In a recent government meeting, Governor Newsom's approval of the closure of four California prisons—Deval Vocational Institute, California Correctional Center, California City Correctional Facility, and Choco Walla—was a focal point of discussion. This decision is part of a broader initiative to address the state's prison population, which sees approximately 787,000 men and 201,000 women released from incarceration annually. The meeting highlighted the impact of COVID-19, during which over 5,000 inmates were released early.

The conversation shifted towards the pressing issue of homelessness in California, with officials expressing concern over the lack of state funding to address this crisis. One council member described the situation as an \"unfunded mandate,\" emphasizing the need for fiscal stability and accountability in managing resources for the homeless population. The historical homeless count in the state has fluctuated significantly, with figures ranging from 18.7 in 2017 to 145 individuals in 2020, depending on the source.

Officials discussed the necessity of developing permanent supportive housing solutions, as transitional housing options remain scarce and inconsistent. A proposed hybrid approach combining smaller units with permanent supportive housing was presented as a potential pathway forward. The council members acknowledged the challenges ahead, recognizing that any action taken may face criticism but underscoring the urgency of addressing the needs of the unhoused population.

As the meeting progressed, members expressed a collective commitment to providing direction to staff, enabling them to gather data and develop proposals that could effectively tackle the homelessness crisis. The sentiment was clear: the time for action is now, and the council is prepared to take the necessary steps to support those in need.