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.
In LA, Newsom Rallies Support For Proposition 1 And More Mental Health Treatment Beds
Gov. Gavin Newsom was joined by L.A. Mayor Karen Bass on Jan. 3, 2024, to rally support for Proposition 1.
(
Robert Garrova / LAist
)
Topline:
Gov. Gavin Newsom was joined by Mayor Karen Bass, Sheriff Robert Luna and other officials in Boyle Heights to drum up support for Proposition 1, a March ballot measure the governor's office says would raise more than $6 billion for mental health treatment facilities and housing.
Opposition: Opponents of Proposition 1 worry it would lead to more options for involuntary treatment, among other concerns .
The details: The proposal on the ballot would authorize $6.38 billion in bonds to pay for some 11,000 behavioral treatment beds and supportive housing “for people with the most acute behavioral health issues.” It would also pay for more than 26,000 outpatient treatment slots, Newsom’s office said.
Sponsored message
The quote: Speaking to reporters Wednesday, Newsom said first responders regularly see the mental health care system failing to help the sickest, who often cycle between homelessness and incarceration.
“They’re out there every single day. And the one thing they don’t have is the slots. They don’t have the beds. It’s whack-a-mole. And it’s demoralizing,” Newsom said.
What’s next: Proposition 1 will be put to voters on the March 5 ballot.
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.
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.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
