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News24
26 minutes ago
- News24
Public Protector declines to investigate ATM's illicit financial flow claims
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Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Homelessness declined last year in Hollywood and Venice, but not Skid Row, new Rand study finds
Homeless encampments were markedly reduced in Hollywood and Venice last year, but the number of people sleeping "rough" without a tent, vehicle or makeshift shelter held steady, raising the likelihood that the gains will be harder to sustain in the future, a new Rand report concluded. The total number of unsheltered homeless people was down 15% overall in the three areas Rand studies, the first decrease since the project began in 2021. But the declines — 49% in Hollywood and 22% in Venice were partially offset by a 9% increase in Skid Row. The report authors pointed to a likely positive effect of public policies that have increased permanent and interim housing, particularly Mayor Karen Bass' Inside Safe program, but found that those left behind pose a greater challenge. "Rough" sleeping represented about 40% of the total unsheltered population in the count, taken in December 2024. "Tent dwelling is no longer the typical modality of homeless life in Los Angeles," said lead author Louis Abramson. "We are seeing this picture where there does seem to be real progress in bringing people off the street but the people who are still on the street are the most vulnerable," Abramson said. "The acuity indicators are not trending in the same way as the numbers. People's level of health, well being and connectivity is not improving and is in some ways deteriorating." The report is the third released annually by the Los Angeles Longitudinal Enumeration and Demographic Survey (LA LEADS), conducted by Rand's Center on Housing and Homelessness. Read more: A new push to bring recovery homes into state's 'housing first' homeless model The findings are consistent with preliminary results for the 2025 point-in-time count released in March by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority. Based on raw counts, the agency projected a countywide decline of between 5% and 10% in unsheltered homelessness. LAHSA announced Monday that it will release its final results of the count July 14. Rand's report represents a more intensive examination of three areas considered homelessness hot spots. Researchers return every two months to track changes over time. They count individual tents, vehicles, makeshift shelters and people sleeping unsheltered. Using a methodology similar to LAHSA's, they estimate the number of people occupying each type of shelter to calculate total populations. The report found "good reason" to link Hollywood's dramatic decline to a series of Inside Safe operations conducted there last year, but the record was less clear in Venice, which also saw a decline without having any Inside Safe operations. The effects of enforcement under the city's section 41.18 anti-camping ordinance were less clear. The report found that an estimated 12% of Skid Row's unsheltered population had been cited under the ordinance yet the area's homeless population increased. "Thus, crediting changes in unsheltered homelessness to specific programs—or understanding the relationship of those changes to new inflows of people—requires more study," the authors wrote. Another factor in Hollywood's dramatic improvement could be the efforts of a Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health pilot project called Hollywood 2.0, which helped bring county mental health services to the area, coordinated outreach and was a force behind the opening of two new housing projects, a 50-bed interim shelter and 90-bed board and care home. "I think Hollywood 2.0 was a strong contributor to the decrease in usheltered homelessnes," said Brittney Weissman. executive director of Hollywood 4WRD, a nonprofit that conducts community engagement for the project. A demographic survey accompanying the count found disconcerting trends related to the growth of "rough" sleeping. Respondents reported staying in the same location for shorter amounts. That finding was consistent with "increases in sanitation and other encampment resolution efforts—most common in Hollywood—that either move unsheltered people indoors or periodically displace them, leaving a more transient, mobile, and dynamic population," the report said. Overall, 91% of respondents in all three areas expressed interest in being housed, but only 38% reported being on a wait list. Only 13% reported being offered supportive housing, while 39% were offered group shelter. Fewer than 50% accepted. People ages 62 and older and those earning less than $99 per month were significantly less likely to be searching for housing than younger people or those with higher incomes. The report highlighted differences between the three areas. Those in Venice reported slightly higher levels of education rates of Social Security and disability benefits and income, and were more likely to be employed. Skid Row's unsheltered population skews older and more female and Black compared to the other areas. They reported being less likely to be working, more likely to report mental health, physical health, and substance use disorders, more likely to stay in the same location for three years or longer and less likely to be forced to move by law enforcement or housed residents. Of the remaining tent encampments, 80% were in Skid Row. The authors made two recommendations: To sustain the positive trend, policymakers should continue to prioritize and streamline the creation of permanent housing. And, they need new strategies for the changing demographics. The trend to rough sleeping will likely further strain service providers and outreach teams as their clients become more mobile and vulnerable, and encampment-based housing initiatives will become less effective. Though rough sleeping remained steady last year, it had inched upward over the three years of the study. "There are strategies that are bringing people successfully off the street," Abramson said. "But for these other populations it looks like we are going to need to develop specific strategies that are not in our toolkit right now." Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Michiganders love the Great Lakes. So do invasive species. What to watch for
