The recommendations are aimed at diverting mentally ill people from jails into treatment, which county officials say would improve public safety by reducing crime, while also saving taxpayer dollars.
Category: Housing & Homelessness
Orange County housing and homelessness, from what the state told each city to build to what it has actually permitted. Rent increases, evictions, affordable projects, shelters, anti-camping enforcement and the federal court orders shaping all of it.
County Buying Building for Mental Health Services Along Santa Ana River
The proposed center – next to a freeway, office buildings, and the Santa Ana River – is seen by advocates and officials as a major step toward addressing a severe shortage of mental health services.
Housing Shortage Sent Homeless at Transitional Shelter Back to Streets
The shortage of affordable housing in Orange County sent eight homeless people back to the streets last week, because homes weren’t available before they hit the 180-day limit for them to stay at the county’s “Bridges at Kraemer Place” shelter that prepares people to move into housing.
Cache of Bikes at Santa Ana Riverbed Were 2 Miles From Fountain Valley Homeless Camp
The images were widely shared on social media, with a Sheriff’s Department video of the bikes drawing over 130,000 views.
County Opts For Hotel, Shops, and Market-Rate Homes, Not Homeless Shelter on Irvine Land
The impending legal battle with the city of Irvine could answer a question: Are government agencies subject to a local city’s land use authority when the agency builds a large commercial project on land it owns inside the city?
County to Block Homeless Camping on Large Sections of Santa Ana Riverbed
Orange County officials announced plans Monday to shut down most of the Santa Ana River bank to overnight homeless camps, but said the largest camp, near Angel Stadium and home to over 400 people, will stay open for the time being.
Supervisor Nelson: County To Phase Homeless People Out of Santa Ana Riverbed
“If you push people out you will end up dealing with it in the city,” Supervisor Shawn Nelson told a community meeting in Anaheim last week.
Santa Ana to Crack Down on Civic Center Homeless Camp
The new law bans any enclosed spaces, along with food and medical services without prior city permission. City officials say it’s needed to protect public health and safety, while homeless advocates say it’s unconstitutional and cruel.
Santa Ana Rethinks Ban Aimed at Curbing Homeless Civic Center Campsites
Original versions included broad bans on homeless people’s possessions in the Civic Center, like any items within 70 feet of a building, and any items officials believe present “a risk of injury, disease or a health and safety concern.” A final decision is scheduled for Oct. 17.
Amid Hepatitis A Outbreaks, Orange County Focuses on Vaccination
While Los Angeles and San Diego counties have declared outbreaks of hepatitis A, local health officials say an outbreak has not come to Orange County, although they are “very concerned.”











