UPDATE: A federal court judge has issued a stern warning to the City of Los Angeles regarding its lack of progress in addressing the homelessness crisis, as new court hearings are set to begin. During a hearing on Wednesday, U.S. District Judge David Carter expressed serious concerns over the city’s apparent delay in fulfilling its obligations under a settlement agreement related to a lawsuit filed by the L.A. Alliance for Human Rights.
The judge, who previously highlighted the city’s “consistent lack of cooperation,” stated that he will hold an evidentiary hearing on November 19, 2023. This comes after plaintiffs reported significant administrative issues, including disputes over attorney’s fees, which have hindered progress in this critical case.
Judge Carter noted that the city has been unresponsive to requests for documentation unless compelled by court order or media scrutiny. He emphasized that such failures not only waste judicial resources but also undermine public trust. “The court wants the city to succeed. Because when the system fails, people die,” Carter stated.
The L.A. Alliance alleges that the city has not met crucial milestones in the settlement agreement, which requires the city to provide 12,915 shelter beds by June 2027. Currently, over 3,800 beds remain to be created, according to court documents. An audit conducted by Alvarez & Marsal revealed that the city’s homeless response is hampered by outdated systems and a lack of accountability.
Judge Carter has ordered quarterly hearings to monitor the city’s compliance. The urgency of the situation is underscored by the judge’s acknowledgment that the city’s failure to provide accurate data has clouded the truth of reported progress. He has resisted calls for a receivership to enforce compliance, maintaining that the court’s role is to ensure transparency and uphold public promises.
The judge’s decision reflects a growing concern that the city is not doing enough to tackle the escalating homelessness crisis, which has dire consequences for thousands of Angelenos. “Only the imposition of a receivership can meet this moment,” the plaintiffs argued, but Carter reiterated that the court must uphold the agreements made while ensuring the city is held accountable.
As the situation develops, all eyes will be on the upcoming hearing in November, where the future of L.A.’s homelessness strategy will be critically evaluated. The stakes are high as the city grapples with its responsibilities amidst a crisis affecting the most vulnerable populations.
Stay tuned for further developments as this urgent situation unfolds.
