latimes--2020-02-19--Former boyfriend of Amie Harwick charged with murder; re-arrested after bailing out of jail

The former boyfriend of prominent marriage and family therapist Amie Harwick has been charged with one count of murder and was re-arrested Wednesday after bailing out of jail Tuesday night .
Prosecutors allege that Gareth Pursehouse , 41 , of Playa del Rey killed Harwick shortly after 1 a.m. Feb. 15 in the 2000 block of Mound Street .
When police arrived at her Hollywood Hills home , they found Harwick on the ground below a balcony .
Pursehouse also faces one count of first-degree residential burglary with the special circumstance allegation of lying in wait , making him eligible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday evening .
Harwick , a well-known marriage and family therapist , ran into Pursehouse last month at a professional event that she was attending and he was assigned to photograph .
Beverly Hills sex therapist Hernando Chaves , a close friend who was with Harwick at the event , said the chance encounter seemed to “ reignite his obsessive preoccupation with her.
” Pursehouse was arrested Saturday on suspicion of murder and had been in jail on $ 2-million bail .
After posting bond , he was released Tuesday night .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warrant .
Pursehouse faces the death penalty or life in prison without the possibility of parole if convicted as charged .
A decision on whether to seek capital punishment will be made at a later date , according to the district attorney ’ s office .
Harwick applied for restraining orders against Pursehouse twice after alleging that he repeatedly harassed her after she broke up with him , court records show .
Times staff writers Jaclyn Cosgrove and Hannah Fry contributed to this report .

Amie Harwick attends the “Rock To Recovery” benefit at the Fonda Theatre in October 2016 in Los Angeles.
The former boyfriend of prominent marriage and family therapist Amie Harwick has been charged with one count of murder and was re-arrested Wednesday after bailing out of jail Tuesday night.
Prosecutors allege that Gareth Pursehouse, 41, of Playa del Rey killed Harwick shortly after 1 a.m. Feb. 15 in the 2000 block of Mound Street. When police arrived at her Hollywood Hills home, they found Harwick on the ground below a balcony.
Pursehouse also faces one count of first-degree residential burglary with the special circumstance allegation of lying in wait, making him eligible for the death penalty, prosecutors said Wednesday evening.
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Harwick, a well-known marriage and family therapist, ran into Pursehouse last month at a professional event that she was attending and he was assigned to photograph. Beverly Hills sex therapist Hernando Chaves, a close friend who was with Harwick at the event, said the chance encounter seemed to “reignite his obsessive preoccupation with her.”
Pursehouse was arrested Saturday on suspicion of murder and had been in jail on $2-million bail. After posting bond, he was released Tuesday night. He was arrested again Wednesday on a no-bail warrant.
Pursehouse faces the death penalty or life in prison without the possibility of parole if convicted as charged. A decision on whether to seek capital punishment will be made at a later date, according to the district attorney’s office.
Harwick applied for restraining orders against Pursehouse twice after alleging that he repeatedly harassed her after she broke up with him, court records show.
Times staff writers Jaclyn Cosgrove and Hannah Fry contributed to this report.


latimes--2020-02-19--Trump vows more water for Central Valley farmers, less for fish. Can he deliver?

Following a golf fundraiser outside Palm Springs , President Trump swung through Bakersfield on Wednesday to claim credit for sending “ a magnificent amount ” of water to Central Valley farms .
As a cheering crowd of supporters watched , Trump signed a memo directing federal agencies to move ahead with relaxed endangered species protections that have curbed water deliveries to San Joaquin Valley agriculture and the urban Southland .
Gov .
Gavin Newsom ‘ s administration said Wednesday that it would challenge the federal action in court .
The signing ceremony , held in a large hangar at a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ event in a part of California where oil pumps and thirsty agriculture reign and where Trump handily beat Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election .
It was standing-room only , with a huge American flag behind the president .
Trump took swipes at San Francisco ’ s homelessness problem : “ It ’ s worse than a slum.
” He also insulted Democratic presidential candidates , calling Michael R. Bloomberg “ mini Mike ” who “ hates the farm , ” and Sen. Bernie Sanders “ crazy Bernie.
” The president said “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would produce $ 50 billion in business for U.S. farmers and inaccurately said California was rationing household water use .
He said changes to endangered species protections would put an end to pouring “ millions and millions of gallons of fresh , beautiful clean water from up north into the Pacific Ocean.
” In signing Wednesday ’ s memo , Trump sought to highlight an environmental rollback he set in motion shortly before the 2018 midterm election , when he signed a separate directive promising to bring “ a lot of water ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his biggest California boosters .
Chief among the beneficiaries are wealthy farmers served by the Westlands Water District , a sprawling irrigation agency that Interior Secretary David Bernhardt represented for years as a Washington lawyer and lobbyist before joining the Trump administration .
Bernhardt and several of the Republican U.S. House members from the Central Valley who watched Trump sign the 2018 memo were on hand Wednesday , including House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy of Bakersfield , Devin Nunes , Tom McClintock and David Valadao , who is trying to reclaim the House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrats flipped his district .
Trump ’ s 2018 memo was issued as two federal fishery agencies were in the process of updating endangered species protections for native fish that swim in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta , California ’ s water hub .
Despite that pressure , scientists with the National Marine Fisheries Service last summer concluded that the proposed delta pumping increases would probably jeopardize the continued existence of endangered winter-run Chinook salmon and other imperiled fish .
The finding , which would have made it difficult to significantly ramp up deliveries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it into the final rules package , which was released last fall and formally adopted Wednesday .
As is the case with many of Trump ’ s efforts to weaken environmental regulations , obstacles remain .
Environmental groups that succeeded in overturning a similar cut to fish protections under the George W. Bush administration have already filed a federal lawsuit challenging the rollback .
The California Fish and Wildlife Department is on record saying that delta fish protections need “ strengthening , not weakening.
” And on Wednesday , Newsom announced he would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Interior Department over the rollback .
The governor said in a statement that Trump ’ s move would undermine “ enforceable voluntary agreements ” on water his administration has been negotiating .
“ This is the best path forward to sustain our communities , our environment and our economy , ” Newsom said .
Trump ’ s move is the latest salvo in a three-decade fight over delta water supplies .
As delta exports to the San Joaquin Valley and Southern California increased , populations of smelt , salmon and other native @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , triggering restrictions on the powerful pumps that fill southbound aqueducts .
Big dams and massive diversions upstream of the delta also rob the estuary of nearly half the water that would naturally flow into it .
Invasive aquatic species , polluted runoff and loss of habitat have all contributed to the delta ’ s decline .
But biologists have repeatedly said that what smelt and migrating salmon need most is more fresh water flowing into the delta and out to sea .
The tug of war has spawned a long cycle of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ water users sue .
When they are relaxed , environmental groups sue .
Earlier Wednesday , Trump landed in Palm Springs to attend a fundraiser at Oracle Chairman Larry Ellison ’ s Porcupine Creek golf course .
At the Rancho Mirage resort , attendees were offered photos with the president for $ 100,000 , and photos , golf and a round-table discussion with him for $ 250,000 , the Palm Springs Desert Sun reported .

Following a golf fundraiser outside Palm Springs, President Trump swung through Bakersfield on Wednesday to claim credit for sending “a magnificent amount” of water to Central Valley farms.
As a cheering crowd of supporters watched, Trump signed a memo directing federal agencies to move ahead with relaxed endangered species protections that have curbed water deliveries to San Joaquin Valley agriculture and the urban Southland.
Gov. Gavin Newsom‘s administration said Wednesday that it would challenge the federal action in court.
The signing ceremony, held in a large hangar at a Bakersfield airport, doubled as a campaign event in a part of California where oil pumps and thirsty agriculture reign and where Trump handily beat Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election. It was standing-room only, with a huge American flag behind the president.
Trump took swipes at San Francisco’s homelessness problem: “It’s worse than a slum.” He also insulted Democratic presidential candidates, calling Michael R. Bloomberg “mini Mike” who “hates the farm,” and Sen. Bernie Sanders “crazy Bernie.”
The president said “a wonderful” trade agreement with China would produce $50 billion in business for U.S. farmers and inaccurately said California was rationing household water use. He said changes to endangered species protections would put an end to pouring “millions and millions of gallons of fresh, beautiful clean water from up north into the Pacific Ocean.”
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In signing Wednesday’s memo, Trump sought to highlight an environmental rollback he set in motion shortly before the 2018 midterm election, when he signed a separate directive promising to bring “a lot of water” to Central Valley growers, some of his biggest California boosters.
Chief among the beneficiaries are wealthy farmers served by the Westlands Water District, a sprawling irrigation agency that Interior Secretary David Bernhardt represented for years as a Washington lawyer and lobbyist before joining the Trump administration.
Bernhardt and several of the Republican U.S. House members from the Central Valley who watched Trump sign the 2018 memo were on hand Wednesday, including House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy of Bakersfield, Devin Nunes, Tom McClintock and David Valadao, who is trying to reclaim the House seat he lost two years ago when Democrats flipped his district.
Trump’s 2018 memo was issued as two federal fishery agencies were in the process of updating endangered species protections for native fish that swim in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, California’s water hub.
Despite that pressure, scientists with the National Marine Fisheries Service last summer concluded that the proposed delta pumping increases would probably jeopardize the continued existence of endangered winter-run Chinook salmon and other imperiled fish.
The finding, which would have made it difficult to significantly ramp up deliveries from the delta, did not make it into the final rules package, which was released last fall and formally adopted Wednesday.
As is the case with many of Trump’s efforts to weaken environmental regulations, obstacles remain.
Environmental groups that succeeded in overturning a similar cut to fish protections under the George W. Bush administration have already filed a federal lawsuit challenging the rollback.
The California Fish and Wildlife Department is on record saying that delta fish protections need “strengthening, not weakening.”
Advertisement
And on Wednesday, Newsom announced he would move ahead with a threat to sue the Interior Department over the rollback. The governor said in a statement that Trump’s move would undermine “enforceable voluntary agreements” on water his administration has been negotiating. “This is the best path forward to sustain our communities, our environment and our economy,” Newsom said.
Trump’s move is the latest salvo in a three-decade fight over delta water supplies.
As delta exports to the San Joaquin Valley and Southern California increased, populations of smelt, salmon and other native fish plunged to the edge of extinction, triggering restrictions on the powerful pumps that fill southbound aqueducts.
Big dams and massive diversions upstream of the delta also rob the estuary of nearly half the water that would naturally flow into it.
Invasive aquatic species, polluted runoff and loss of habitat have all contributed to the delta’s decline. But biologists have repeatedly said that what smelt and migrating salmon need most is more fresh water flowing into the delta and out to sea.
The tug of war has spawned a long cycle of lawsuits. When protections are strengthened, water users sue. When they are relaxed, environmental groups sue.
Earlier Wednesday, Trump landed in Palm Springs to attend a fundraiser at Oracle Chairman Larry Ellison’s Porcupine Creek golf course. At the Rancho Mirage resort, attendees were offered photos with the president for $100,000, and photos, golf and a round-table discussion with him for $250,000, the Palm Springs Desert Sun reported.


