Cycling in and out of the hospital is an everyday tragedy for San Diegans in the throes of mental health and addiction crises – and those who love them.
Ashley Goldfarb, 25, repeatedly ping ponged between the street, hospitals and various treatment programs. In early 2021, she landed in the county’s psychiatric hospital on an up to 72-hour hold after a police officer watched her nearly be hit by two vehicles when she ran into the street.
Records show county hospital staff decided Ashley’s behavior was likely caused by methamphetamine use and discharged her after about 24 hours. She died 10 days later after running into traffic on Interstate 5.
In the latest chapter of a series on homeless hospital patients, our Lisa Halverstadt chronicles Ashley’s story and explores the impact that a new state law expanding conservatorships could have on patients like her.
ICYMI, Halverstadt previously dug into why homeless patients often end up back on the street, the lack of set-aside shelter options for these patients and why few are moving into recuperative care facilities designed for them.
San Diego Among Counties Potentially on the Hook After FEMA Shift
During the pandemic, cities and counties across the state – including San Diego County – put thousands of vulnerable homeless Californians up in hotels with the understanding the federal government would eventually cover many of their costs.
Then, as The Los Angeles Times reports, the Federal Emergency Management Agency last fall revealed it would only cover hotel stays up to 20 days. Now, weeks after CalMatters broke this news, the Times reports California’s Congressional representatives are asking the FEMA administrator to reconsider and reimburse cash-strapped cities and counties.
The potential damage for San Diego County: Spokesman Tim McClain said the county estimates as much as $28 million could be at risk and has “engaged” with the local Congressional delegation about the issue.
McClain wrote in an email that the county previously requested $120 million in reimbursements.
“None of it has been reimbursed as of yet,” McClain wrote.
Song of the Week
Eric Schroeder, “Dogwood Road”: Schroeder’s style is a charming and stripped-down blend of country and Americana that recalls a whole host of dusty road-bound troubadours. But for some reason, the first person that comes to mind is Pavement’s Stephen Malkmus, even though their music (outside of maybe “Range Life”) isn’t all that comparable. Schroeder’s got just a bit of Malkmus’ winding lyrical nature, albeit a little more tethered to reality. He also has some of the indie rocker’s brand of slacker vocal delivery, though with a dash of a drawl.
Schroeder sounds like the kind of guy who’s singing not because he can perform stunning vocal acrobatics, but because he’s got a whole lot to say. And on “Dogwood Road,” he both meditates on and mourns the road he’s traveled. It’s a song both about decisions that bring regret, but also the hope inherent in breaking ties, and I’ll have the line “liberty’s a highway,” rattling around my brain for a while now.
Read more about the song of the week here.
Like what you hear? Check out Eric Schroeder at Casbah on Thursday, March 14.
Do you have a “Song of the Week” suggestion? Shoot us an email and a sentence or two about why you’ve been bumping this song lately. Friendly reminder: all songs should be by local artists.
In Other News
- A statewide pilot program aimed at reconnecting communities split by freeway construction will provide millions in funding to create transportation infrastructure projects in southeastern San Diego communities and National City. (KPBS)
- Sixteen million dollars raised from a citywide developer fee will be put toward renovations at 19 parks in mostly low income areas across San Diego (Union-Tribune)
- In the face of pressure from dozens of residents, San Diego County Supervisors on Tuesday voted unanimously to extend its hotel voucher program until mid-May for San Diegans whose homes were damaged in the January floods. In addition to the $6.6 million price tag for lodging, Supervisors approved a $3 million sum meant to provide food for flood victims. (NBC 7)
- National City officials are drafting an ordinance that could make it the latest San Diego county city to enact a homeless camping ban. (KPBS)
The Morning Report was written by Lisa Halverstadt and Jakob McWhinney. It was edited by Andrea Lopez-Villafaña.