SAN DIEGO – Governor Gavin Newsom, in partnership with state Senator Susan Talamantes Eggman (D-Stockton), has proposed the next step to modernize how California treats mental illness, substance use disorders, and homelessness. 

Governor Newsom proposed a 2024 ballot initiative to improve how California treats mental illness, substance abuse, and homelessness: A bond to build state-of-the-art mental health treatment residential settings in the community to house Californians with mental illness and substance use disorders and to create housing for homeless veterans, and modernize the Mental Health Services Act to require at least $1 billion every year for behavioral health housing and care,

An initiative would go on the 2024 ballot that would:

1. Authorize a general obligation bond to:
   1. Build thousands of new community behavioral health beds in state-of-the-art residential settings to house Californians with mental illness and substance use disorders, which could serve over 10,000 people every year in residential-style settings that have on-site services – not in institutions of the past, but locations where people can truly heal. 
   2. Provide more funding specifically for housing for homeless veterans. 
2. Amend the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA), leading to at least $1 billion every year in local assistance for housing and residential services for people experiencing mental illness and substance use disorders, and allowing MHSA funds to serve people with substance use disorders.
3. Include new accountability and oversight measures for counties to improve performance. 

The MHSA was originally passed 20 years ago; it is now time to refresh it so it can better meet the challenges we face. Key changes that the Governor is proposing include: Creating a permanent source of housing funding of $1 billion a year in local assistance funds to serve people with acute behavioral health issues, focusing on Full Service Partnerships for the most seriously ill; and allowing MHSA to be used for people with substance use disorders alone.

 “This is the next step in our transformation of how California addresses mental illness, substance use disorders, and homelessness – creating thousands of new beds, building more housing, expanding services, and more. People who are struggling with these issues, especially those who are on the streets or in other vulnerable conditions, will have more resources to get the help they need.”  

According to the Governor’s office, the Administration plans to work in close partnership with legislative leaders in this space including Senator Eggman and Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks), as well as with the California State Association of Counties, other critical local government stakeholders, community-based service organizations, advocates, and people with lived experience as bill language is developed. 

FACT SHEET (Link)

Previous initiatives include:

• $2.2 billion for the Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program.
• $1.5 billion for Behavioral Health Bridge Housing.
• $1.4 billion to expand and diversify the behavioral health workforce.
• $4.7 billion Master Plan for Kids’ Mental Health, of which the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative is the central component.
• $1.4 billion to build out a Medi-Cal benefit for mobile crisis response, as well as $38 million to expand 9-8-8 and CalHOPE crisis call center.
• Over $600 million to support community-based alternatives to state hospitalization for those who commit felonies who are incompetent to stand trial.
• Over $1 billion to address the opioid epidemic.
• $7 billion to reform CalAIM – enhanced care management for people with serious mental illness, a no wrong door approach to care, and more. 
• $1.6 billion proposed to implement the California Behavioral Health Community-Based Continuum Demonstration to strengthen services and supports for those who are at risk of homelessness, incarceration and foster care placements.
• $50 million for the California Veterans Health Initiative (CVHI) for veteran suicide prevention and mental health.

By Paulo Murillo | WEST HOLLYWOOD – Over 20,000 participants passed through the streets of West Hollywood Sunday morning for the 38th Annual Los Angeles Marathon 2023. West Hollywood Mayor Pro Tem John Erickson referred to the turnoff at the Rainbow District on Santa Monica Boulevard as the “Rainbow Mile.”

“It’s the best mile,” he told Wendy Burch of KTLA. “We’ve got all the colors, we’ve got all the diversity, and there’s no better place to do it than West Hollywood… we love that they come through the city every year. We can see the crowds come out, every family from all walks of life, and we do it right here in West Hollywood because this is where everyone is welcome.”

KTLA chose to telecast the marathon on “The Rainbow Mile,” so the scene was festive on Santa Monica Boulevard. People dressed in costumes, held up signs cheering their loved ones on, and spectators fist bumped the runners as they rushed by.

