Administrative
Report
H.19., File # 24-0885 Meeting Date: 5/21/2024
To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: MICHAEL W. WEBB, CITY ATTORNEY JOY ABAQUIN FORD, QUALITY
OF LIFE PROSECUTOR
TITLE
APPROVE THE FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE AGREEMENT WITH CITY NET FOR A CENSUS OF
THE REDONDO BEACH HOMELESS POPULATION FOR AN ADDITIONAL AMOUNT OF $57,985.74 FOR THE TERM MAY 1, 2023 TO JUNE 30, 2024.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
When Los Angeles cancelled its point in time count of the homeless population during the pandemic, the City of Redondo Beach contracted with City Net to conduct a census of its homeless population.
The census not only gave a count of people experiencing homelessness in Redondo Beach, but it also gave high level demographic data of its homeless population as well as an analysis and reflections of City Net’s findings. City Net’s methodology to conduct the census in comparison with the point in time count is more accurate because the census counts individuals seen and/or interviewed; whereas, the point in time count is based on an extrapolation formula that counts a specific structure or vehicle whether or not a person or persons are identified at that structure or vehicle. Most importantly, the census gives a comparison report.
The City Attorney’s Homeless Court Program received a $500,000 grant from Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi. The grant requires reports of data including the percentage increase or decrease of the City’s homeless population. Last year, city level data was not released from the point in time count and it is unknown if it will be released this year, so a census will be necessary. The grant fund can be used to pay for the census. Homeless Court includes prosecution of both Redondo Beach and Hermosa Beach misdemeanors, so staff recommends that both cities be included in the census.
Staff recommends that the City Council and Mayor approve the amendment to the agreement the conduct a census of the homeless populations of Redondo Beach and Hermosa Beach.
BACKGROUND
City Net is a non-profit organization that has assisted several cities in the counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and Santa Barbara. City Net’s organization and mission are effective in helping individuals who have been chronically homeless for a number of years.
In January of 2021, the county point-in-time count of the homeless population was canceled due to the pandemic, so the Mayor and City Council approved an agreement with City Net to conduct a census of the City’s homeless population on January 12, 2021. The City had just opened its pallet
H.19., File # 24-0885 Meeting Date: 5/21/2024
census of the City’s homeless population on January 12, 2021. The City had just opened its pallet shelters and had CDBG funding available, so the City Council also contracted with City Net to provide outreach services in Northern Redondo for six months. On January 19, 2021, the Mayor and City Council approved a first amendment to that agreement to add housing navigation services from City Net. On July 13, 2021, the Mayor and Council approved a second amendment, which modified the scope of services, term, and compensation. On August 2, 2022, the City Council approved a new agreement with City Net for homeless outreach services for nine months. At that point, funding was unavailable to continue their services. However, on November 7, 2023, the City Council approved a new agreement with City Net for housing navigation services for another six months.
Redondo’s 2020 county point-in-time count was estimated to be 176 people experiencing homelessness in Redondo Beach. City Net’s census in 2021 showed 92 people experiencing homelessness. In 2022, the county point-in-time count estimated 99 total in Redondo’s homeless population, a 44% decrease from 2020. City Net’s 2022 census showed 85 unsheltered individuals in Redondo Beach. The County uses an extrapolation method based on a sampling approach for each type of dwelling such as cars, vans, campers, tents, makeshift shelters, etc.; whereas, City Net’s count is based on an interview with each person counted. Last year, the Los Angeles Homeless Service Authority (LAHSA) did not release city-level data due to an imprecise extrapolation process at the city level. (South Bay Cities Council of Governments Press Release, June 29, 2023).
City Net’s 2023 census shows a total of 71 unsheltered individuals in Redondo Beach, another
16.5% decrease from 2022.
Moreover, the comparison report shows the number of people that participated in multiple reports.
Only one person was interviewed in each census each year, further demonstrating that Redondo Beach is housing people at a faster rate than people are becoming homeless.
In October of 2023, the City Council approved the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Judicial Council, accepting the $500,000 grant from Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi for homeless court. The MOU requires a final report that states the percentage increase or decrease of the City’s homeless population based on the Point in Time annual count or City Net census. Since it is unknown whether the Point in Time Count will release city level data this year, a census will be necessary and this grant can be used to pay for a census.
In January 2022, the South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG) granted Redondo and Hermosa funding to expand Redondo’s Homeless Court to include misdemeanor defendants from Hermosa Beach. Since Hermosa already contracts with our city for prosecution, this was an easy transition. The grant involved Hermosa hosting the outdoor homeless court in their city four months out of the year. Since then, we have continued this partnership in our joint outdoor homeless court.
A census that includes Hermosa Beach would provide data to evaluate the effectiveness of homeless court for both cities.
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the first amendment agreement with City Net for a census of the homeless populations in Redondo Beach and Hermosa Beach.
COORDINATION
The City Attorney's Office coordinated with City Net and the City of Hermosa Beach in connection
H.19., File # 24-0885 Meeting Date: 5/21/2024
with the preparation of this report.
FISCAL IMPACT
If approved, services will be funded entirely by grant funding.
ATTACHMENTS
- City Net Amended Agreement
- City Net Agreement