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Judge Opens Contempt Hearing Over L.A.’s Homelessness Settlement Compliance

The hearing tests claims that delays plus missing data violate the 2022 settlement.

Overview

  • U.S. District Judge David O. Carter pressed city attorneys on oversight delays and data verification as testimony began, with no contempt ruling issued.
  • Testimony from Mercedes Márquez and L.A. Alliance’s Paul Webster focused on data gaps and reporting lapses, with additional witnesses expected when proceedings resume.
  • The hearing will continue on Dec. 2 after the judge indicated a preference for in‑person testimony over virtual appearances.
  • The Ninth Circuit paused the formal appointment of monitor Daniel Garrie but allowed the hearing to proceed, and the city argues its cooperation with him should not be examined.
  • Plaintiffs seek sanctions and strict response timelines, alleging missing reporting categories and unanswered requests, while the city says it met deadlines, expanded shelter capacity, and provided staff access; the settlement requires 12,915 beds by June 2027 with more than 3,800 still to be created.