latimes--2020-02-19--Jury selection begins in the Robert Durst murder trial

Nearly five years after Robert Durst was arrested in connection with the execution-style slaying of his best friend , dozens of potential jurors who could decide his fate filled a Westside courtroom Wednesday to begin jury selection in his murder trial .
Durst , 76 , the eccentric heir to a New York real estate fortune , is accused of shooting writer Susan Berman , 55 , in the back of the head in her Benedict Canyon home in 2000 .
Prosecutors contend he killed Berman , whom he had known since their college days at UCLA , to keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of his first wife .
Kathleen McCormack Durst disappeared in New York in 1982 , and her body has never been found .
Durst maintains his innocence in Berman ’ s death .
No one has ever been charged in the disappearance of Kathleen Durst .
The trial ’ s start also marks five years from the first airing of the “ The Jinx : The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst , ” a revelatory , six-part HBO documentary for which Durst sat for hours of interviews — against his attorney ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ makes potentially incriminating statements .
The documentary and its makers are expected to feature prominently during the trial , which is expected to last up to five months .
Durst entered the courtroom on the eighth floor of Los Angeles County Superior Court , near LAX , seated in a jail-issued wheelchair , wearing a plaid blazer and hearing aids .
On the table in front of him , propped up on a stand , an iPad showed a real-time transcript of the proceedings being typed by court reporters .
When Dick DeGuerin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Durst rose from the wheelchair , trembling .
Durst suffers from fluid on the brain and recently underwent kidney surgery and a spinal procedure , said another of his attorneys , Chip Lewis .
DeGuerin is the Houston attorney who in 2003 successfully defended Durst against charges that he murdered his neighbor , Morris Black , while he was living in Galveston , Texas .
Durst admitted that he had shot the victim — unintentionally during a tussle over a gun , he said — and dismembered Black ’ s body .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Los Angeles , 414 prospective jurors filled out questionnaires .
Of those , 244 were released by stipulations from the defense and prosecution .
Fifty-seven jurors were summoned Wednesday , from a pool of 170 .
Judge Mark E. Windham began one by one , asking them if they knew of Durst ’ s often-chronicled history from media reports and whether they would hold it against the defendant if he did not testify in his own defense .
Windham asked a computer systems analyst from El Segundo , who had reported in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ preconceived notions ” about the case , where those came from .
Media coverage , she said .
If picked as a juror , the analyst said it would be “ so tempting to do my own research , ” rather than coming to a verdict based on the evidence in Windham ’ s courtroom .
An office administrator from South Los Angeles said she was “ willing to hear both sides ” and wouldn ’ t hold it against a defendant who didn ’ t testify .
A Westwood psychologist , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of domestic violence , worried she might “ subconsciously favor one side over the other.
” Windham said that while the trial will include evidence of domestic violence , he was concerned whether a juror harbored a conscious bias that would lead them to make a conscious choice , for or against a verdict and irrespective of evidence .
“ Do you think , if you heard stories of domestic violence , you would tend to identify with victims of that violence and abandon your neutral role ?
” he asked .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” she said .
Some of the questioning followed a more prosaic line .
A Malibu attorney who lived near the Ventura County line fretted about traffic , telling the judge that it took her one hour and 45 minutes to get to his courtroom Wednesday .
If there were an accident on the Pacific Coast Highway , she could hold up the proceedings , she said .
Others voiced concerns about child care ; a singer-songwriter from El Segundo said the trial would take her away from her music .
Windham said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end , the musician could write a “ true crime musical.
” Still , he acknowledged the trial ’ s unusual length .
“ You don ’ t really come to jury duty expecting a five-month trial , ” he said .
“ But this is a very serious case , it ’ s a very complicated case , and there are many , many witnesses.
” By the end of the day , Windham had questioned 23 jurors and dismissed five of them .
Neither prosecutors nor the defense team posed questions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , led by John Lewin and Habib Balian , and Durst ’ s legal team .
“ In my 36 years in the business , ” he said , “ these are the best trial lawyers I ’ ve ever seen.
” Windham said he expected it will take two weeks to pick a jury , with opening statements “ hopefully ” getting underway March 2 .

New York real estate scion Robert Durst appears in Los Angeles court for a pretrial hearing in his murder case.
Nearly five years after Robert Durst was arrested in connection with the execution-style slaying of his best friend, dozens of potential jurors who could decide his fate filled a Westside courtroom Wednesday to begin jury selection in his murder trial.
Durst, 76, the eccentric heir to a New York real estate fortune, is accused of shooting writer Susan Berman, 55, in the back of the head in her Benedict Canyon home in 2000. Prosecutors contend he killed Berman, whom he had known since their college days at UCLA, to keep her from implicating him in the disappearance of his first wife.
Kathleen McCormack Durst disappeared in New York in 1982, and her body has never been found. Durst maintains his innocence in Berman’s death. No one has ever been charged in the disappearance of Kathleen Durst.
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The trial’s start also marks five years from the first airing of the “The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst,” a revelatory, six-part HBO documentary for which Durst sat for hours of interviews — against his attorney’s advice — and during which Durst makes potentially incriminating statements.
The documentary and its makers are expected to feature prominently during the trial, which is expected to last up to five months.
Durst entered the courtroom on the eighth floor of Los Angeles County Superior Court, near LAX, seated in a jail-issued wheelchair, wearing a plaid blazer and hearing aids. On the table in front of him, propped up on a stand, an iPad showed a real-time transcript of the proceedings being typed by court reporters.
When Dick DeGuerin introduced his client to prospective jurors, Durst rose from the wheelchair, trembling. Durst suffers from fluid on the brain and recently underwent kidney surgery and a spinal procedure, said another of his attorneys, Chip Lewis.
DeGuerin is the Houston attorney who in 2003 successfully defended Durst against charges that he murdered his neighbor, Morris Black, while he was living in Galveston, Texas. Durst admitted that he had shot the victim — unintentionally during a tussle over a gun, he said — and dismembered Black’s body. A jury found him not guilty.
In Los Angeles, 414 prospective jurors filled out questionnaires. Of those, 244 were released by stipulations from the defense and prosecution. Fifty-seven jurors were summoned Wednesday, from a pool of 170.
Judge Mark E. Windham began one by one, asking them if they knew of Durst’s often-chronicled history from media reports and whether they would hold it against the defendant if he did not testify in his own defense.
Advertisement
Windham asked a computer systems analyst from El Segundo, who had reported in a juror questionnaire that she had “some preconceived notions” about the case, where those came from.
Media coverage, she said. If picked as a juror, the analyst said it would be “so tempting to do my own research,” rather than coming to a verdict based on the evidence in Windham’s courtroom.
An office administrator from South Los Angeles said she was “willing to hear both sides” and wouldn’t hold it against a defendant who didn’t testify.
A Westwood psychologist, who said her close friend was a victim of domestic violence, worried she might “subconsciously favor one side over the other.”
Windham said that while the trial will include evidence of domestic violence, he was concerned whether a juror harbored a conscious bias that would lead them to make a conscious choice, for or against a verdict and irrespective of evidence.
“Do you think, if you heard stories of domestic violence, you would tend to identify with victims of that violence and abandon your neutral role?” he asked.
“I don’t think so,” she said.
Some of the questioning followed a more prosaic line. A Malibu attorney who lived near the Ventura County line fretted about traffic, telling the judge that it took her one hour and 45 minutes to get to his courtroom Wednesday. If there were an accident on the Pacific Coast Highway, she could hold up the proceedings, she said.
Others voiced concerns about child care; a singer-songwriter from El Segundo said the trial would take her away from her music.
Windham said that, at the trial’s end, the musician could write a “true crime musical.”
Still, he acknowledged the trial’s unusual length.
“You don’t really come to jury duty expecting a five-month trial,” he said. “But this is a very serious case, it’s a very complicated case, and there are many, many witnesses.”
By the end of the day, Windham had questioned 23 jurors and dismissed five of them. Neither prosecutors nor the defense team posed questions Wednesday.
Windham praised both the prosecution, led by John Lewin and Habib Balian, and Durst’s legal team.
“In my 36 years in the business,” he said, “these are the best trial lawyers I’ve ever seen.”
Windham said he expected it will take two weeks to pick a jury, with opening statements “hopefully” getting underway March 2.


latimes--2020-02-19--News Analysis: Newsom's focus on homelessness puts the spotlight on his next move. But what'll it be

News Analysis: Newsom's focus on homelessness puts the spotlight on his next move. But what'll it be?

