With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
Morning Briefing: LA's New Response To Mental Health Crises
A mural raising awareness on mental health is painted across the windows of a Koreatown building. (Chava Sanchez/LAist)
()
Good morning, L.A.
In response to demands for the city to respond to residents experiencing mental health crises with mental health experts instead of armed police officers, L.A. officials announced the city will partner with an existing county program to do just that.
The program will be piloted beginning Jan. 1 by placing mental health specialists at five fire stations throughout the city. My colleague Robert Garrova reports that those specialists will respond to some 911 calls, although it’s not yet clear which calls or how they will be routed.
The LAPD also supports the program.
Support for LAist comes from
“Rather than looking to yet another program from LAPD or LAFD ... it’s pulling things off of our plate and putting them with our mental health professionals,” said LAPD chief Michel Moore.
Keep reading for more on what’s happening in L.A. today, and stay safe out there.
Coming Up Today, October 28
New California State University Chancellor Joseph Castro intentionally stayed away from the term “Latino” or “Hispanic” to describe himself after trustees announced his appointment. His choice of words resonated with some and fell flat with others, reports Adolfo Guzman-Lopez.
School visits and SATs are (mostly) out. Pandemic essays and virtual tours are in. Like everything else, applying to college is very weird now. Jill Replogle has the lowdown on how to proceed.
Support for LAist comes from
Some L.A. city leaders are pushing to amend local laws to effectively ban homeless encampments in certain parts of the city. The highly controversial motion faced harsh public comments on Tuesday, reports Aaron Schrank, but is on the agenda for a vote at a special meeting today.
Never miss an LAist story. Sign up for our daily newsletters.
The Past 24 Hours In LA
Wildfires: As of Tuesday evening, the Blue Ridge Fire in Orange County has burned at least 15,200 acres, and was at 0% containment. The Silverado Fire, also in O.C., had burned 12,600 acres and was at 5% containment. This has been an historic wildfire season in California, with 4.2 million acres burned.
Policing The Police: A new report from the L.A. Police Commission Inspector General found racial disparities in both the frequency of police traffic stops and post-stop activity.
Support for LAist comes from
Mental Health Care: Mayor Eric Garcetti and county leaders announced a new pilot program using unarmed "therapeutic transport" response to people having mental health crises.
Coronavirus Updates: L.A. announced a pilot program using rapid antigen testing for COVID-19, which it will roll out with firefighters. TheL.A. County Department of Public Health has approved 25 more waivers for local schools to reopen.
Election 2020: Young Angelenos’ views on who they are voting for and why are surprisingly complicated. This year’s LAUSD Unified School Board races have not only been the most expensive on record — they have also been the most negative.
Photo Of The Day
Comedian Macey Isaacs performs onstage in the parking lot of the Magic Castle. Isaacs was performing at the Comedy Store when the venue got shut down due to COVID-19, and had to reinvent herself in order to keep working and performing.
(Photo by Valerie Macon/AFP via Getty Images)
()
Support for LAist comes from
Help Us Cover Your Community
- Got something you’ve always wanted to know about Southern California and the people who call it home? Is there an issue you want us to cover? Ask us anything.
- Have a tip about news on which we should dig deeper? Let us know.
The news cycle moves fast. Some stories don't pan out. Others get added. Consider this today's first draft, and check LAist.com for updates on these stories and more. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
DON'T MISS ANY L.A. CORONAVIRUS NEWS
Get our daily newsletters for the latest on COVID-19 and other top local headlines.
Terms of Use and Privacy Policy
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The Palisades Fire erupted on Jan. 7 and went on to kill 12 people and destroy more than 6,800 homes and buildings. -
People moving to Los Angeles are regularly baffled by the region’s refrigerator-less apartments. They’ll soon be a thing of the past. -
Experts say students shouldn't readily forgo federal aid. But a California-only program may be a good alternative in some cases. -
Distrito Catorce’s Guillermo Piñon says the team no longer reflects his community. A new mural will honor local leaders instead. -
The program is for customers in communities that may not be able to afford turf removal or water-saving upgrades. -
More than half of sales through September have been to corporate developers. Grassroots community efforts continue to work to combat the trend.
Best of LAist