We live in trying times but I do have some positive news to report:

On March 10, last Tuesday, we filed our case and held our press conference at the Midnight Mission.  It was well attended and there was coverage from local television, NY Times, Washington Post, CNN and AP (among others) (see links below).  Although the LA Times declined to do a story at that time, they have done one tonight (see link below). 

Last Wednesday we filed our Notice of Related case, seeking to put the case in the court of  Judge Carter in Orange County (Judge Carter has been incredibly instrumental in getting rapid and effective results in the homeless population in OC).  Judge Carter accepted the case and very quickly began issuing orders.  This Monday the Judge ordered immediate service on the City and County by 5 p.m. that same day and also ordered an emergency hearing in court this Thursday morning. I’ve attached the latest order so you can see the magnitude of his order. 

This prompt judicial action is most unusual.  Within one week of filing our complaint, we will have gotten all the relevant stakeholders invited to the table (including the Mayor, the Board of Supervisors, City Attorney, and Chief of Police)  This is a MASSIVE success—beyond what any of us could imagine at this stage, but exactly what we planned, worked and hoped for—and should be celebrated.  

At the same time, I feel the need to point out that this has been an extraordinary effort by our lawyers.   The Alliance is essentially employing a full time lawyer (Liz Mitchell) plus staff and other lawyers as needed.  Judge Carter has proven to be effective but he is also going to require a tremendous amount of work.   He requires late night (2am) stays in his courtroom and orders lawyers to appear on Saturdays, sometimes at 5am, to handle matters.  He mandates extensive briefing with very little time to get it done. He is exceptionally effective.  

Much effort is going to be condensed into a short time frame.

Please consider contacting [email protected] for wire instructions or sending a check made out to Spertus, Landes, & Umhofer Client Trust Account, with the notation “Alliance” on it, to Accounting, 1990 S. Bundy Dr., Suite 705, Los Angeles, CA 90025.  As always, donations can be made anonymously.

I’m happy to talk anyone through the current status; please contact me with any questions or concerns.  I’m incredibly excited about the momentum and legal position we’ve put ourselves in and want to be able to do what needs to be done to SUCCEED.  Thanks.