The 26.2-mile marathon kicked off at Dodger Stadium at 6:30 a.m. beginning with wheelchair participants, followed by the women’s division. Then a short distance later, the men’s division kicked off, followed by the general public. The course ran through Downtown Los Angeles, Hollywood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and the finish line was at Century City.

Kenya’s Stacy Ndiwa was the first to cross the finish line Sunday in the women’s division. She clocking in at 2 hours and 31 minutes. Ethiopia’s Jemal Yimer won the men’s division in 2 hours, 13 minutes and 13 seconds. Elite female runners always start the race 18 minutes and 19 seconds ahead of the men.

Jemal Yimer of Ethiopia won the men’s division of the Los Angeles Marathon on Sunday, while Stacy Ndiwa of Kenya took the women’s division. Via @AP https://t.co/kKgEbiFdfy

— Bloomberg Africa (@BloombergAfrica) March 19, 2023

Top 5 women’s results! pic.twitter.com/JOwXF878p6

— Los Angeles Marathon (@lamarathon) March 19, 2023

The portion of the route that runs through the City of West Hollywood remained unchanged from previous years. Runners made their way westbound into the City of West Hollywood along Sunset Boulevard at Marmont Lane, just west of N. Crescent Heights Boulevard. From the Sunset Strip, runners turned left (south) onto N. San Vicente Boulevard; then right (west) onto Santa Monica Boulevard; then left (south) onto N. Doheny Drive, where they will enter the City of Beverly Hills. The Marathon ran through West Hollywood between miles 14 and 15 of the course.

For full results, visit: (Link)

*******************************************************************************

Paulo Murillo is Editor in Chief and Publisher of WEHO TIMES. He brings over 20 years of experience as a columnist, reporter, and photo journalist.

******************************

The preceding article was previously published by WeHo Times and is republished with permission.

DOWNEY, CA – Governor Gavin Newsom, as part of his tour of the State of California, announced that CalRx has secured a contract with a manufacturer (CIVICA), to make $30 insulin available to all who need it. The Governor also announced Saturday that California will seek to manufacture its own Naloxone.

Today’s announcement makes good on Governor Newsom’s promise on his first day in office, to bring down the price of prescription drugs for Californians and increase accountability and transparency in health care. Californians can learn more about CalRX on the newly launched website.

Newsom’s action will bring down the price of insulin by about 90%, saving cash-paying patients between $2,000 and $4,000 annually. With CalRx, and unlike private companies, we’re getting at the underlying cost – the price is the price, and CalRx will prevent the egregious cost-shifting that happens in traditional pharmaceutical price games. It’ll cost us $30 to manufacture and distribute, and that’s how much the consumer can buy it for. You don’t need a voucher or coupon to access this price, and it’s available to everybody regardless of insurance plan. This is a crucial step in not just cutting the cost for the consumer, but cutting costs across the board in order to bring cheaper prescription drugs to all Californians.

“To address the affordability crisis in California, we have to address the high cost of prescription drugs,” said Dr. Mark Ghaly, Secretary of the California Health and Human Services Agency. “The CalRx Biosimilar Insulin Initiative will benefit Californians who are today paying too much for a medication that we know is life saving and life altering.”

KEY DETAILS

• A 10mL vial will be made available for no more than $30 (normally $300)
• A box of 5 pre-filled 3mL pens will be made available for no more than $55 (normally more than $500)
• No new prescription will be needed. Californians will be able to ask for the CalRx generic at their local pharmacy or via mail order pharmacies. Pharmacies must agree to order/stock the product.
• CalRx plans to make biosimilar insulins available for: Glargine, Aspart, and Lispro (expected to be interchangeable with Lantus, Humalog, and Novolog respectively)
• California signed a contract with CIVICA to manufacture affordable insulin 
• The Governor will seek to manufacture Naloxone through CalRx

“People should not be forced to go into debt to get life saving prescriptions. Through CalRx, Californians will have access to some of the most inexpensive insulin available, helping them save thousands each year. But we’re not stopping there – California will seek to make our own Naloxone as part of our plan to fight the fentanyl crisis,” said Newsom.