Before Gov .
Gavin Newsom took office , it had been three decades since a governor last said the word “ homeless ” during an annual State of the State address .
Newsom said it seven times in his 2019 speech — six times more than then-Gov .
George Deukmejian did in 1990 , the only other instance found in readily available records of past chief executives .
In his second State of the State on Wednesday , Newsom went all in .
“ The state of California can no longer treat homelessness and housing insecurity as someone else ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that are much easier to win or better-suited for soundbites , ” Newsom told a joint session of the Legislature .
“ It is our responsibility .
And it must be at the top of our agenda.
” For the better part of 42 minutes , the governor soberly assessed how California stumbled , chronicling the unfulfilled promises and political indifference that he said has lasted for decades .
It was equal parts history lesson and policy analysis , at times sounding like a Sunday sermon .
“ We turned away when it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brother , our neighbor , our friend .
And when it was a loved one , help wasn ’ t there , ” Newsom said .
“ Most of us experienced homelessness as a pang of guilt , not a call to action.
” Liberals and conservatives in the Legislature alike gave the governor high marks for singling out the issue and said they are ready to roll up their sleeves .
“ We feel the rhythm .
We feel the urgency .
We feel the need every single day , ” Senate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Diego ) said .
“ Now we need to figure out the details and what we ’ re going to do.
” “ It ’ s time to bring all levels of government together to address the most pressing issue facing our state , ” Assembly Republican Leader Marie Waldron ( R-Escondido ) said .
But it ’ s in deciding what comes next — what blend of dollars and directives are needed — where deep divisions remain .
Some insist California needs a legal mechanism to force communities to provide shelter .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the underlying causes of homelessness , including a lack of long-term affordable housing and robust health and human services .
During Wednesday ’ s speech , the governor suggested that no idea should be dismissed out of hand .
“ Healthcare and housing can no longer be divorced , ” he said .
Then he offered this idea : “ Doctors should be able to write prescriptions for housing the same way they do for insulin or antibiotics .
Why not ?
” The insistence that no topic be off-limits at the negotiating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statewide poll released last week by USC , 64 % of those surveyed said there should be restrictions on sleeping in tents in public places .
But only 28 % supported strict enforcement of living on the streets without also providing shelter .
Perhaps just as troubling : More than one-third of respondents feared they too could become homeless .
Other polls show the issue is by far the top concern of California voters — even after some $ 1.1 billion in state spending to address the problem over the past two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in bonds will be spent on housing for homeless men and women with mental health needs .
And Newsom proposed another $ 1.4 billion , much of that as cash spent on local services , in his recent budget plan .
Criticism of the state ’ s response to the crisis is leveled daily — and hourly in some cases through social media and by President Trump .
The most recent data , compiled by state and federal officials during the governor ’ s first year in office , found that California is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s homeless population .
Perhaps no elected official is as vulnerable to political fallout from the crisis as Newsom .
Long on exhortations for action , his State of the State speech was largely devoid of any hint of which path he would choose .
It was sometimes unclear if the governor was calling for new get-tough actions or would simply rely on those already in place .
For example , Newsom chastised county-level officials for hoarding unspent cash from a 2004 ballot measure designed to boost mental health services .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mental health dollars by June 30 , or we ’ ll make sure they get spent for you , ” he said .
But a 2018 law governing these unspent dollars already requires counties to have a plan by that date .
In which case , answering Newsom ’ s ultimatum may simply be as easy as following the statute already on the books .
And that ’ s to say nothing of the difficulties that remain in rethinking the state ’ s policy on affordable housing .
With a landmark effort to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state Senate last month , all eyes are on Newsom to weigh in on the balance between local control and statewide priorities .
Newsom , who served two terms as mayor of San Francisco , sounded a note of frustration on the issue during Wednesday ’ s address .
“ Look , I respect local control , ” he told lawmakers .
“ But not at the cost of creating a two-California class system .
Not at the cost of imperiling the California Dream .
And that ’ s what we ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Newsom painted in broad strokes and called for aggressive action .
In governing , his early approach has been more incremental .
Governors hold sway over many things , but legislators and key interest groups must be a part of any solution .
Whether one style or the other will serve the current environment better remains to be seen .
But the clock is ticking .
Hours after Newsom ’ s speech ended , the crisis remained painfully obvious outside the Capitol .
On the streets leading to the gleaming 19th-century building , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , others pleaded , a few screamed at everyone and no one .
They have become a living , and too often dying , symbol of a California crisis — one that could define Newsom ’ s legacy .

Before Gov. Gavin Newsom took office, it had been three decades since a governor last said the word “homeless” during an annual State of the State address.
Newsom said it seven times in his 2019 speech — six times more than then-Gov. George Deukmejian did in 1990, the only other instance found in readily available records of past chief executives.
In his second State of the State on Wednesday, Newsom went all in.
“The state of California can no longer treat homelessness and housing insecurity as someone else’s problem, buried below other priorities that are much easier to win or better-suited for soundbites,” Newsom told a joint session of the Legislature.
Advertisement
“It is our responsibility. And it must be at the top of our agenda.”
For the better part of 42 minutes, the governor soberly assessed how California stumbled, chronicling the unfulfilled promises and political indifference that he said has lasted for decades.
It was equal parts history lesson and policy analysis, at times sounding like a Sunday sermon.
“We turned away when it wasn’t our sister, our brother, our neighbor, our friend. And when it was a loved one, help wasn’t there,” Newsom said. “Most of us experienced homelessness as a pang of guilt, not a call to action.”
Liberals and conservatives in the Legislature alike gave the governor high marks for singling out the issue and said they are ready to roll up their sleeves.
“We feel the rhythm. We feel the urgency. We feel the need every single day,” Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) said. “Now we need to figure out the details and what we’re going to do.”
Advertisement
“It’s time to bring all levels of government together to address the most pressing issue facing our state,” Assembly Republican Leader Marie Waldron (R-Escondido) said.
But it’s in deciding what comes next — what blend of dollars and directives are needed — where deep divisions remain. Some insist California needs a legal mechanism to force communities to provide shelter. Others say government officials need to tackle the underlying causes of homelessness, including a lack of long-term affordable housing and robust health and human services.
During Wednesday’s speech, the governor suggested that no idea should be dismissed out of hand.
“Healthcare and housing can no longer be divorced,” he said. Then he offered this idea: “Doctors should be able to write prescriptions for housing the same way they do for insulin or antibiotics. Why not?”
The insistence that no topic be off-limits at the negotiating table may reflect public sentiment. In a statewide poll released last week by USC, 64% of those surveyed said there should be restrictions on sleeping in tents in public places. But only 28% supported strict enforcement of living on the streets without also providing shelter. Perhaps just as troubling: More than one-third of respondents feared they too could become homeless.
Other polls show the issue is by far the top concern of California voters — even after some $1.1 billion in state spending to address the problem over the past two years. An additional $2 billion in bonds will be spent on housing for homeless men and women with mental health needs. And Newsom proposed another $1.4 billion, much of that as cash spent on local services, in his recent budget plan.
Criticism of the state’s response to the crisis is leveled daily — and hourly in some cases through social media and by President Trump. The most recent data, compiled by state and federal officials during the governor’s first year in office, found that California is home to 27% of the nation’s homeless population.
Perhaps no elected official is as vulnerable to political fallout from the crisis as Newsom.
Long on exhortations for action, his State of the State speech was largely devoid of any hint of which path he would choose. It was sometimes unclear if the governor was calling for new get-tough actions or would simply rely on those already in place. For example, Newsom chastised county-level officials for hoarding unspent cash from a 2004 ballot measure designed to boost mental health services.
“My message is this. Spend your mental health dollars by June 30, or we’ll make sure they get spent for you,” he said.
But a 2018 law governing these unspent dollars already requires counties to have a plan by that date. In which case, answering Newsom’s ultimatum may simply be as easy as following the statute already on the books.
And that’s to say nothing of the difficulties that remain in rethinking the state’s policy on affordable housing. With a landmark effort to boost housing density resoundingly rejected by the state Senate last month, all eyes are on Newsom to weigh in on the balance between local control and statewide priorities.
Newsom, who served two terms as mayor of San Francisco, sounded a note of frustration on the issue during Wednesday’s address.
“Look, I respect local control,” he told lawmakers. “But not at the cost of creating a two-California class system. Not at the cost of imperiling the California Dream. And that’s what we’re doing.”
As a political candidate, Newsom painted in broad strokes and called for aggressive action. In governing, his early approach has been more incremental. Governors hold sway over many things, but legislators and key interest groups must be a part of any solution.
Whether one style or the other will serve the current environment better remains to be seen. But the clock is ticking.
Hours after Newsom’s speech ended, the crisis remained painfully obvious outside the Capitol. On the streets leading to the gleaming 19th-century building, men and women huddled. Some slept, others pleaded, a few screamed at everyone and no one. They have become a living, and too often dying, symbol of a California crisis — one that could define Newsom’s legacy.


