Judge approves LA County deal for 3,000 mental health and substance use treatment beds
A federal judge signed off Thursday on Los Angeles County's commitment to produce 3,000 new mental health and substance use treatment beds, settling a 3½-year lawsuit that alleged city and county officials had done little to address homelessness, while adding language to ensure the agreement was transparent and effectively monitored.
"This is an extraordinary step forward," U.S. District Judge David O. Carter said. "It's going to save a lot of lives."
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, City Council President Paul Krikorian and Board of Supervisors Chair Janice Hahn, attending the hearing at Carter's invitation, praised the agreement.
"We are all now aligned," Hahn told the judge. "The stars are aligned with 3,000 beds. This is a solid proposal. We will