FACT SHEET

LOS ANGELES – A South Los Angeles man was sentenced this week to 77 months in federal prison for committing six armed robberies of local businesses, mostly 7-Eleven stores, during a two-week crime spree in late 2021.

Colin Powell Lacey, 29, of the Hyde Park neighborhood of Los Angeles, was sentenced by United States District Judge Maame Ewusi-Mensah Frimpong.

Lacey pleaded guilty in August 2022 to one count of conspiracy to commit interference with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act).

From November 13, 2021, to November 29, 2021, Lacey participated in the robbery of six businesses – five of which were 7-Eleven convenience stores. During the robberies, Lacey typically entered the stores, pointed a handgun at the store’s cashier and stole money – usually hundreds of dollars in cash belonging to the business.

For example, on November 29, 2021, Lacey and his co-conspirator, Kyle Richard Williams, 26, of Inglewood, traveled together to a smoke shop located in the Mid-City area of Los Angeles. Williams entered the store, pointed a handgun at the cashier and stole $442 while Lacey waited outside the store before fleeing with Williams.

That same night, Lacey and Williams robbed 7-Eleven stores in Hollywood and Mid-City, with Lacey pointing a handgun at the cashier at the Hollywood store and Williams pointing a handgun at the cashier at the Mid-City business, making off with $600 and $100, respectively. Lacey and Williams then fled in Lacey’s Hyundai.

On December 30, 2021, Lacey and Williams attempted to rob a 7-Eleven in El Segundo. Williams pointed a handgun at the store employee and demanded money. Lacey and Williams fled together after the employee showed Williams that the cash register was empty.

In total, Lacey participated in the armed robbery of six stores, including two other 7-Elevens in Hollywood and one 7-Eleven in West Hollywood. Lacey and Williams netted a total of $2,859 from the robberies.

Lacey and Williams have been in federal custody since March 2022.

Williams pleaded guilty in July 2022 to one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, two counts of Hobbs Act robbery, and one count of attempted Hobbs Act robbery. In December 2022, Judge Frimpong sentenced Williams to six years in federal prison.

The FBI, the Los Angeles Police Department, and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department investigated this matter.

Assistant United States Attorney Jeremiah M. Levine of the Violent and Organized Crime Section and Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey M. Chemerinsky, Chief of the Violent and Organized Crime Section, prosecuted this case.

By Paulo Murillo | WEST HOLLYWOOD – A deputy at the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Department has confirmed that two security guards at Heart WeHo were physically assaulted as they were ejecting two unruly men out of the nightclub.

One security guard was punched in the face and the other guard was bitten during the altercation. The incident happened on Thursday, March 16, at roughly 11 p.m.

According to the report, two men were being escorted outside of the nightclub located at 8911 Santa Monica Boulevard, when one of suspects punched one of the security guards in the face. A physical altercation ensued and another guard was bitten in the arm. The bite broke the skin in the arm. The man who was punched in the face required some stitches.

Both men were arrested for felony charges based on their assault.

The incident at Heart WeHo occurred roughly 24 Hours after a woman was stabbed at Beaches WeHo Wednesday night, located nearby. A physical altercation between a male suspect and a security guard at the bar led to a woman being stabbed in her thigh area. The suspect was arrested and the victim was taken to a nearby hospital. She is reportedly in stable condition.

If you see something, say something. Anonymous tips can be called into Crimestoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477), or by texting 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. If you see something, say something. Anyone with information can also drop a tip at https://www.lacrimestoppers.org.

Your identity is always encrypted and anonymous. No personal information, phone number, e-mail, IP address or location is ever requested, saved, traced, tracked or monitored. Period.

The purpose of Los Angeles Regional Crime Stoppers is to prevent and reduce crime, by forming a partnership among the community, law enforcement and the media to offer anonymity and cash rewards to anyone providing information leading to an arrest.

