Long Beach
The City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to urge state lawmakers to introduce legislation that would increase the participation of city officials and residents in the licensing of halfway houses for ex-felons and the mentally ill.
A number of Long Beach residents have complained to city officials in recent months about facilities for the mentally ill in their neighborhoods. In addition, dozens of North Long Beach residents protested last year when the state announced plans to open a halfway house for felons. No house has yet opened.
The council requested that the state consider adopting licensing procedures similar to those for businesses that wish to sell alcohol. That procedure requires notification of city officials and residents who live within 500 feet of a prospective facility. It also gives an individual or City Council the ability to protest the application.
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