latimes--2020-02-19--A housing bill died in Sacramento. Now L.A. business leaders are exploring their own plan

One of the region ’ s largest business groups is exploring a new strategy for tackling Southern California ’ s housing crisis : asking Los Angeles voters to upzone sections of the city , allowing larger and taller residential buildings on commercial boulevards and in other areas .
Policy experts at the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce have spent weeks poring over ballot language to double the density of residential buildings allowed on commercial streets and in areas zoned for apartments .
In exchange for those increases , developers would incorporate affordable housing into their projects and pay a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would go toward assisting rent-burdened Angelenos , according to promotional materials circulated by the chamber .
The ballot proposal is being discussed weeks after Sacramento legislators rejected Senate Bill 50 , which would have allowed the construction of mid-rise apartments near job centers and mass transit , including in single-family neighborhoods .
State senators representing Los Angeles County opposed the bill almost unanimously .
Unlike SB 50 , the proposal being discussed by chamber leaders would leave single-family neighborhoods untouched , according to drafts of the proposal .
Maria Salinas , the chamber @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said her organization ’ s work on the ballot proposal is preliminary , with chamber officials also discussing such options as state funding .
To move ahead with a ballot measure , Salinas said , the chamber would need to build a coalition with community leaders , elected officials and others .
“ We are still vetting this .
There are still questions .
By no means is it close to a recommendation , ” she said .
The chamber ’ s executive committee is scheduled to discuss the proposal Thursday .
Even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ballot campaign , the group would face a tight timeline to get a proposal to voters in November .
To be guaranteed a spot on this year ’ s ballot , initiative backers would need to submit nearly 65,000 valid voter signatures by April 22 , according to City Clerk Holly Wolcott .
That demanding schedule has left some on the chamber unsure of the best strategy for a ballot proposal .
“ I like the goal of trying to move something like this forward , ” said Beverly Kenworthy , vice president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sits on the chamber ’ s board .
“ I just don ’ t know if there ’ s enough time ” to gather signatures and mount a campaign .
The proposal , tentatively branded as the Neighborhood Protection and Affordability Initiative , is the brainchild of land use lawyer Jerry Neuman , who was the chamber board ’ s chairman until last month .
A promotional flier prepared by the chamber said the ballot measure would increase the allowable “ floor area ratio , ” or massing of a building , by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The proposal also would lift height limits for commercial and multifamily residential properties , allowing buildings as tall as 75 feet — around six stories — on streets where 45 is currently permitted , according to a 20-page draft ordinance circulated within the chamber , a copy of which was obtained by The Times .
The measure also would permit buildings as tall as 55 feet on many streets where 36 is the maximum , the draft said .
And it would force the city ’ s planning department to comply with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of residential projects , the document said .
Real estate developers would , in turn , be required to pay an affordability fee , which would go to households that are struggling to pay their rent .
And developers would be required to include some percentage of affordable housing in most residential projects of 10 or more units , Neuman said .
Whether such ideas will win over tenant rights organizations is far from clear .
Cynthia Strathmann , executive director of the nonprofit Strategic Actions for a Just Economy , said she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ displacement of renters in L.A. 's neediest neighborhoods .
Strathmann , whose group has fought to keep low-income renters from being pushed out of their homes , said chamber leaders have not approached her with their proposal .
She also questioned their commitment to addressing the effects of gentrification .
“ Historically they have not been concerned with , or especially good at , attending to what is going to be good for low-income Angelenos , ” she said .
“ So why would anyone have faith that they were going to offer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s just going to exacerbate the situation by funneling more money to the wealthy ?
” Salinas disagreed with that take , saying her organization supported two ballot measures since 2016 to address homelessness .
The new proposal is designed to protect neighborhoods , she said , and keeping renters from losing their homes .
Neuman ’ s activities at City Hall could also present political challenges .
His law firm represents real estate clients who do business at City Hall , including Atlas Capital Group , which is developing a 725-unit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rights activists have complained that the Atlas project will not offer any on-site affordable housing .
City officials said Atlas had agreed to provide $ 2.5 million toward efforts to preserve affordable housing in Councilman Gil Cedillo ’ s Eastside district .
In an interview , Neuman said he has spent decades working on the issues of homelessness and affordable housing , volunteering with the United Way and several other organizations .
And he argued that he should not be the focus of any effort to address the housing crisis .
“ At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s not about me , but about the coalition that will be created to find a workable solution to an issue that has plagued our community for far too long , ” he said .

An apartment building under construction on Sawtelle Boulevard last year. A proposal from an L.A. business group would lift height limits and double the density allowed for apartment buildings in much of Los Angeles.
One of the region’s largest business groups is exploring a new strategy for tackling Southern California’s housing crisis: asking Los Angeles voters to upzone sections of the city, allowing larger and taller residential buildings on commercial boulevards and in other areas.
Policy experts at the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce have spent weeks poring over ballot language to double the density of residential buildings allowed on commercial streets and in areas zoned for apartments.
In exchange for those increases, developers would incorporate affordable housing into their projects and pay a new “affordability fee,” which would go toward assisting rent-burdened Angelenos, according to promotional materials circulated by the chamber.
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The ballot proposal is being discussed weeks after Sacramento legislators rejected Senate Bill 50, which would have allowed the construction of mid-rise apartments near job centers and mass transit, including in single-family neighborhoods. State senators representing Los Angeles County opposed the bill almost unanimously.
Unlike SB 50, the proposal being discussed by chamber leaders would leave single-family neighborhoods untouched, according to drafts of the proposal.
Maria Salinas, the chamber’s president and chief executive, said her organization’s work on the ballot proposal is preliminary, with chamber officials also discussing such options as state funding.
To move ahead with a ballot measure, Salinas said, the chamber would need to build a coalition with community leaders, elected officials and others. “We are still vetting this. There are still questions. By no means is it close to a recommendation,” she said.
A promotional flier for the L.A, Chamber of Commerce’s Neighborhood Protection and Affordability Initiative The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce have spent weeks poring over ballot language to double the density of residential buildings allowed on commercial streets and in areas zoned for apartments.
The chamber’s executive committee is scheduled to discuss the proposal Thursday. Even if the chamber decides to pursue a ballot campaign, the group would face a tight timeline to get a proposal to voters in November.
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To be guaranteed a spot on this year’s ballot, initiative backers would need to submit nearly 65,000 valid voter signatures by April 22, according to City Clerk Holly Wolcott.
That demanding schedule has left some on the chamber unsure of the best strategy for a ballot proposal.
“I like the goal of trying to move something like this forward,” said Beverly Kenworthy, vice president of the California Apartment Assn., who sits on the chamber’s board. “I just don’t know if there’s enough time” to gather signatures and mount a campaign.
The proposal, tentatively branded as the Neighborhood Protection and Affordability Initiative, is the brainchild of land use lawyer Jerry Neuman, who was the chamber board’s chairman until last month.
A promotional flier prepared by the chamber said the ballot measure would increase the allowable “floor area ratio,” or massing of a building, by up to 60% on certain properties.
The proposal also would lift height limits for commercial and multifamily residential properties, allowing buildings as tall as 75 feet — around six stories — on streets where 45 is currently permitted, according to a 20-page draft ordinance circulated within the chamber, a copy of which was obtained by The Times.
The measure also would permit buildings as tall as 55 feet on many streets where 36 is the maximum, the draft said. And it would force the city’s planning department to comply with new deadlines for completing their environmental review of residential projects, the document said.
Real estate developers would, in turn, be required to pay an affordability fee, which would go to households that are struggling to pay their rent. And developers would be required to include some percentage of affordable housing in most residential projects of 10 or more units, Neuman said.
Whether such ideas will win over tenant rights organizations is far from clear. Cynthia Strathmann, executive director of the nonprofit Strategic Actions for a Just Economy, said she worries the proposal could accelerate redevelopment and displacement of renters in L.A.’s neediest neighborhoods.
Strathmann, whose group has fought to keep low-income renters from being pushed out of their homes, said chamber leaders have not approached her with their proposal. She also questioned their commitment to addressing the effects of gentrification.
“Historically they have not been concerned with, or especially good at, attending to what is going to be good for low-income Angelenos,” she said. “So why would anyone have faith that they were going to offer the solution, and not something that’s just going to exacerbate the situation by funneling more money to the wealthy?”
Salinas disagreed with that take, saying her organization supported two ballot measures since 2016 to address homelessness. The new proposal is designed to protect neighborhoods, she said, and keeping renters from losing their homes.
Neuman’s activities at City Hall could also present political challenges. His law firm represents real estate clients who do business at City Hall, including Atlas Capital Group, which is developing a 725-unit apartment complex in Chinatown.
Renters’ rights activists have complained that the Atlas project will not offer any on-site affordable housing. City officials said Atlas had agreed to provide $2.5 million toward efforts to preserve affordable housing in Councilman Gil Cedillo’s Eastside district.
In an interview, Neuman said he has spent decades working on the issues of homelessness and affordable housing, volunteering with the United Way and several other organizations. And he argued that he should not be the focus of any effort to address the housing crisis.
“At the end of the day, it’s not about me, but about the coalition that will be created to find a workable solution to an issue that has plagued our community for far too long,” he said.


