LOS ANGELES – In an evidentiary hearing Wednesday, Los Angeles’ homelessness crisis was laid bare as City Administrative Officer Matt Szabo, Dr. Etsemaye P. Agonafer-the city’s first-ever Deputy Mayor of Homelessness and Community Health-and the CEO of a prominent housing provider took the stand in federal court.
The hearing, part of a long-running lawsuit by the LA Alliance for Human Rights against the city and county of Los Angeles, focused on whether local governments are meeting their obligations under a landmark settlement aimed at reducing homelessness.
U.S. District Judge David O. Carter presided over the hearing, which could determine whether the city is in breach of its agreement and whether a federal receiver should be appointed to oversee its response. The case, filed in 2020, accuses Los Angeles of failing to provide sufficient shelter beds and services for the unhoused…