| February 22, 2018 |
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Volume 6 Issue 7 |
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| We Have Turned a Corner in Orange County’s Homeless Crisis Thanks to Judge Carter |
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Judge David Carter (Center right) speaks to a man living on the river bed as Supervisor Todd Spitzer (Center back) looks on.
Photo Credits OC Register. |
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Supervisor Spitzer’s Editorial, written for the OC Register: https://www.ocregister.com/2018/02/16/we-have-turned-a-corner-in-orange-countys-homeless-crisis-thanks-to-judge-carter/
(Orange County, CA) – When Judge David Carter pronounced in his austere Federal Court in downtown Santa Ana that bureaucratic speak and excuses were over and we were not leaving his courtroom until we figured out solutions to Orange County’s homeless crisis, it was music to my ears. He was unequivocal: “We are acting in Good Faith…we have turned the corner.” I loved it—no excuses.
The most long overdue public policy discussion in our County about the plaguing issue of how to help those who are homeless—fighting addiction, mental health issues and criminal histories—finally occurred. Could it have happened without judicial intervention by a lawsuit and the federal court system, specifically Judge Carter? I absolutely doubt it.
Here is the dilemma. For years we have been in the Riverbed doing homeless outreach. Starting last July, we put CityNet into a motorhome directly into the Riverbed trail to expedite and facilitate providing services. We successfully exited two hundred into housing, treatment and transitional services. We all know that permanent housing is the key to ending homelessness.
However, we finally got to a number of homeless at the Riverbed—in the realm of 250 to 400 still remaining there—who basically refused services and told us to pound sand. So we were left with no choice. We posted “No Trespass” signs, provided lawful notice on January 8th that on January 22nd those still remaining would be subject to citation. We were sued in Federal Court and Judge Carter issued a Temporary Restraining Order blocking such arrests until we had a hearing.
At that hearing, in traditional Judge Carter fashion, he held a very unorthodox free for all discussion. He specifically addressed me and Board Chairman Andrew Do to speak. Both Chair Do and I have known Judge Carter for more than twenty years. As a then Superior Court Judge, Chair Do staffed his calendar court and I was assigned to his trial court as a senior deputy district attorney prosecuting hardcore felonies.
That past relationship was critical to the good faith component. For decades now, Judge Carter has trusted and put his good faith in me and Chair Do. We immediately committed to negotiate in that fashion and we did with Plaintiff’s Counsel.
After a ten hour marathon session, we had a deal in concept. The next day, I walked miles with Judge Carter along the Riverbed. During that tour, myself and thirty other key decision-makers made further articulations that helped us to “turn the corner.” Judge Carter pointed out what was trash versus personal property so we would know what we could throw away versus store. He made it clear to those living there in every conversation that the County of Orange had every right to clear the Riverbed and he would allow us to do so, but he would ensure the County dealt with each individual as a human being with individual needs that would be properly and professionally assessed.
The Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to accept the Stipulation. It wasn’t a difficult exercise. We always have wanted to help. We have helped hundreds. But we can’t arrest someone for the simple reason of their status—being homeless. We lost our leverage to help. Judge Carter gave it back. Now those who have resisted will get help. The Riverbed will not become our skid row. Public safety will be restored. And the County will provide humanitarian aid to those who need and deserve it.
Judge Carter waved his magic wand and worked a miracle. Orange County is now much better off because of his oversight and wisdom.
–Supervisor Todd Spitzer |
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| Supervisor Spitzer Supports County Agreement on Homelessness; Applauds Judge Carter for Lifting Restraining Order |
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Supervisor Todd Spitzer (R) handed out egg sandwiches to homeless individuals preparing to leave the SART on February 20. |
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Supervisor Todd Spitzer returned to the Santa Ana River Trail (SART) on February 20 to hand out warm breakfast sandwiches he purchased as County employees worked to connect individuals with services. Judge David O. Carter held a hearing in the field at the Santa Ana River Trail and lifted the temporary restraining order, allowing the County to resume removing the homeless population from the Santa Ana River Trail and continue the necessary environmental remediation project.
There are two exit doors, a) accept temporary shelter, assessment, and County services, or b) continue in the spiral of aimless existence and be removed from the river trail.
This will be a methodical, on-going effort and it will take all resources from cities, counties, regions and the State of California to work cohesively on a long-term solution.
On Wednesday, February 14, Supervisor Todd Spitzer joined Federal Court Judge David O. Carter for a 4-mile walk along the Santa Ana River Trail (SART), where the County has sought to remove a homeless encampment that has contributed to a deterioration of the riverbed and led to incredible public safety issues.
Needles collected by OC Public Works show just how dangerous conditions on the SART have become. |
The Board of Supervisors met in a special meeting on February 15 to approve an agreement with Orange County Catholic Worker, reached under the guidance of Judge Carter, to address the homeless encampment on the Santa Ana riverbed.
Conditions on the riverbed are unsafe and unsanitary. In just two weeks, from January 22 to February 5, the County removed over 4,000 needles and more than 115.94 tons of waste. It is unequivocally clear the river bed is not safe for human habitation. The County worked very closely with Judge Carter and the party litigants to be humane and compassionate in approaching how to close the Riverbed.