latimes--2020-02-19--Motive in slaying of Pop Smoke a mystery: 'We have some work to do,' LAPD says

Authorities said it ’ s too early to determine a motive for the slaying of up-and-coming rapper Pop Smoke , who was fatally shot early Wednesday at a Hollywood Hills home .
While initial reports described the fatal encounter as a home invasion robbery , Los Angeles Police Department officials said they are still trying to sort out what happened .
“ I am not comfortable calling it a robbery right now , ” Robbery Homicide Division Capt .
Jonathan Tippet said .
“ There is a lot of information available .
We have some work to do.
” Tippet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the neighborhood as well as scanning the internet for clues .
“ There is a lot of social media information out there .
The house is in a neighborhood surrounded by video cameras , ” he said .
Law enforcement sources who were not authorized to discuss the investigation publicly and asked for anonymity said they are aware the rapper may have inadvertently posted to social media an image showing the address of the home where he was staying .
But detectives are being cautious and aren ’ t ruling out other aspects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law enforcement to be affiliated with the Crips street gang , detectives suspect the slaying is gang-related and the assailants are likely gang members , but it has not been determined whether the killing was motivated by a gang rivalry , officials said .
Officers responded to the home in the 2000 block of Hercules Drive after someone calling from the East Coast reported that several people , at least one of whom wore a black mask and was armed with a handgun , had entered their friend ’ s home in Los @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Capt .
Steve Lurie said .
When officers arrived at the $ 2.5-million mansion , they found the 20-year-old rapper , whose legal name is Bashar Barakah Jackson , with gunshot wounds .
He was taken to a hospital , where he was pronounced dead .
Officers detained several people inside the house , but they were later released .
At least four suspects fled the scene , authorities said .
Photos and videos on Pop Smoke ’ s Instagram story showed him in L.A. on Tuesday , getting a haircut and posing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the home where he was later killed .
In the evening , he posted a photo of the Los Angeles skyline from what appeared to be the home ’ s backyard .
The Hollywood Hills home is owned by Teddi Mellencamp of “ The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills ” and her husband , Edwin Arroyave , according to property records .
Mellencamp wrote on Instagram that she was informed about the shooting early Wednesday by the leasing and management company that oversees the rental property .
“ Foremost , we would like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the family and loved ones affected by this tragic loss of life , ” she wrote .

An LAPD officer directs investigators to home in the Hollywood Hills where Pop Smoke, a rising New York rapper, was fatally shot Wednesday morning.
Authorities said it’s too early to determine a motive for the slaying of up-and-coming rapper Pop Smoke, who was fatally shot early Wednesday at a Hollywood Hills home.
While initial reports described the fatal encounter as a home invasion robbery, Los Angeles Police Department officials said they are still trying to sort out what happened.
“I am not comfortable calling it a robbery right now,” Robbery Homicide Division Capt. Jonathan Tippet said. “There is a lot of information available. We have some work to do.”
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Tippet said detectives are looking for evidence in the neighborhood as well as scanning the internet for clues.
“There is a lot of social media information out there. The house is in a neighborhood surrounded by video cameras,” he said.
Law enforcement sources who were not authorized to discuss the investigation publicly and asked for anonymity said they are aware the rapper may have inadvertently posted to social media an image showing the address of the home where he was staying. But detectives are being cautious and aren’t ruling out other aspects.
Because Pop Smoke was considered by law enforcement to be affiliated with the Crips street gang, detectives suspect the slaying is gang-related and the assailants are likely gang members, but it has not been determined whether the killing was motivated by a gang rivalry, officials said.
Officers responded to the home in the 2000 block of Hercules Drive after someone calling from the East Coast reported that several people, at least one of whom wore a black mask and was armed with a handgun, had entered their friend’s home in Los Angeles shortly before 5 a.m., LAPD Capt. Steve Lurie said.
When officers arrived at the $2.5-million mansion, they found the 20-year-old rapper, whose legal name is Bashar Barakah Jackson, with gunshot wounds.
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He was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Officers detained several people inside the house, but they were later released. At least four suspects fled the scene, authorities said.
Photos and videos on Pop Smoke’s Instagram story showed him in L.A. on Tuesday, getting a haircut and posing by the pool in the backyard of the home where he was later killed. In the evening, he posted a photo of the Los Angeles skyline from what appeared to be the home’s backyard.
The Hollywood Hills home is owned by Teddi Mellencamp of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” and her husband, Edwin Arroyave, according to property records. Mellencamp wrote on Instagram that she was informed about the shooting early Wednesday by the leasing and management company that oversees the rental property.
“Foremost, we would like to extend our prayers and condolences to the family and loved ones affected by this tragic loss of life,” she wrote.


latimes--2020-02-19--After bones found in O.C. backyard, sheriff keeps digging

A Mission Viejo resident made a startling discovery while doing yard work Monday : bones lying in the dirt .
@ @ @ @ @ determine the origin and nature of the bones , authorities said .
The Orange County @ @ @ @ @ examining the backyard of the home in the 24000 block of Via Madrugada , according @ @ @ @ @ “ We ’ ve had crews out there Monday , yesterday and again this morning @ @ @ @ @ everything that they can find , ” she said Wednesday .
Braun said she couldn @ @ @ @ @ bones were found .
Orange County coroner ’ s officials are working to determine whether @ @ @ @ @ or animal .
“ Obviously , if these are human and not animal , that @ @ @ @ @ for us , ” Braun said .
Although finding bones is not evidence of something @ @ @ @ @ know that there are people who bury their pets in their backyard , things like @ @ @ @ @ — she added , “ This is not a typical occurrence .
”

A Mission Viejo resident made a startling discovery while doing yard work Monday: bones lying in the dirt.
Further analysis is necessary to determine the origin and nature of the bones, authorities said. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department is examining the backyard of the home in the 24000 block of Via Madrugada, according to spokeswoman Carrie Braun.
“We’ve had crews out there Monday, yesterday and again this morning excavating the area and gathering everything that they can find,” she said Wednesday.
Braun said she couldn’t say how many bones were found. Orange County coroner’s officials are working to determine whether the skeletal remains are human or animal.
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“Obviously, if these are human and not animal, that very much changes the investigation for us,” Braun said.
Although finding bones is not evidence of something nefarious — “we do know that there are people who bury their pets in their backyard, things like that,” Braun said — she added, “This is not a typical occurrence.”


latimes--2020-02-19--Amie Harwick's ex-boyfriend released on bond after arrest in her slaying

The former boyfriend of prominent marriage and family therapist Amie Harwick has been released from custody after being arrested in connection with her slaying over the weekend , records show .
Gareth Pursehouse , 41 , of Playa del Rey was arrested Saturday on suspicion of murder after authorities said he attacked Harwick at her Hollywood Hills home .
Pursehouse , who had been in jail on $ 2-million bail , was released on bond Tuesday night .
No charges have been filed against Pursehouse , Los Angeles County district attorney ’ s office spokesman Greg Risling said Wednesday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saturday morning to Harwick ’ s home in the 2000 block of Mound Street after receiving a report of a woman screaming .
Harwick ’ s roommate told arriving officers she was being assaulted inside .
Officers found Harwick , 38 , on the ground , beneath a third-story balcony .
She had suffered grave injuries consistent with a fall and was taken to a hospital , where she later died , officials said .
Investigators found evidence of what appeared to be a struggle in the home , according to a statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lived together for a couple of years nearly a decade ago , but their relationship fell apart .
In court documents requesting a restraining order against Pursehouse , Harwick later outlined several allegations of abuse and stalking .
She had sought two restraining orders , and was granted one , which expired in April 2015 .
Harwick ’ s death has inspired calls to reform domestic violence laws — including an online petition that had attracted more than 33,000 signatures as of Wednesday morning .
That effort also received an endorsement from TV @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former fiance .
Victims of domestic violence can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at ( 800 ) 799-7233 .
More information on available resources and services can be found at thehotline.org or courts.ca.gov/selfhelp-domesticviolence .
Times staff writers Hannah Fry and Harriet Ryan contributed to this report .