Crime Stoppers encourages members of the community to assist local law enforcement agencies in the fight against crime by overcoming the two key elements that inhibit community involvement: fear and apathy.

West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station polices the City of West Hollywood and the unincorporated communities of Franklin Canyon, Universal City (which includes Universal Theme Park, Studios, and Citywalk), and the Federal Enclave in West Los Angeles.

********************************************************************************

Paulo Murillo is Editor in Chief and Publisher of WEHO TIMES. He brings over 20 years of experience as a columnist, reporter, and photo journalist.

******************************

The preceding article was previously published by WeHo Times and is republished with permission.

SACRAMENTO – On Thursday in Sacramento, Governor Gavin Newsom joined state and local leaders, First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, advocates and other partners to announce the release of $1 billion in Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) Round 4 funding to support communities across the state stepping up their work to reduce homelessness.

Last year, Governor Newsom paused this funding to local governments and demanded greater ambition when they collectively proposed only a 2 percent reduction in unsheltered homelessness. Local governments have since revised their homelessness plans, now targeting a 15 percent reduction in homelessness statewide by 2025.

Additionally, the Governor today announced the state’s largest mobilization of small homes to serve people experiencing homelessness, especially those living in encampments. The California National Guard will assist in the preparation and delivery of 1,200 small homes to Los Angeles, San Diego County, San Jose and Sacramento, free of charge and ready for occupancy. 

“In California, we are using every tool in our toolbox – including the largest-ever deployment of small homes in the state – to move people off the streets and into housing. The crisis of homelessness will never be solved without first solving the crisis of housing – the two issues are inextricably linked. We are tackling this issue at the root of the problem by addressing the need to create more housing, faster in California,” the governor said.

Newsom is challenging the status quo and implementing new approaches to solve the dual crises of housing and homelessness, with a focus on greater accountability. Small homes are cost-effective and can be quickly deployed to move people from homeless encampments into housing.

• After meeting with the Governor late last year, local jurisdictions have set new, more ambitious homelessness reduction goals and may now access $1 billion through round four of state grant program
• State is delivering 1,200 small homes to Los Angeles, San Diego County, San Jose and Sacramento to provide safe, interim housing for people experiencing homelessness
• Those living in encampments will be prioritized for these new units by the local governments operating the homes and providing services

Locations for placement of these small homes will be the responsibility of local jurisdictions. However, when needed and when available, the state will provide surplus land to use as an option for small homes. Local governments will own the units and provide all services, including recruiting residents, leveraging previously provided state funding. The following communities are set to receive small homes:

Los Angeles: 500 units
Sacramento: 350 units
San Jose: 200 units
San Diego County: 150 units

“Thank you to Governor Gavin Newsom for being innovative in his approach and a great partner in this effort. No one body of government will solve homelessness alone, and it will take local, state, and federal partnerships to ensure that we are collectively addressing this humanitarian crisis,” said Supervisor Nora Vargas, Chairwoman of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors. “These small homes are one important step to solving a bigger problem and will provide shelter and access to resources for our unhoused residents in San Diego County. Our Board is committed to prioritizing transformative policies to ensure our families, children, veterans, and seniors experiencing homelessness have a roof over their heads.”

“All different types of housing — small homes, motels, hotels, and more — are needed to urgently confront this crisis,” said Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. “This housing will help us bring more people inside, which is what our city needs right now. Thank you Governor Newsom for locking arms with Los Angeles.”

“The magnitude of the homelessness crisis in California requires a coordinated response by all levels of government, and I commend Governor Newsom’s ongoing commitment to partnering with cities and counties,” said Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg. “The addition of these small homes will get us one step closer to having the supply of emergency housing actually required to humanely clean up our streets.”

“We have a moral obligation to take urgent action to reduce the human suffering on our streets,” said San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan. “This mass mobilization of small homes accelerates the innovative approaches needed to solve our state’s homelessness crisis. As Mayor of San Jose, I am challenging our city to move 1,000 unsheltered neighbors out of unmanaged encampments and into safer alternatives by the end of this calendar year. This initiative will help us get there.”

