozer carrying rubble from an homeless encampment to a garbage truck parked in the street while a worker looks on.

Homelessness

One issue Trump and Newsom agree on? Homeless encampments

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

By

Marisa Kendall

• November 8, 2024

Alard Gavorkian, an unhoused woman in downtown Los Angeles, tends to her belongings on Jan. 29, 2022. Photo by Shannon Stapleton, Reuters

Commentary

With Measure A, Los Angeles voters embrace a bigger response to homelessness

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.

By

Jim Newton

• November 7, 2024