Amie Harwick attends the “Rock to Recovery” benefit at the Fonda Theatre in Hollywood on Oct. 2, 2016.
The former boyfriend of prominent marriage and family therapist Amie Harwick has been released from custody after being arrested in connection with her slaying over the weekend, records show.
Gareth Pursehouse, 41, of Playa del Rey was arrested Saturday on suspicion of murder after authorities said he attacked Harwick at her Hollywood Hills home. Pursehouse, who had been in jail on $2-million bail, was released on bond Tuesday night.
No charges have been filed against Pursehouse, Los Angeles County district attorney’s office spokesman Greg Risling said Wednesday.
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The Los Angeles Police Department responded early Saturday morning to Harwick’s home in the 2000 block of Mound Street after receiving a report of a woman screaming. Harwick’s roommate told arriving officers she was being assaulted inside.
Officers found Harwick, 38, on the ground, beneath a third-story balcony. She had suffered grave injuries consistent with a fall and was taken to a hospital, where she later died, officials said.
Investigators found evidence of what appeared to be a struggle in the home, according to a statement.
Friends said Harwick and Pursehouse had lived together for a couple of years nearly a decade ago, but their relationship fell apart. In court documents requesting a restraining order against Pursehouse, Harwick later outlined several allegations of abuse and stalking. She had sought two restraining orders, and was granted one, which expired in April 2015.
Harwick’s death has inspired calls to reform domestic violence laws — including an online petition that had attracted more than 33,000 signatures as of Wednesday morning. That effort also received an endorsement from TV star Drew Carey, Harwick’s former fiance.
Victims of domestic violence can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-7233. More information on available resources and services can be found at thehotline.org or courts.ca.gov/selfhelp-domesticviolence.
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Times staff writers Hannah Fry and Harriet Ryan contributed to this report.


latimes--2020-02-19--California's homelessness crisis is 'a disgrace,' Newsom says in State of the State address

Gov .
Gavin Newsom vowed to marshal the full force of his administration to alleviate California ’ s worsening homelessness crisis , a humanitarian imperative for the state and political necessity for a governor whose ambitious progressive agenda could be eclipsed if he fails to take effective action .
Delivering his annual State of the State address to a joint session of the Legislature on Wednesday , Newsom acknowledged that Californians have “ lost patience ” with state political leaders who largely neglected a human tragedy that has existed in plain sight for years , if not decades .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is .
It ’ s a disgrace that the richest state , in the richest nation — succeeding across so many sectors — is falling so far behind to properly house , heal and humanely treat so many of its own people .
Every day , the California dream is dimmed by the wrenching reality of families , children and seniors living unfed on a concrete bed , ” Newsom said .
“ The hard truth is we ignored the problem.
” Careful to say that homelessness can not be fixed overnight , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with state lawmakers to tackle the problem .
“ I don ’ t think homelessness can be solved — I know homelessness can be solved , ” Newsom told lawmakers .
“ This is our cause .
This is our calling.
” The Democratic governor called for all new shelters and supportive housing to be exempted from a key environmental law that has been used to restrict development , similar to a pilot project underway in Los Angeles County .
Newsom also signaled his support for the creation of a significant , permanent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , an idea that some in Sacramento say could require a tax increase .
“ We ’ re going to need significant , sustainable revenue , ” Newsom told lawmakers .
“ I pledge to work closely with you to identify where this ongoing revenue will come from .
But we ’ ve got to find it to provide the safer , cleaner streets that communities we represent deserve.
” As the applause washed over Newsom inside the Democrat-controlled state Capitol , President Trump , one of Newsom ’ s harshest critics , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a campaign swing through California .
Trump has long used the state ’ s homelessness crisis as a cudgel against Newsom and California ’ s Democratic leaders , and the president has threatened federal intervention if the governor fails to take action .
In his speech , Newsom dismissed Trump as being more interested in scoring political points than providing meaningful assistance to people living on the street , namely through federal housing assistance from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development .
“ California has and will continue to extend its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to jointly address this issue , ” Newsom said .
“ But empty words and symbolic gestures won ’ t mask a 15 % across-the-board cut to HUD ’ s budget.
” In his address , Newsom tried to deflect criticism that California ’ s Democratic leadership was solely responsible for more than 150,000 residents living in shelters and on the street .
He provided a lengthy history on the causes of California ’ s homelessness crisis , reaching back to national “ deinstitutionalization ” of people with mental illnesses that began in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ net programs throughout the 1980s and 1990s .
He noted that today ’ s homeless population is down by 35,000 people from the number in 2005 , when Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger was governor .
The methodology for counting homeless people in the state has changed several times since then , however .
“ In a politically polarized world , liberals and conservatives blame one another for these failures .
Historically speaking , though , both are right .
It ’ s time to stop pointing fingers and join hands , ” Newsom said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Escondido praised Newsom ’ s focus on homelessness and promised to join him in finding bipartisan solutions , but she took a subtle shot at Democrats , who have controlled the state Legislature for nearly a quarter-century .
“ While poor policies in the past have gotten us here , it ’ s time we look forward to address homelessness , mental health , substance use and incarceration issues one person , one family at a time , ” Waldron said in a statement after the speech .
“ The governor is right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Unfortunately , Democratic policies have stood in the way of housing production for years .
That needs to change.
” The governor ‘ s address retained flourishes of the sunny optimism from his inaugural speech a year ago , when he called California ’ s robust economy and healthy job growth the envy of the nation .
He said California continues to serve as a haven for opportunity and innovation .
Still , the 40-minute speech was marked by a sober tone and an acknowledgment that despite California being home to the fifth-largest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ faces daunting challenges , a reality that greeted Newsom almost immediately when he took office .
Pacific Gas & Electric Co. , the state ’ s largest utility , descended into bankruptcy during Newsom ’ s first month in office , and months later , blackouts put millions of residents in the dark during the height of fire season .
Disasters also struck the state : A magnitude 7.1 earthquake in July rocked the high desert north of Los Angeles , and a wildfire in October scorched Northern California wine country .
Despite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s first year in office was tarnished in part by what critics described as an undisciplined and impatient governing style .
He was accused of trying to accomplish too much too soon , impeding his ability to address the state ’ s biggest issues : the lack of affordable housing , a demand for better healthcare and a homelessness crisis that has left few cities and counties untouched .
In Wednesday ’ s State of the State address , Newsom tried to send a message that his second year in office would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ combating homelessness being his administration ‘ s top priority .
California is home to nearly a quarter of the nation ’ s homeless population .
According to opinion polls , homelessness is the top issue that residents want the governor and state Legislature to address .
“ I think our colleagues are ready , ” said Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins ( D-San Diego ) .
“ We feel the urgency .
We feel the need every single day .
That ’ s what I think is so good about today ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ focused on housing and homelessness and the related issues — healthcare , mental health and behavioral health — because we feel it.
” Newsom has vowed to take quick action , and , along with $ 1 billion set aside in recent years to alleviate the crisis , he added an additional $ 750 million in the proposed budget for this fiscal year to increase housing and shelter options throughout the state .
The governor also called for changes to Proposition 63 , a 1 % income tax surcharge on millionaires passed in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
More than $ 160 million that could help those suffering from mental illness to get off the streets remains unspent , Newsom said .
If local governments don ’ t spend that funding by June 30 , the state will “ make sure those dollars get spent for you , ” he said .
But the Legislative Analyst ’ s Office said in a report released this month that Newsom ’ s plan “ falls short of articulating a clear strategy ” and as a result could potentially have little effect on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deliver on his promises , state lawmakers are also crafting proposals , including a plan that would set aside $ 2 billion a year to combat homelessness , as opposed to the governor ’ s $ 750 million in one-time funding .
The stream of money aimed at helping Californians get off the streets served as a reminder of the degree to which the state ’ s finances have recovered from the Great Recession , an era of seemingly insurmountable deficits leaving a tattered safety net for Californians flattened by the economic downturn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taken full advantage of the state ’ s good fortune .
Newsom ’ s budget proposal released in January also increased health and human services spending by $ 5.5 billion .
That included higher wages for in-home care workers and an 18-month extension of last year ’ s elimination of taxes collected on the sale of diapers and feminine hygiene products .
The spending plan also expanded preschool options for low-income families and access to paid family leave to more California workers .
Newsom has made lowering prescription drug costs a key part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first day in office , he said he would launch a statewide bulk purchasing program to lower the cost of prescription drugs , a plan that is still in its early phases of development .
This year , Newsom proposed a plan for California to begin selling its own brand of generic prescription drugs to reduce rising healthcare costs , though details on how the state would execute the program have not yet been released .
The governor , who voiced strong support for a universal healthcare system while running for office , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down payment ” on such a plan by expanding Medi-Cal to immigrants in the state without legal status who are younger than 26 .
With that expansion signed into law , Newsom embraced a plan this year to offer Medi-Cal to seniors without legal status .