The addition of small homes is another tool the state is using to create more housing, faster in California. Since taking office, Governor Newsom has signed over 70 bills to kick-start and streamline the building process, including 20 CEQA reform measures.

Along with an unprecedented $15.3 billion investment, Governor Newsom has demanded more accountability at the local level when it comes to addressing housing and homelessness. The Administration has focused on working with local jurisdictions to meet their housing requirements, clean up encampments and get more vulnerable Californians off the streets and into housing.

By Paulo Murillo | WEST HOLLYWOOD – The City of West Hollywood has launched WeHo Wi-Fi, the City’s first major free outdoor public Wi-Fi network. The new Wi-Fi network spans the entire length of Santa Monica Boulevard within West Hollywood utilizing a network of powerful Wi-Fi 6 access points installed at traffic light intersections and select transit shelters along the boulevard that provide robust Wi-Fi coverage.

The City’s WeHo Wi-Fi network will provide free outdoor Wi-Fi connectivity to members of the public, including residents, businesses, visitors, and city staff members who are working in the field. In addition, the free outdoor public Wi-Fi network is also available at West Hollywood Park, including the Aquatic and Recreation Center, and at the Plummer Park Community Center. Members of the public may access the WeHo Wi-Fi network via mobile device by selecting ‘WeHo Wi-Fi’ and agreeing to the terms of service.

Public Wi-Fi is not designed to be used inside buildings, or inside a vehicle, moving or stationary, and while the City strives to keep the Wi-Fi operational at all times, the service may be unavailable due to unforeseen circumstances like weather, Internet provider outages, network upgrades, or technical issues. The City does not have access to your device, nor does it collect any personal information. However, the WeHo Wi-Fi system does collect statistics such as device type, operating system, and Wi-Fi usage that will help better serve the public as this service grows.

With the rapid growth of technology and the increasing demand for connectivity, the City of West Hollywood believes that providing free outdoor public Wi-Fi is an important service that can make a significant difference in the lives of people who live, work, and visit West Hollywood.

For additional information please visit the City of West Hollywood’s WeHo Wi-Fi website information page at www.weho.org/services/weho-wi-fi or contact the City’s Information Technology Division, at [email protected] or at (323) 848-6448. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing, please call TTY (323) 848-6496.

************************************************************************************

Paulo Murillo is Editor in Chief and Publisher of WEHO TIMES. He brings over 20 years of experience as a columnist, reporter, and photo journalist.

******************************

The preceding article was previously published by WeHo Times and is republished with permission.

LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Marathon will take over the city of Angels for the 38th running March 19, 2023.

The weekend includes a 2-day Health & Fitness Expo at the famed Dodger Stadium on March 17 – 18, a Saturday 5K, the LA Big 5K, and the Charity Half Marathon and Los Angeles Marathon on Sunday, March 19.

The marathon will result in widespread road and freeway ramp closures throughout the city on Sunday morning into the early afternoon.

The 26.2-mile race begins at Dodger Stadium, ends on Avenue of the Stars in Century City, and passes through some of L.A.’s most historic neighborhoods including Chinatown, Little Tokyo, Hollywood, West Hollywood, parts of Historic Route 66, and Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills.

Freeway ramp closures include (times vary):

Northbound 110:

• Hill Street/Stadium Way
• 110 N/B to 101 S/B Temple Street

Southbound 110:

• Hill Street
• Stadium Way
• Sunset Boulevard 

Southbound 101:

• Temple Street
• Broadway
• Highland Boulevard
• Vine Street (Right turn lane)
• Gower Sttreet (Right turn lane)
• Hollywood Boulevard

Northbound 101:

• Spring Street
• Grand Avenue
• Echo Park Avenue/Glendale Boulevard
• Hollywood Boulevard
• Gower Street (Left turn lane)

Southbound 405:

• Santa Monica Boulevard(Left lane)
• Wilshire Boulevard(eastbound)
• Wilshire Boulevard (westbound)

See the full list of freeway ramp closures with specific times: (Link)

Marathon street closures will be extensive, generally starting at 4 a.m. and reopening progressively as the final athletes travel the course.

