Addressing Homelessness in Arcadia: A Message from Steve Rhee, Candidate for City Council
Homelessness is a problem in Arcadia, and while many shy away from discussing it, we cannot afford to ignore it any longer. One of the reasons I’m running for Arcadia City Council is because I believe it’s time to confront this problem head-on.
The Legal Challenges
For years, the City of Arcadia was restricted in its ability to address homelessness, largely due to the Boise case, which prohibited enforcing anti-camping laws without providing alternatives like shelters. Without available shelter options, cities couldn’t legally move individuals off the streets, leading to lawsuits that claimed such actions violated constitutional rights. This legal gray area made it difficult to take action against encampments that were disrupting public spaces.
The issue of tiny shelters was brought up as part of a five-year plan, but despite the county offering to fund it, opposition in the community prevented this solution from moving forward. I understood the concerns, but the reality is that without solutions, the problem will persist.
A Turning Point
Thankfully, things have changed. A recent Supreme Court decision in June 2023 has shifted the responsibility back to local governments, giving us more authority to enforce anti-camping laws. This is a game-changer for Arcadia. Now, we can take a multi-pronged approach that balances compassion with accountability.
The Way Forward: Tough Love and Compassion
The short-term solution involves pressing a “tough love” approach—offering shelter and services to those willing to accept help while enforcing anti-camping laws for those who refuse. Our police and fire departments are overwhelmed by calls related to homelessness, with the number of incidents skyrocketing since the Metro line opened in 2016. Prior to that, we received 300–400 calls annually about homeless-related issues. Now, we’re facing that number every month. This is the number one reason our police are called daily, diverting resources from addressing criminal activities like drug sales, home invasions, and theft.
We need to prioritize getting people off the streets, into shelters, and connected to the services they need. For those dealing with mental health issues, substance abuse, or PTSD, solutions like conservatorship and mental health facilities must be explored. Governor Newsom’s CARE Act, which seeks to expand conservatorship, is a promising step, but we need to see the data to determine its effectiveness.
Fiscal Responsibility and Homelessness
Arcadia has contributed over $20 million to LA County’s homeless fund through Measure H, yet we’ve only received $650,000 in return. That’s an unacceptable return on investment, especially when we’re spending an additional $1.4 million annually just to manage the homelessness problem locally. We need to take a hard look at how these funds are being allocated and demand accountability from the county.
A Collaborative Approach
As a member of the Homeless Stakeholders Group in Arcadia, I’ve worked alongside local residents, business owners, church leaders, and the police department to address this issue. We’ve hosted large forums and collaborated with other cities in the San Gabriel Valley to find real solutions. While Arcadia is leading the charge in tackling homelessness, we still have a long way to go.
We cannot afford to delay action any longer. It’s time to step up and face this challenge, for the sake of our community and its future. Together, we can find solutions that work for everyone.
You can watch my podcast on YouTube to learn more
– Steve Rhee, Candidate for City Council, District 4