Newsom says that Californians have ‘lost patience’ with state political leaders who largely ignored a human tragedy that has existed for years.
Gov. Gavin Newsom vowed to marshal the full force of his administration to alleviate California’s worsening homelessness crisis, a humanitarian imperative for the state and political necessity for a governor whose ambitious progressive agenda could be eclipsed if he fails to take effective action.
Delivering his annual State of the State address to a joint session of the Legislature on Wednesday, Newsom acknowledged that Californians have “lost patience” with state political leaders who largely neglected a human tragedy that has existed in plain sight for years, if not decades.
“Let’s call it what it is. It’s a disgrace that the richest state, in the richest nation — succeeding across so many sectors — is falling so far behind to properly house, heal and humanely treat so many of its own people. Every day, the California dream is dimmed by the wrenching reality of families, children and seniors living unfed on a concrete bed,” Newsom said. “The hard truth is we ignored the problem.”
Gov. Gavin Newsom delivers his State of the State address to a joint session of the Legislature in Sacramento on Wednesday. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press)
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Careful to say that homelessness cannot be fixed overnight, Newsom nevertheless made ambitious promises to work with state lawmakers to tackle the problem.
“I don’t think homelessness can be solved — I know homelessness can be solved,” Newsom told lawmakers. “This is our cause. This is our calling.”
The Democratic governor called for all new shelters and supportive housing to be exempted from a key environmental law that has been used to restrict development, similar to a pilot project underway in Los Angeles County.
Newsom also signaled his support for the creation of a significant, permanent stream of revenue focused on curtailing homelessness, an idea that some in Sacramento say could require a tax increase.
“We’re going to need significant, sustainable revenue,” Newsom told lawmakers. “I pledge to work closely with you to identify where this ongoing revenue will come from. But we’ve got to find it to provide the safer, cleaner streets that communities we represent deserve.”
Gov. Gavin Newsom poses for a photo with Los Angeles-area Assemblywoman Blanca Rubio, center, and her sister Sen. Susan Rubio after his address. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press)
As the applause washed over Newsom inside the Democrat-controlled state Capitol, President Trump, one of Newsom’s harshest critics, was a few hundred miles south on a campaign swing through California. Trump has long used the state’s homelessness crisis as a cudgel against Newsom and California’s Democratic leaders, and the president has threatened federal intervention if the governor fails to take action.
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In his speech, Newsom dismissed Trump as being more interested in scoring political points than providing meaningful assistance to people living on the street, namely through federal housing assistance from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
“California has and will continue to extend its hand of partnership to Washington, seeking to jointly address this issue,” Newsom said. “But empty words and symbolic gestures won’t mask a 15% across-the-board cut to HUD’s budget.”
In his address, Newsom tried to deflect criticism that California’s Democratic leadership was solely responsible for more than 150,000 residents living in shelters and on the street.
He provided a lengthy history on the causes of California’s homelessness crisis, reaching back to national “deinstitutionalization” of people with mental illnesses that began in the 1940s and cuts to essential safety net programs throughout the 1980s and 1990s. He noted that today’s homeless population is down by 35,000 people from the number in 2005, when Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger was governor. The methodology for counting homeless people in the state has changed several times since then, however.
“In a politically polarized world, liberals and conservatives blame one another for these failures. Historically speaking, though, both are right. It’s time to stop pointing fingers and join hands,” Newsom said.
Assembly Republican Leader Marie Waldron of Escondido praised Newsom’s focus on homelessness and promised to join him in finding bipartisan solutions, but she took a subtle shot at Democrats, who have controlled the state Legislature for nearly a quarter-century.
“While poor policies in the past have gotten us here, it’s time we look forward to address homelessness, mental health, substance use and incarceration issues one person, one family at a time,” Waldron said in a statement after the speech. “The governor is right that building more housing is needed. Unfortunately, Democratic policies have stood in the way of housing production for years. That needs to change.”
The governor‘s address retained flourishes of the sunny optimism from his inaugural speech a year ago, when he called California’s robust economy and healthy job growth the envy of the nation. He said California continues to serve as a haven for opportunity and innovation.
Still, the 40-minute speech was marked by a sober tone and an acknowledgment that despite California being home to the fifth-largest economy in the world, the state faces daunting challenges, a reality that greeted Newsom almost immediately when he took office.
Pacific Gas & Electric Co., the state’s largest utility, descended into bankruptcy during Newsom’s first month in office, and months later, blackouts put millions of residents in the dark during the height of fire season. Disasters also struck the state: A magnitude 7.1 earthquake in July rocked the high desert north of Los Angeles, and a wildfire in October scorched Northern California wine country.
Despite a string of notable successes, Newsom’s first year in office was tarnished in part by what critics described as an undisciplined and impatient governing style. He was accused of trying to accomplish too much too soon, impeding his ability to address the state’s biggest issues: the lack of affordable housing, a demand for better healthcare and a homelessness crisis that has left few cities and counties untouched.
In Wednesday’s State of the State address, Newsom tried to send a message that his second year in office would have a much clearer focus, with combating homelessness being his administration‘s top priority.
California is home to nearly a quarter of the nation’s homeless population. According to opinion polls, homelessness is the top issue that residents want the governor and state Legislature to address.
“I think our colleagues are ready,” said Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins (D-San Diego). “We feel the urgency. We feel the need every single day. That’s what I think is so good about today’s speech and that it was solely focused on housing and homelessness and the related issues — healthcare, mental health and behavioral health — because we feel it.”
Newsom has vowed to take quick action, and, along with $1 billion set aside in recent years to alleviate the crisis, he added an additional $750 million in the proposed budget for this fiscal year to increase housing and shelter options throughout the state.
The governor also called for changes to Proposition 63, a 1% income tax surcharge on millionaires passed in 2004 that funds county mental health services. More than $160 million that could help those suffering from mental illness to get off the streets remains unspent, Newsom said. If local governments don’t spend that funding by June 30, the state will “make sure those dollars get spent for you,” he said.
But the Legislative Analyst’s Office said in a report released this month that Newsom’s plan “falls short of articulating a clear strategy” and as a result could potentially have little effect on the crisis. Unsure whether Newsom can deliver on his promises, state lawmakers are also crafting proposals, including a plan that would set aside $2 billion a year to combat homelessness, as opposed to the governor’s $750 million in one-time funding.
The stream of money aimed at helping Californians get off the streets served as a reminder of the degree to which the state’s finances have recovered from the Great Recession, an era of seemingly insurmountable deficits leaving a tattered safety net for Californians flattened by the economic downturn.
Since taking office, Newsom has taken full advantage of the state’s good fortune.
Newsom’s budget proposal released in January also increased health and human services spending by $5.5 billion. That included higher wages for in-home care workers and an 18-month extension of last year’s elimination of taxes collected on the sale of diapers and feminine hygiene products. The spending plan also expanded preschool options for low-income families and access to paid family leave to more California workers.
Newsom has made lowering prescription drug costs a key part of his healthcare agenda. On his first day in office, he said he would launch a statewide bulk purchasing program to lower the cost of prescription drugs, a plan that is still in its early phases of development. This year, Newsom proposed a plan for California to begin selling its own brand of generic prescription drugs to reduce rising healthcare costs, though details on how the state would execute the program have not yet been released.
The governor, who voiced strong support for a universal healthcare system while running for office, also made what he called a “down payment” on such a plan by expanding Medi-Cal to immigrants in the state without legal status who are younger than 26. With that expansion signed into law, Newsom embraced a plan this year to offer Medi-Cal to seniors without legal status.
Times staff writer Melody Gutierrez contributed to this report.


latimes--2020-02-19--13-year-olds arrested in connection with library blaze that killed firefighter

Two 13-year-old boys have been arrested in connection with a deadly fire at a public library in Central California that left one firefighter dead and another unaccounted for , officials said Wednesday .
Porterville Police Chief Eric Kroutil said the fire at the city ’ s library was reported about 4:15 p.m. Tuesday .
The teens were seen running from the library shortly after the fire erupted , authorities said .
Fire Capt .
Raymond Figueroa , 35 , was killed , and firefighter Patrick Jones , 25 , is missing , Porterville Fire Chief David LaPere said .
Figueroa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2007 , and Jones has been with the department since 2017 .
Tulare County Fire Capt .
Joanne Bear said Jones was inside the building when he lost contact with his fellow firefighters .
The teenage boys were booked into the Tulare County Juvenile Detention Facility on suspicion of of arson , manslaughter and conspiracy .
“ Because this is an active investigation involving juveniles , no further information is being released at this time , ” officials said .
Staffers called 911 after spotting flames in the children ’ s section of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ books , city librarian Vikki Cervantes told the Visalia Times Delta .
The fire shot through the library ’ s roof , which later collapsed .
More than 50 firefighters from several departments , including the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and the Fresno County Fire Department , responded to the blaze .
The library , located about 500 feet from the fire department , was built in 1953 and did not have a sprinkler system , Bear said .
Just last month , members of the Porterville City Council and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discuss the need for a new library , the Porterville Recorder reported .
At that meeting , City Manager John Lollis said a new library would cost an estimated $ 33 million .

Two 13-year-old boys have been arrested in connection with a deadly fire at a public library in Central California that left one firefighter dead and another unaccounted for, officials said Wednesday.
Porterville Police Chief Eric Kroutil said the fire at the city’s library was reported about 4:15 p.m. Tuesday. The teens were seen running from the library shortly after the fire erupted, authorities said.
Fire Capt. Raymond Figueroa, 35, was killed, and firefighter Patrick Jones, 25, is missing, Porterville Fire Chief David LaPere said. Figueroa started his career with the city in 2007, and Jones has been with the department since 2017.
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Tulare County Fire Capt. Joanne Bear said Jones was inside the building when he lost contact with his fellow firefighters.
The teenage boys were booked into the Tulare County Juvenile Detention Facility on suspicion of of arson, manslaughter and conspiracy.
“Because this is an active investigation involving juveniles, no further information is being released at this time,” officials said.
Staffers called 911 after spotting flames in the children’s section of the library, which houses about 77,000 books, city librarian Vikki Cervantes told the Visalia Times Delta. The fire shot through the library’s roof, which later collapsed. More than 50 firefighters from several departments, including the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and the Fresno County Fire Department, responded to the blaze.
The library, located about 500 feet from the fire department, was built in 1953 and did not have a sprinkler system, Bear said.
Just last month, members of the Porterville City Council and the Library and Literacy Commission met to discuss the need for a new library, the Porterville Recorder reported.
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At that meeting, City Manager John Lollis said a new library would cost an estimated $33 million.


latimes--2020-02-19--Trump talks water in Bakersfield, slams 'Crazy Bernie' Sanders and high-speed rail

