Picture this scenario: An employee named Sarah - who works in a high-rise office in Roseville, CA - is excited to go to work as she travels down near Los Angeles, CA. After getting her morning coffee and settling in, she overhears her colleague Mark discussing her work performance with another manager. He's making disparaging remarks that could potentially impact her future at the company. Feeling anxious and unsupported, Sarah decides to confront Mark directly. During their conversation, Mark dismisses her concerns and threatens her job security, stating that if she doesn't shape up, he could easily replace her
Worried about potential retaliation and the implications for her career, Sarah begins to research her rights as an employee. She learns that there are specific protections against workplace harassment and retaliation. Feeling overwhelmed and unsure of the next steps, she reaches out to an employment attorney in Los Angeles, CA for a consultation
As the lawyer guides Sarah through her options, she gains confidence in addressing the situation with her employer and understands the importance of having legal support when confronting workplace injustices. Situations like these happen on a regular basis in California. Unfortunately, many workers don't take the necessary steps to protect their rights, like Sarah did.
If you feel like your right to earn a living is threatened or that your human dignity is compromised in the workplace, it might be time to contact an employment counsel law firm like Castle Law.
Employment law consists of a set of regulations that govern the relationship between employees and employers. This field encompasses a broad spectrum of laws and regulations at both the federal and state levels, as interpreted by the courts. These laws define the rights and responsibilities of both parties and create a framework for addressing various issues, such as:
In California, employers must comply with these laws to avoid potential legal consequences and penalties.
Moreover, employment laws establish essential standards regarding minimum wage, working hours, overtime, and the terms and conditions of employment. They also offer remedies and protections for employees when their rights are violated by employers. Given the complexity and wide-ranging nature of this field, effectively navigating California's employment laws often means collaborating with a seasoned employment lawyer in Los Angeles, CA.
In California, there are several rules that apply in our state that do not apply to others. Some of those include:
In California, the typical settlement for wrongful termination cases averages around $40,000. Lawyers assess settlements by considering several factors, such as lost wages and benefits, out-of-pocket expenses, emotional distress stemming from a hostile work environment, and the salary difference between a previous job and a new one.
There's no need to file for wrongful termination right after being let go, though time is of the essence in all employment law lawsuits. In California, you typically have two years to do so under the California Code of Civil Procedure. However, if your case involves different laws or codes, the time limits may vary, ranging from six months to three years.
In 2020, the California Civil Rights Department, formerly known as the Department of Fair Employment and Housing, documented over 18,000 cases of workplace discrimination. These reports encompass 27 distinct categories of complaints, all of which are safeguarded by the California Fair Employment and Housing Act. Employees in California typically benefit from stronger protections against discrimination compared to other states.
In California, 24% of employment complaints received by the Civil Rights Department stem from retaliation linked to resisting discrimination or requesting reasonable accommodations. State law safeguards individuals against retaliation for engaging in protected activities, such as:
If you plan to file a complaint with the Labor Commissioner's Office, it must be submitted within one year of the adverse action, although there are some exceptions. For instance, cases involving retaliation against minors have a much shorter time frame of just 90 days. Given the urgency, it's advisable to consult with a work attorney from Castle Law to help prepare your case as soon as possible.
Whether you work in a corporate office or 71Above near Los Angeles, CA, you are protected by employment law in The Golden State. There's no question that you have rights - but sometimes those rights are violated in the workplace.
In such circumstances, you might find it necessary to consult with a California employment attorney. So, when is the right moment to reach out to an attorney? Let's look at some indicators that suggest you may benefit from the guidance of a California employment attorney, and why it's crucial not to delay seeking their assistance until it's too late
Are you having issues with your wages or overtime pay in California? It's essential to know your rights as an employee and when to seek help from a California employment attorney
Wage and overtime disputes can be complicated. California laws protect employees from unfair pay practices. If you suspect your employer isn't paying you what you deserve, it may be time to consult an attorney. An employment attorney in Los Angeles, CA can clarify the laws around wages and overtime. They can review your pay stubs and work hours to identify any violations. If you're being underpaid or denied overtime, they can help you file a claim or lawsuit.
By hiring an attorney, you protect your rights and ensure you get fair compensation. They can negotiate with your employer on your behalf. Don't hesitate to reach out for assistance if you believe your pay is being mishandled. Their expertise can help you navigate the complexities of wage issues and advocate for your rights as an employee.
Facing workplace sexual harassment or discrimination can be an incredibly distressing and emotionally exhausting experience. If you find yourself in this situation, it's important to reach out to a California work lawyer for help.
A California employment attorney can provide you with the guidance and support you need to navigate the complexities of workplace harassment cases. With their in-depth understanding of the laws and regulations that protect employees from these harmful behaviors, they can help you assess whether you have a valid claim.