While Michiganders are heading north or elsewhere to celebrate the Fourth of July, state officials are urging them to keep an eye out for invasive pests and plants, and take steps to avoid helping them spread farther. 'Preventing the spread of invasive species in our waterways is as simple as cleaning, draining, and drying all boats, trailers and gear between uses,' Kevin Walters said, aquatic biologist, water resources division, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy June 27 release. Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week in Michigan, June 29-July 5, reminds residents the importance of cleaning, washing, drying and disinfecting their boats, trailers and other water equipment. 'AIS Awareness Week is a good reminder that if we all do our part, we can lessen the impact of invasive species in Michigan," Walters said. Michigan's Invasive Species Watch List includes 10 invasive aquatic plants, six that have been detected in the state, and five aquatic animals, three of which have been detected. "Public awareness about the impacts of harmful, nonnative aquatic plants and animals is critical to protecting Michigan's ecosystems, tourism and economy," the release said. Three aquatic animals of particular concern in Michigan include grass carp, New Zealand mudsnail and the red swamp crayfish. Officials say understanding how to identify and report an invasive species can help reduce their numbers to keep Michigan's ecosystems balanced. In addition, officials have organized more than 50 events in Michigan throughout the week to provide boaters and anglers tips on how to prevent the spread of unwelcome aquatic plants and animals. Here's how to identify the three aquatic invasive species already detected in Michigan: One of four invasive carp species, the grass carp has been detected in the Great Lakes and other bodies of water, and remains on the watch list. Grass carp are native to eastern Asia, Russia and China. In Michigan, they are dispersed by unauthorized stocking or release and by escaping commercial farming, according to Michigan Invasive Species program. Grass carp are dangerous to Michigan's aquatic ecosystem because they contribute to algal blooms (which is an excessive growth of algae in a body of water, per the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences) and destroying habitats used by native species. For instance, they disrupt weed beds which are native species' spawning or nursey beds. Here are characteristics of the grass carp to help residents identify this species: Can reach lengths of more than 5 feet, weight can reach more than 80 pounds. Eyes sit even with the mouth. Large scales that appear crosshatched. Shorter dorsal fin than goldfish or common carp. The other invasive carp species on Michigan's watch list are the silver carp, bighead carp and black carp none of which have been detected in the state. One of the two invasive crayfish on Michigan's watch list, the red swamp crayfish is native to the Mississippi River and Gulf Coast, and has been detected in Michigan. The red swamp crayfish poses threats to Michigan's aquatic ecosystem because they "compete aggressively with native crayfish species for food and habitat," based on Michigan's Invasive Species program. In Michigan, they have been introduced and spread via commercial farming, classroom or labratory release, live bait dumping and through fish stocking events. They live in a variety of freshwater habitats and burrow deep into the ground leaving behind a mound of dirt with a entry point in the center. Here are characteristics of the red swamp crayfish (also called the Louisiana crawfish) to help residents identify the species: Dark red color with bright red raised spots, they resemble a small lobster. Elongated claws and bony exoskeleton. Elongated head with a triangular rostrum. From 2.2 inches to 4.7 inches in length. The other invasive crayfish on Michigan's watch list is the marble crayfish and they have not yet been detected in the state. "New Zealand mudsnails can be transported on boats, anchors and fishing gear such as waders and nets. Because of their small size and ability to survive out of water for several days, it is important to carefully decontaminate boats and gear between uses," the Michigan Invasive Species program said. Native to New Zealand, the snail a small yet adaptable invasive species and has been detected in the Great Lakes, Au Sable River, Boardman River, Grass River, Marquette River, Pine River and Upper Manistee River. This invasive species is dangerous to Michigan aquatic ecosystem due to its rapid cloning reproduction. They take over food sources leaving, little for native invertebrates, and they make it difficult for fish to find food. Here are characteristics of the New Zealand mudsnail to help residents identify the species: Small snail, averaging 1/8 inch long. Right-side opening with 5-6 whorls on shell (spiral pattern). Shells vary from light brown to black. Difficult to identify. According to Michigan's Invasive Species Program, each species has a particular official (and number) to contact found under that species' profile. Residents are encouraged to take photos and report when and where the species was spotted. In addition, residents can use the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network online reporting tool, or download the MISIN app to report on-the-go. Here is the full list of aquatic plant species on the watch list: Brazilian elodea European water-clover (detected in Michigan) Hydrilla (detected in Michigan) Parrot feather (detected in Michigan) Water chestnut Water hyacinth Water lettuce (detected in Michigan) Water-primrose (detected in Michigan) Water soldier Yellow floating heart (detected in Michigan) Here is the full list of aquatic fish and animal species on the watch list: Invasive carp: silver carp, bighead carp, grass carp (detected in Michigan) and black carp. Marbled crayfish New Zealand mudsnail (detected in Michigan) Northern snakehead Red swamp crayfish (detected in Michigan) Contact Sarah Moore @ smoore@ This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week. Prevent their spread in Michigan