LOS ANGELES – Southern California wholesale gasoline price drops have led to some relief at the pump in most areas, according to the Auto Club’s Weekend Gas Watch. The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $4.89, which is four cents lower than last week. The average national price is $3.46, which is one cent lower than a week ago.

The average price of self-serve regular gasoline in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area is $4.91 per gallon, which is five cents lower than last week, 17 cents higher than last month, and 97 cents lower than last year. In San Diego, the average price is $4.93, which is three cents lower than last week, 19 cents higher than last month, and 88 cents lower than last year.

On the Central Coast, the average price is $4.89, which is one cent lower than last week, 22 cents higher than last month, and 89 cents lower than last year. In Riverside, the average per-gallon price is $4.84, which is four cents lower than last week, 22 cents higher than last month and 92 cents lower than a year ago. In Bakersfield, the $4.90 average price is one cent higher than last week, 24 cents higher than last month, and 79 cents lower than a year ago today.

“Oil Price Information Service (OPIS) analyzed Energy Information Administration data and reports that Western states received their highest level of gasoline imports since October,” said Auto Club spokesperson Doug Shupe. “OPIS also reports that US gas station sales declined year-over-year in February for the first time since January 2021, and economic concerns have pushed down oil prices to their lowest level since November 2021.”

The Auto Club reminds drivers of the following tips to save money on gas:

• If you use premium unleaded fuel, make sure it is required for your vehicle, not just recommended. The Auto Club’s Automotive Research Center found that vehicles with recommended premium fuel performed safely with regular unleaded gasoline.
• Make sure your tires are properly maintained and inflated to the correct level.
• Maintain your car according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Regular service will ensure optimum fuel economy.
• Avoid “jackrabbit” starts and hard accelerations. These actions greatly increase fuel consumption.
• Slow down and drive the speed limit. Fuel economy peaks around 50 mph on most cars, then drops off as speed increases. Reducing freeway speeds by 5 to 10 mph can increase fuel economy by as much as 14%.
• Use cruise control on the highway to help maintain a constant speed and save fuel. However, never use cruise control on slippery roads because you could lose control of the vehicle.
• Minimize your use of air conditioning.
• Avoid extended idling to warm up the engine, even in colder temperatures. It’s unnecessary and wastes fuel.
• Remove unnecessary and heavy items from your car.
• Minimize your use of roof racks and remove special carriers when not in use.
• Download the AAA App to find the cheapest gas prices near you. 

The Weekend Gas Watch monitors the average price of gasoline. As of 9 a.m. on March 16, averages are:

WEST HOLLYWOOD – A Coalition of agencies will distribute free naloxone and fentanyl test strips to help keep those celebrating St. Patrick’s Day safe. Pickle the drag queen will be assisting in distributing resources.

To ensure that individuals have access to life-saving resources during a time of celebration and increased risk, the coalition is saying to folks, “Make your own luck this St. Patrick’s Day weekend.”

Take action and stay safe with free naloxone and  fentanyl test strips that will be made available on Saturday, March 18, 2023, 7 p.m. at the West Hollywood Park, 647 N. San Vicente Blvd. on the Robertson Blvd. side of the park.

Sponsors include the Safer WeHo Coalition: 

▪ AIDS Healthcare Foundation 

▪ Friends Community Center 

▪ Los Angeles Center for Alcohol and Drug Abuse 

▪ Being Alive LA 

▪ Men’s Health Foundation 

▪ Los Angeles LGBT Center – WeHo Life 

▪ Tarzana Treatment Centers 

▪ Out Here Sexual Health 

▪ The Wall – Las Memorias Project 

▪ Drag Queen Story Hour 

▪ City of West Hollywood ▪ West Hollywood Project