During a recent Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors meeting, community advocates and residents voiced strong opposition to the proposed budget, urging a shift from punitive spending towards community care initiatives. The discussions highlighted a stark contrast between the funding allocated to law enforcement and the resources available for social services, particularly for vulnerable populations.

One speaker emphasized the need for a \"Care First\" budget, arguing that over $4 billion is earmarked for the sheriff's department, which is significantly more than the funding for housing and services for the unhoused. Advocates called for a reallocation of these funds to support community-based services, affordable housing, and mental health care, stressing that the current budget perpetuates a cycle of criminalization rather than addressing the root causes of poverty and homelessness.

Lina Mallett from the Children's Defense Fund criticized the board for its continued support of the probation department, which has faced repeated compliance issues. She urged immediate action to decarcerate youth and invest in supportive services instead. Other speakers echoed this sentiment, highlighting the detrimental effects of incarceration on young people, particularly girls and gender-expansive youth, and calling for the closure of facilities like Los Padrinos, which have been criticized for their conditions.

The meeting also featured testimonies from youth who have experienced the system firsthand, sharing personal stories of trauma and the lack of support upon reentry into society. They called for investments in programs that provide jobs, housing, and mental health support, rather than funding for incarceration.

Advocates for the transgender and gender-expansive community urged the board to allocate $7 million for wellness and equity initiatives, emphasizing the unique challenges faced by these populations. They argued that without targeted funding, many individuals would continue to face discrimination and lack access to essential services.

Overall, the meeting underscored a growing demand for a budget that prioritizes community care over criminalization, with numerous speakers calling for a fundamental shift in how resources are allocated to better serve the needs of all residents, particularly the most vulnerable. The board's response to these calls for change remains to be seen as the budget discussions continue.