Marisa Kendall

- A new law going into effect Jan. 1, 2026 prevents cities from penalizing outreach workers who provide services such as legal aid or hand out blankets at encampments. - The annual Point-in-Time count will happen at the end of January and there’s still a ... See more

She wanted to make it illegal for cities to cite or arrest homeless Californians for sleeping outside. But, faced with backlash from cities and law enforcement agencies, the state senator watered down her bill. Now signed into law and taking effect Thursd... See more

### This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. ### Senate Bill 634 would have made a big splash if it survived in the form Pasadena Democrat Sasha Renée Pérez originally intended. She wanted to make it illegal for ci... See more

In summary A new law going into effect Jan. 1, 2026 prevents cities from penalizing outreach workers who provide services such as legal aid or hand out blankets at encampments. Senate Bill 634 would have made a big splash if it survived in the form Pasade... See more

In 2023, Gov. Gavin Newsom launched a new program intended to revolutionize the way counties provide mental health care to some of their most vulnerable residents. CARE Court provides a new pathway for the courts to coordinate mental health and substance ... See more