SANTA MONICA, Calif. – A new mental health facility set to open this month on Ocean Avenue has stirred unrest among local residents. Many feel blindsided by the project in this upscale coastal area.
The facility, once a senior living center, will offer transitional housing for people with severe mental health issues. Operated by St. Joseph’s Center and funded by a grant from Los Angeles County, it will be staffed 24/7 and will allow residents to come and go freely.
Derrick Townsend, a nearby resident, expressed concern: “It’s confusing for everyone to have this here.” Cort Wagner, another local who moved to Santa Monica after a fire, echoed this sentiment. He had a frightening encounter with a knife-wielding individual shortly after relocating. “If this facility leads to more violent incidents, we may have to move again,” he said.
Mayor Lana Negrete noted she had no direct involvement in the project approval, which falls under county and state oversight. “I learned about the plans just two weeks ago,” she said. She added, “If we want more control, we need to address this with our governor and county.” Negrete isn’t pleased with the facility’s location either.
Nearby, another St. Joseph’s facility has also faced complaints about noise and frequent police presence. “It doesn’t feel safe,” one neighbor reported, citing disturbances like screaming and emergency vehicles. Local residents are concerned about how such facilities affect community safety.
As California pushes to improve mental health care and tackle homelessness, many wonder why these facilities are placed in affluent neighborhoods. John Alle of the Santa Monica Coalition questioned, “Why weren’t we notified? Couldn’t this go somewhere else?”
Statistics show that mental health issues have been rising in recent years. A report from the National Institute of Mental Health indicates nearly 20% of U.S. adults experienced mental illness in 2020, making community-based solutions more critical than ever. State leaders argue that this facility is part of a broader strategy to provide necessary care to those in need.
A town hall is planned soon to address residents’ concerns, although the facility’s opening is still on track for this month. The community continues to seek clarity and a voice in decisions that directly impact their safety and quality of life.
Source link
Us,Ca,Los Angeles County,Santa Monica,News