President Trump stopped in Rancho Mirage for a golf fundraiser Wednesday , then later flew to Bakersfield , part of a trip aimed at shoring up Central Valley Republicans ahead of California ’ s March 3 primary .
Loudspeakers blasted Lee Greenwood ’ s “ Proud to be an American ” as Trump took the stage at Bakersfield ’ s Meadows Field , telling the cheering crowd he would bring more water to farmers after “ decades of failure and delay.
” Trump was introduced by House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy , who told the crowd that he wanted “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ California is alike.
” Among those onstage were Interior Secretary David Bernhardt and U.S. Rep. Devin Nunes ( R-Visalia ) , whom Trump described as a “ warrior.
” The White House had billed Trump ’ s Bakersfield visit as related to federal water policy and the needs of farmers .
But it also had the appearance of a campaign event , with Trump slamming Democrats seeking the presidential nomination .
During his address , the president called Sen. Bernie Sanders “ Crazy Bernie ” and commented on Michael Bloomberg ’ s “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ citing evidence for that claim .
Trump also took more shots at California , lamenting the “ billions and billions ” spent on high-speed rail , with little to show for it .
“ Pretty soon it will be like a mile long , ” Trump said , referring to the bullet train .
Earlier Wednesday , Trump landed at Palms Springs International Airport shortly after 10:30 a.m. , and then was transported to Oracle Chairman Larry Ellison ’ s Porcupine Creek golf course in Rancho Mirage .
Ellison hosted a golf outing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and photos , golf and a round-table discussion with Trump for $ 250,000 , the Palm Springs Desert Sun reported .
“ We have a real concern in California because we send most of our water out to the ocean [ instead of ] sending it down to Southern California , to our farmlands in the San Joaquin Valley and others , ” McCarthy said .
“ This president has worked greatly using science — not based on politics but on science — to allow to have more of that water stay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sure we ’ re secure in our food supply as we move forward.
” While in Bakersfield , presided over an announcement by the Interior Department that it is rolling back endangered species protections that have curbed water deliveries to Central Valley farmers and Southern California cities .
Trump has previously attacked the fish protections as a waste of water , echoing the complaints of Central Valley Republicans .
In 2018 , he directed federal agencies to boost irrigation deliveries to the valley , a move that particularly benefited the Westlands Water District @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former client of Interior Secretary Bernhardt , who was a partner in one of the nation ’ s top-grossing lobbying and law firms before joining the Trump administration .
Later Wednesday , Trump is scheduled to fly to Phoenix for an evening campaign rally before heading to Colorado Springs , Colo. , for a rally Thursday and heading to Las Vegas for another on Friday .
Ellison ’ s fundraiser for Trump went ahead despite protests from some Oracle employees , who said in a statement that the president “ does not affirm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , inclusiveness , and ethical business conduct.
” Contributions from the event will go to Trump Victory , a fundraising committee involving the Trump campaign , the Republican National Committee and state Republican chapters .
On Tuesday , Trump was in Beverly Hills , where he slammed Los Angeles officials for opposing his crackdown on illegal immigration and over the city ’ s homelessness crisis , reiterating points he made during his last visit to California in September .
This week ’ s trip marks Trump ’ s fourth to California as president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s primary .
In Beverly Hills , Trump was asked about the rising number of California residents experiencing homelessness .
“ We ’ re really taking a role in it , ” Trump said .
“ I see it .
I see what ’ s happening to L.A .
I see what ’ s happening to San Francisco .
I see what ’ s happening to some great cities .
... You have needles , you have things that we don ’ t want to discuss all over the streets.
” He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ limit their policing agencies ’ involvement in immigration enforcement , were “ very dangerous ” and that L.A. and San Francisco had one thing in common : “ the leadership.
” “ There ’ s no reason this should ’ ve happened , ” Trump said about rising homelessness .
It was a similar tone to earlier in the day when , as he was traveling to Los Angeles , Trump took aim at Mayor Eric Garcetti , who on Friday spoke out against a new immigration crackdown by the Trump administration .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan to add more resources in sanctuary cities .
U.S. Customs and Border Protection will deploy 50 Border Patrol agents and 50 field operations customs officers in nine areas , according to the agency .
Specially trained officers will be sent to cities including Los Angeles , Chicago and New York .
On Friday , Garcetti and LAPD Chief Michel Moore released a video in which they assured Angelenos that local police wouldn ’ t be working with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement .
“ Regardless of your immigration status , I want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on your side .
Here in Los Angeles , our police department does not coordinate with ICE or , ” Garcetti said on Twitter .
Trump on Tuesday fired back with a tweet : “ The Mayor ’ s efforts to shield illegal aliens endangers the lives of the public and law enforcement who have to go into the field to apprehend those released .
He shouldn ’ t be urging illegals to beat the system , he should be urging them to safely turn themselves in !
”

Colleen Shalby, Jaclyn Cosgrove, Bettina Boxall

Trump supporters and protesters watch as the president arrives outside the Montage Hotel in Beverly Hills on Tuesday.
President Trump stopped in Rancho Mirage for a golf fundraiser Wednesday, then later flew to Bakersfield, part of a trip aimed at shoring up Central Valley Republicans ahead of California’s March 3 primary.
Loudspeakers blasted Lee Greenwood’s “Proud to be an American” as Trump took the stage at Bakersfield’s Meadows Field, telling the cheering crowd he would bring more water to farmers after “decades of failure and delay.”
For the record: An earlier version of this article reported that President Trump was making his fourth visit to California as president. This was his fifth visit to the state.
Trump was introduced by House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, who told the crowd that he wanted “people to understand that not all of California is alike.” Among those onstage were Interior Secretary David Bernhardt and U.S. Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Visalia), whom Trump described as a “warrior.”
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The White House had billed Trump’s Bakersfield visit as related to federal water policy and the needs of farmers. But it also had the appearance of a campaign event, with Trump slamming Democrats seeking the presidential nomination. During his address, the president called Sen. Bernie Sanders “Crazy Bernie” and commented on Michael Bloomberg’s “hatred of the farmer,” without citing evidence for that claim.
Trump also took more shots at California, lamenting the “billions and billions” spent on high-speed rail, with little to show for it. “Pretty soon it will be like a mile long,” Trump said, referring to the bullet train.
Earlier Wednesday, Trump landed at Palms Springs International Airport shortly after 10:30 a.m., and then was transported to Oracle Chairman Larry Ellison’s Porcupine Creek golf course in Rancho Mirage. Ellison hosted a golf outing and photos with Trump for $100,000, and photos, golf and a round-table discussion with Trump for $250,000, the Palm Springs Desert Sun reported.
McCarthy previously welcomed Trump’s visit while speaking Sunday on Fox News.
“We have a real concern in California because we send most of our water out to the ocean [instead of] sending it down to Southern California, to our farmlands in the San Joaquin Valley and others,” McCarthy said. “This president has worked greatly using science — not based on politics but on science — to allow to have more of that water stay with the Californians and America to make sure we’re secure in our food supply as we move forward.”
While in Bakersfield, presided over an announcement by the Interior Department that it is rolling back endangered species protections that have curbed water deliveries to Central Valley farmers and Southern California cities.
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Trump has previously attacked the fish protections as a waste of water, echoing the complaints of Central Valley Republicans. In 2018, he directed federal agencies to boost irrigation deliveries to the valley, a move that particularly benefited the Westlands Water District.
The sprawling agricultural district is a former client of Interior Secretary Bernhardt, who was a partner in one of the nation’s top-grossing lobbying and law firms before joining the Trump administration.
Later Wednesday, Trump is scheduled to fly to Phoenix for an evening campaign rally before heading to Colorado Springs, Colo., for a rally Thursday and heading to Las Vegas for another on Friday.
Ellison’s fundraiser for Trump went ahead despite protests from some Oracle employees, who said in a statement that the president “does not affirm Oracle’s core values of diversity, inclusiveness, and ethical business conduct.” Contributions from the event will go to Trump Victory, a fundraising committee involving the Trump campaign, the Republican National Committee and state Republican chapters.
On Tuesday, Trump was in Beverly Hills, where he slammed Los Angeles officials for opposing his crackdown on illegal immigration and over the city’s homelessness crisis, reiterating points he made during his last visit to California in September. This week’s trip marks Trump’s fifth to California as president, two weeks ahead of the state’s primary.
In Beverly Hills, Trump was asked about the rising number of California residents experiencing homelessness.
“We’re really taking a role in it,” Trump said. “I see it. I see what’s happening to L.A. I see what’s happening to San Francisco. I see what’s happening to some great cities. ... You have needles, you have things that we don’t want to discuss all over the streets.”
He added that so-called sanctuary cities, which limit their policing agencies’ involvement in immigration enforcement, were “very dangerous” and that L.A. and San Francisco had one thing in common: “the leadership.”
“There’s no reason this should’ve happened,” Trump said about rising homelessness.
It was a similar tone to earlier in the day when, as he was traveling to Los Angeles, Trump took aim at Mayor Eric Garcetti, who on Friday spoke out against a new immigration crackdown by the Trump administration.
In that crackdown, federal immigration officials plan to add more resources in sanctuary cities. U.S. Customs and Border Protection will deploy 50 Border Patrol agents and 50 field operations customs officers in nine areas, according to the agency. Specially trained officers will be sent to cities including Los Angeles, Chicago and New York.
On Friday, Garcetti and LAPD Chief Michel Moore released a video in which they assured Angelenos that local police wouldn’t be working with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
“Regardless of your immigration status, I want every Angeleno to know your city is on your side. Here in Los Angeles, our police department does not coordinate with ICE or participate in immigration enforcement ,” Garcetti said on Twitter.
Trump on Tuesday fired back with a tweet: “The Mayor’s efforts to shield illegal aliens endangers the lives of the public and law enforcement who have to go into the field to apprehend those released. He shouldn’t be urging illegals to beat the system, he should be urging them to safely turn themselves in!”