Two conversations about homelessness
One hyperlocal. The other out of Texas.
Greetings readers!
Today, I want to offer two conversations on homelessness. One is hyperlocal. The other comes from Austin, Texas.
First is a panel discussion I moderated in partnership with HELP of Ojai on Nov. 19th, during Hunger and Homeless Awareness Week. I had the opportunity to speak with representatives from HELP of Ojai, the Ojai Unified School District, and the Ojai Valley Family Shelter about food and housing insecurity in the Ojai Valley.
The discussion begins with an introduction from HELP Co-Executive Director Jayn Walter. The final 20 minutes are Q&A.
If you have further questions on this topic, I encourage you to put them in the comments section and I’ll do my best incorporate answers into my next report on Ojai’s ERF-funded permanent supportive housing project for the chronically homeless.
The second conversation is a podcast that was recommended to me by two subscribers: an episode of the New York Times’ podcast The Daily, “The Texas Village Rethinking Homelessness.”
The story hits on themes very familiar to those who have followed the local debate — from the politics of homelessness to the personal stories of unhoused folks. If you’re not into podcasts, the transcript is available here.
In other news, Ojai has a very exciting City Council meeting scheduled for tonight (Tues. Dec. 10th). This evening will mark the end of the Betsy Stix’s mayorship, and the beginning of Andy Gilman’s. Tonight will also mark the end of Suza Francina’s twelve years of City Council service (Francina was Ojai Mayor in 2000, when she earned the memorable nickname “Mayor Moonbeam.”) Political newcomer Kim Mang will take over for Francina.
One more important event will take place Dec. 10th: the certification of the 2024 election results, notably the success of Measure O. According to City Attorney Matthew Summers, Ojai City Hall’s controversial pickleball courts will reopen ten days after the election results are certified.
Other than that, I’ll be in my writing hole — I’ll see you when I dig my way out again.
As always, thank you for being here.