Effective February 15, the County is proceeding to:
- Expand the shelter capacity at the Bridges at Kraemer Place year-round, whole-care shelter
- Create temporary short-term shelters at existing County owned properties
- Provide approximately 400 vouchers for motel and hotel stays, transportation services, and food vouchers for the individuals currently encamped on the riverbed
- Enter agreements with WISEPlace Shelter for Women for shelter services
- Work in collaboration with US Department of Veterans Affairs, other local agencies, and nonprofits to coordinate delivery of services
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| Chúc mừng năm mới! Happiest New Year to our great Vietnamese Community! |
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Smiles all around at the kick off parade to celebrate the Year of the Dog in Westminster on February 17. |
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Thousands of visitors were expected to attend the 2018 Tet Parade in Westminster. |
Supervisor Todd Spitzer wished a very happy Lunar New Year to all Orange County residents celebrating at the Tet Festival at Mile Square Park. The start of the Year of the Dog was honored at the Tet Parade in Westminster on Saturday, February 17.
Supervisor Spitzer spoke at the event following the parade where he highlighted the significance of the event to the local Vietnamese community. |
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| Supervisor Todd Spitzer Joins OCTA to Unveil New Bus Bench |
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Supervisor Todd Spitzer and Villa Park City Councilmember Diana Fascenelli unveil the new bus bench. |
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Supervisor Spitzer joined Villa Park City Councilwoman Diana Fascenelli to unveil a new bus bench at the OCTA bus stop on the corner of N. Wanda Road and E. Collins Avenue in Villa Park.
The story behind this bus bench is a great one. A nearby resident noticed people standing to wait for the bus nearly day. The resident brought a tree log near the bus stop as a makeshift bench for the commuters. A tree log isn’t exactly up to code, however, and it was removed, but not before Villa Park Councilmember Diana Fascenelli worked with OCTA and Supervisor Spitzer, who sits on the OCTA Board of Directors, to get an actual bench installed! This great effort resulted in a beautiful new addition to this Villa Park neighborhood, and serves as a lesson in teamwork. |
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| OC Parks Initiates Firewood Policy: “Buy it Where You Burn It” |
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Click on the image above to view a PDF version. |
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| OC HEALTH CARE AGENCY LAUNCHES NEW ‘EVERY WOMAN OC’ WEBSITE |
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OC Heath Care Agency launches new resource for women who are pregnant, postpartum, or are considering pregnancy. |
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The OC Health Care Agency in partnership with the Orange County Perinatal Council is proud to announce the launch of a new website (www.everywomanoc.org) with the goal of providing essential health information and resources to women who are considering pregnancy, pregnant, or in the postpartum period with infants through their first year of life.
Recognizing the need for reproductive age women to easily access accurate and up-to-date pregnancy and postpartum health information, the website was developed through the collaborative efforts of public and private partners.
Women in the preconception, prenatal, and postpartum periods can find information on medical services, nutrition and healthy weight, healthy relationships, substance use, the home and work environment and infant care. The website has rich content with national, state, and local resources pertinent to these and other topics. The content is also available in Spanish at www.sp.everywomanoc.org.
For additional information, please visit www.everywomanoc.org or contact our Health Referral Line at (800) 914-4487. |
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Are You Ready for an Emergency?
Download the FREE KeepOCSafe app. Visit www.KeepOCSafe.org for more. |
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| Pet of the Week |
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Click on the image above to view a PDF version. |
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| Events Around the District |
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Anaheim
Preschool Storytime
Friday, February 23, 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Anaheim Canyon Hills, 400 Scout Trail
Family Storytime
Saturday, February 24, 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM
East Anaheim Branch Library, 8201 East Santa Ana Canyon Road
Irvine
Orange County Great Park Farmers Market
Sunday, February 25, 10:00 AM — 2:00 PM
Orange County Great Park, 6950 Marine Way
Kitten and Puppy Shower
Saturday, March 10, 12:00 PM — 2:00 PM
Irvine Animal Care Center, 6443 Oak Canyon
Orange
Help for Small Business Owners
Monday, February 26, 6:00 PM — 8:30 PM
Main Library Community Room, 407 E. Chapman Ave.
Teen Study Hall (Orange Public Library and History Center)
Tuesday, February 27, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Main Library Community Room, 407 E. Chapman Ave.
Silverado
One-on-One Computer Training
Tuesday, February 27, all day (by appointment)
Library of the Canyons, 7531 East Santiago Canyon Rd.
Tustin
Farmer’s Market
Wednesday, February 28, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
El Camino Real & W. 3rd St.
Family Sunset Storytime
Wednesday, February 28, 5:00 PM – 5:45 PM
Tustin Library, 345 E. Main Street
Villa Park
Music and Movement Storytime
Thursday, March 1, 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM
Villa Park Library, 17865 Santiago Blvd.
Yorba Linda
Music of Ireland
Saturday, March 3, 2:00 PM — 3:30 PM
Yorba Linda Public Library, 18181 Imperial Highway
Sunday Concert: Award Winners of Violin Competitions
Sunday, February 25, 1:30 PM
Richard Nixon Library and Museum, 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd.
For questions or comments regarding Spitzer’s E-Newsletter
please contact the Supervisor's office staff at: (714) 834-3330 or Montana.Sudul@ocgov.com
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