Whether it’s ensuring thoughtful evacuation of riverbed homeless encampments or switching out fueling contracts at John Wayne Airport, Orange County residents are increasingly challenging their government to be accountable, often on the front pages of Voice of OC. National media leaders and foundations, looking for models of civic engagement, are looking to Orange County.
Category: Housing & Homelessness
Posted inGovernment, Health & Wellness, Housing & Homelessness, Top Stories
ACLU and County in Settlement Talks on Riverbed Homeless Suit
The ACLU claims county officials illegally trapped dozens of homeless people living along the Santa Ana River, which the county disputes. However, both sides were in support of canceling a key court hearing for Thursday as they appear to be seeking an agreement.
Posted inGovernment, Housing & Homelessness, Top Stories
Homeless Advocates Shame Supervisors for Actions at Riverbed
A stream of angry residents showed up to the county Board of Supervisors meeting Tuesday to demand that supervisors stop the evictions of homeless people who are camped along the Santa Ana riverbed until housing options are available.
Posted inGovernment, Housing & Homelessness, Orange, Top Stories
ACLU Sues County Over Fencing of Riverbed Homeless Camp
The American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California has filed a federal lawsuit claiming that by erecting a chain-link fence next to the Santa Ana River in Orange, county officials have unconstitutionally “imprisoned” 75 to 100 people living in a homeless encampment there.
Posted inCountywide, Housing & Homelessness, Norberto Santana, Jr.
Santana: Is Throwing Rocks the New Homeless Response in OC?
Last week county work crews pushed rocks in the way of a homeless tent city near Angels Stadium between the Santa Ana riverbed and the 57 freeway, prompting public protests, an ACLU lawsuit and numerous civic actions.
Posted inCountywide, Government, Health & Wellness, Housing & Homelessness, Orange, Santa Ana, Top Stories
ACLU Threatens Suit Over County’s Actions Toward Riverbed Homeless
As county officials move to push homeless people from an encampment next to the Santa Ana River, the American Civil Liberties Union has jumped into the fray with threats of legal action.
Posted inAnaheim, Countywide, Economy, Housing & Homelessness, Top Stories
Anaheim Mayor Proposes Work Program for City’s Homeless
Mayor Tom Tait used his State of the City Address to announce “Better Way Anaheim,” a city program modeled after one in Albuquerque that provides homeless people with jobs like trash pickup and landscaping.
Posted inCosta Mesa, Countywide, Health & Wellness, Housing & Homelessness, Top Stories
Costa Mesa Property Eyed as Site for Mental Health Service Center
The state may shutter a 114-acre property that currently houses developmentally disabled adults. Homeless advocates, and a state senator, say the property should be re-purposed as a center for homeless people and others who need temporary housing and mental health services.
Posted inAnaheim, Countywide, Housing & Homelessness, Orange, Santa Ana, Top Stories, Transportation
Protesters Fight Plans to Push Homeless From Santa Ana Riverbed
More than 30 protesters gathered at the Santa Ana riverbed Monday to demonstrate against apparent plans by county officials to push out dozens of homeless people who live along its banks.
Posted inCommunity Opinion, Countywide, Health & Wellness, Housing & Homelessness, Laguna Beach, Transportation
Garrow: Trying to Preserve Mental Health While Homeless in Laguna Beach
ACLU officials are reaching out to the City of Laguna Beach with a settlement proposal, in the form of an open letter, seeking to end a 2015 lawsuit filed on behalf of the city’s homeless living at the Laguna Beach Shelter.