Policy & Legislation
Legislative Hearing on Homelessness a Huge Success
Spectators spilled out into a Capitol hallway on Wednesday, July 28, 2007, trying to get a seat for a legislative forum on homelessness. An estimated 75 attendees joined 11 legislators to hear testimony from a knowledgeable and respected panel:
- Gary Blasi, Ph.D., University of California, Los Angeles
- Martha Burt, Ph.D., The Urban Institute
- Margot Kushel, M.D., University of California, San Francisco
- Paul Tepper, Executive Director, Weingart Center Association
- Dr. Stephen Mayberg, Director, CA Department of Mental Health
- Dawna Jean Barkes, Sacramento Loaves and Fishes
The witnesses spoke about challenges confronting California's efforts to reduce homelessness and evidence-based practices that successfully address the housing and healthcare needs of homeless Californians. View transcripts for some of the witnesses’ testimony:
- Gary Blasi, Ph.D. -- View testimony.
- Margot Kushel, M.D. -- View testimony.
- Paul Tepper, Executive Director -- View testimony.
Legislators in attendance included Assemblymembers Sally Lieber (D-Mountain View), Dave Jones (D-Sacramento), Mary Hayashi (D-Hayward), Mike Davis (D-Los Angeles), Mike Feuer (D-Los Angeles), Betty Karnette (D-Long Beach), Patty Berg (D-Eureka), Fiona Ma (D-San Francisco), Mary Salas (D-Chula Vista), and Lori Saldaña (D-San Diego) and Senator Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento).
Housing California will keep you informed about future hearings, which will take place throughout the state over the next year.
Contact: Zack Olmstead, (916) 447-0503 x 108 or .
