San Francisco’s empty office spaces and fleeing businesses are impacting the city’s economic health. Office workers going remote have reduced the city’s tax revenue by almost half a billion dollars. NTD speaks to a risk consultant to find out some potential challenges the city is facing, and what the causes are. …

The city of Toronto is opening up hotel rooms for 150 asylum seekers following a $97-million pledge from the federal government toward shelter spaces for refugees and those seeking asylum. “We know that Torontonians are generous. We know that together we can be welcoming for refugee claimants so they have dignity, so they don’t have…

Commentary Every official in California claims to be working on solving the housing and homelessness crises. New Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass campaigned to “bring leadership, accountability and action to dramatically reduce homelessness and end street encampments in Los Angeles.” Upon taking office, she “declared a State of Emergency on homelessness.” But we keep finding…

Recreational vehicles (RVs) in the city of Fullerton can park overnight once again without a permit, after an Orange County Superior Court Judge temporarily ruled against the city’s RV ban that took effect in 2020. A motion for preliminary injunction was granted by Judge Ronald Bauer June 26, which will prevent the city from enforcing…

Commentary It’s discouraging. No matter what solutions are advanced, homelessness just keeps getting worse in California. The recently released point-in-time count found the number jumped 10 percent in the City of Los Angeles and 9 percent in Los Angeles County since 2022. For three days in January, more than 7,000 volunteers covered every inch of…

“Unbelievable stuff going on—the amount of trash. There are hazardous materials, [and] burned-out carcasses of motor homes are all over the place.” “Nine thousand gallons [of raw sewage] a month are going into the wastewater system. That’s the storm-drain system—not the sewers. The storm drain carries it straight to Santa Monica Bay.” Siyamak sits down…

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Agency (MTA) June 22 voted to move forward with a plan to create its own public safety department. The agency’s board of directors voted to have staff present a comprehensive plan—including department structure, regulatory rules, job descriptions, and pay ranges—for the board to consider in January 2024. “[We need…

The Orange County Rescue Mission, one of the largest nonprofit homeless service providers in the county, announced June 12 that its chief executive, Jim Palmer, resigned from the role after over 30 years of service. Representatives did not give a reason for Palmer’s resignation, however, they confirmed his departure from the faith-based nonprofit in a…

Commentary Living on the streets is a crime. A violation of law. To force citizens to react, or worse, not react to the plight of their fellow man, and pretend not to notice, ultimately may force everyone to leave. This includes those born and raised in San Francisco, and this author. It’s not okay for…

Even though the topics weren’t on the Santa Monica City Council’s agenda, over a dozen Santa Monica residents addressed the council June 13 over their concerns regarding an increase in crime and homelessness that they said has left some fearful to walk the streets. John Farzam, co-owner of the Shore Hotel—located on Pacific Coast Highway…