California’s CARE Court program is once again at the center of debate as Governor Gavin Newsom pressures several counties—including Riverside and San Bernardino—to expand their use of the system designed to help people living with severe mental illness.CARE Court, which stands for Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment Court, allows family members, first responders, and others to petition a judge to order treatment plans for people struggling with serious mental health conditions. The goal is to move vulnerable individuals off the streets and into treatment and supportive services.However, state officials say the program is being used far less than expected. Newsom is now warning ten counties that they could lose state funding if they do not increase participation.At the same time, the governor is promoting millions of dollars in additional funding for housing and behavioral health services and praising counties that have embraced the program.Locally, the issue has…..