Los Angeles city leaders are considering the future of the CARE+ Coastal Area Teams, a program dedicated to addressing trash and sanitation issues along the coast from the Port of Los Angeles to Pacific Palisades.
The program may face elimination if the city’s proposed budget is approved. Councilmember Traci Park emphasized the importance of the team, stating, “They work five days a week to cover our coastlines, and sensitive waterways, and environmental habitat areas that are out there addressing trash, illegal dumping, garbage.”
The proposed budget, unveiled by the county’s chief executive officer, reflects “extraordinary budget pressures” and calls for a 3% reduction in spending across most departments, totaling $88.9 million in cuts. This includes more than $50 million in savings from cutting supplies, delaying equipment purchases, and reducing the scope of some programs. According to LAist, the budget does not include any layoffs but proposes eliminating 310 vacant positions.
The financial strain is partly due to a $4 billion settlement of childhood sexual assault claims against the county and potential losses in federal funding. The county is expected to pay millions annually until 2050 to cover the settlement costs, and it faces the rescission of over $45 million in previously awarded COVID-19 grants.
Despite these challenges, the budget aims to sustain essential safety net responsibilities, including the passage of Measure A, which provides funding to address homelessness. The budget also allocates $287.7 million for Care First and Community Investment, supporting social programs to keep at-risk individuals out of jail.
Public hearings on the budget are scheduled for next month, where further discussions on potential service cuts will take place. Councilmember Park and other advocates hope to find creative solutions to maintain vital services like the CARE+ Coastal Area Teams.
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