Residents of California cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco regularly encounter homelessness. This issue touches many, as they witness people struggling with mental health and addiction in public spaces. Despite substantial taxpayer funds dedicated to addressing homelessness, the problem worsens. Los Angeles data shows a 58% increase in homelessness since 2016. This raises questions about the effectiveness of spending and the allocation of resources.
The Essential California newsletter recently reported on a financial investigation targeting a nonprofit, the 1736 Family Crisis Center, which operates shelters and programs for domestic violence victims and the homeless. A notable finding was the compensation of its CEO, Carol Adelkoff, who received $1.6 million over two years. This amount included over $800,000 in unused vacation pay, contrary to typical vacation accrual practices. California law allows for payment of unused vacation but usually enforces caps on its accumulation.
The nonprofit’s actions involve disbursing significant funds without public disclosure, as it is not a public entity despite receiving over 90% of its revenue from taxpayer sources. The organization refused to share internal documents about the payment approval, citing privacy concerns due to the nature of its work.
Additional scrutiny arose from Adelkoff’s living arrangement, reportedly in Hawaii while overseeing Los Angeles shelters. Public records show her Big Island residence, raising questions about the logistics of her work. Although she declined to confirm her location, citing safety for herself and the organization’s clients, this remains a point of concern.
The newsletter also highlights various California news stories:
- Potential ticket price increases at the Los Angeles Zoo.
- Challenges facing LAUSD as the school year begins, including budget cuts and enrollment declines.
- State opposition to federal plans limiting California’s coastal management authority.
Other notable updates include economic growth in Orange County, legal battles over voting methods in Shasta County, and significant investments from Sergey Brin against a proposed wealth tax.
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