Issue

November 2023

Related Content

City leaders participating in a panel on combating hate crimes and hate speech at the League of California Cities 2023 Annual Conference and Expo.
Article Executive Director's Message By League of California Cities Executive Director and CEO Carolyn Coleman

Local officials are pushing back against hate speech and bigotry

While federal lawmakers grappled with the challenges of electing a new House speaker, council members and mayors — regardless of their political affiliation — were tirelessly moving forward to serve the public. Yet, an emerging challenge is making this crucial work much tougher.

Fire departments, like the Newport Beach Fire Department, can do much more than put out fires. A well-funded and well-trusted fire department can provide a wide range of social and public safety services.
Article Features By Jeff Boyles

Firefighters can do much more than just put out fires

The combined cost of funding public safety agencies can occupy over half of a city’s budget. Yet many fire departments’ emergency response systems are underutilized. As cities struggle to meet greater social needs, the fire service can lean into some of its strengths and fill some of those gaps.

The Victorville Wellness Center is a low-barrier shelter with medical care, interim housing, and other supportive services.
Article Local Works By Alex Morales

Victorville to open the High Desert’s first-of-its-kind homeless shelter

Victorville is preparing to open a low-barrier shelter with medical care, interim housing, and other supportive services. Officials hope the shelter can serve as a model for other cities looking for ways to offer better services and more shelter to homeless residents.

The city of Palmdale launched #FightFentanylAV — an initiative aimed at reducing drug overdose deaths through education and community engagement.  
Article Local Works By Nardy Lopez

Palmdale’s #FightFentanylAV shows the power of a united community

Palmdale wanted to do something about the growing number of fentanyl-related deaths. City officials knew they could not enforce their way out of the crisis. Working with key stakeholders, they launched an initiative aimed at reducing drug overdose deaths through education and community engagement.

As part of Pleasanton's Alternate Response Program, clinicians have helped place over half of all identified unhoused persons in permanent or long-term housing. 
Article California Cities Helen Putnam Award for Excellence By Kurt Schlehuber and Pamela Ott

Partnerships provide hope and help to Pleasanton residents in crises

Just three years ago, Pleasanton police were placing over 350 people per year in psychiatric detentions when they were judged to be a danger to themselves or others. There were no follow-ups after initial evaluations. Today, someone experiencing a mental health crisis in Pleasanton has a much different experience.