One of the key benefits of having an employment lawyer by your side is that they can protect your rights and advocate for justice. At Castle Law, our experienced lawyers are able to:
If you're experiencing workplace sexual harassment, remember that it's not your fault. You deserve a safe work environment. Consulting a California employment attorney can help you hold your employer accountable and seek the justice you deserve. Don't hesitate to reach out to a specialized lawyer and take action today.
When you're terminated unlawfully, it can be a distressing and harrowing experience. One day, you have reliable wages you can use to pay bills. The next day, you're out of a job - and you believe you've been fired for the wrong reasons. All of a sudden, you don't have the money to feed your family or even pay for medical care at facilities like Sakura Gardens of Los Angeles near Los Angeles, CA.
An experienced attorney can help you navigate the complex landscape of termination cases and protect your rights. They will review your employment contract, company policies, and relevant documentation to assess whether you have a case for wrongful termination. In addition, they will assist you in filing a complaint or lawsuit against your employer
By hiring a work lawyer in California, you benefit from their expertise with similar cases. They will gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build a strong case for you while ensuring all deadlines are met, boosting your chances of a favorable outcome.
Nobody wants to get involved in a lawsuit, but sometimes, it's necessary to safeguard your rights. When litigation becomes unavoidable, we stand out from the crowd-Castle Law is ready to take cases to trial when needed. To date, we have an unblemished record in employment law trials. Our seasoned attorneys bring decades of experience in state and federal courts, as well as in administrative agencies, arbitrations, and mediations, all dedicated to advocating for you and your rights.
Our clients are happy to refer their friends and family to our employment law firm because we focus on:
Everyone deserves fair treatment. When your job or your right to earn a living is under threat, it's natural to feel that your human dignity is at stake-because it truly is. We are committed to working tirelessly to set things right for you.
At Castle Law, our foundation rests on integrity, honesty, creativity, and hard work. We are dedicated to passionately advocating for our clients' interests, starting with a straightforward evaluation of your situation. From there, we aim to devise the best possible strategy to achieve your goals
The attorneys and staff at Castle Law share the belief that work is a sacred right. Every human on the planet has a right to be treated fairly when earning a living. This core belief drives every case we take.
If you wanted the most delicious steak in California, you wouldn't go to a fast-food restaurant. You'd go to Providence in Los Angeles, CA. And when you're looking for reliable, fearless representation for an employment law case, you don't choose an untested firm. You call Castle Law.
Castle Law brings together the expertise of attorneys who have spent decades representing business clients at top-tier international law firms, combined with the personalized service and responsiveness typical of a boutique law firm. Our unique perspective allows us to understand both sides of the equation, as we have represented clients from various angles. With over 50 years of combined legal experience, our team is well-equipped to handle your needs.
Employment law can be complicated, especially in California. Staying on top of the newest cases, recent legislation, and litigation strategies is the work of an attorney focused solely on employment law. That is why Castle Law practices exclusively in the area of employment law.
Some of the most common cases we handle include:
Now that you know more about our law firm and why so many employees contact us for representation, let's take a closer look at a few of our specialties.
Within the employment law category in California, there are several practice categories in which we specialize.
Not every instance of involuntary termination is deemed illegal. In California, there is a presumption that all employment relationships are "at will" unless a specific agreement states that an employee can only be fired for just cause. This essentially means that, in general, employers have the right to terminate employees for any reason, as long as that reason is not illegal.
There are many reasons for employment terminations that the law says are illegal, including:
To learn more about wrongful terminations in California and whether or not you may have a case against your employer, contact a Castle Law work attorney in Los Angeles, CA today.
California and federal laws establish regulations regarding the hours worked and the wages earned by employees in California. Typically, these regulations cannot be altered through private agreements between employers and employees.
Common hour and wage issues in California include:
Retaliation in the workplace occurs when an employee participates in a "protected activity," and as a consequence, the employer takes one or more adverse actions against them. However, not every adverse action by an employer constitutes unlawful retaliation. To qualify as unlawful, the protected activity must be the reason for the adverse employment action taken by the employer.
In California, protected activities include:
If you believe your employer retaliated against you, it's time to lawyer up. Contact Castle Law today to get started before the statute of limitations is up.
Most people understand that sexual harassment is both wrong and illegal, yet it still occurs in some workplaces. Importantly, harassment can also be based on race, gender, disability, or other legally protected traits. In California, employers are required to train supervisors on sexual harassment prevention. When allegations arise, employers must conduct a thorough investigation and take appropriate action.
Sexual harassment in the workplace can take many forms, including:
State and federal laws protect employees with disabilities from discrimination. When an employee requests a reasonable accommodation to help them do their job, the employer must work with that employee to find out if they can still perform their essential job functions with or without the accommodation.
Employers cannot treat disabled employees unfairly because they need accommodations. They also cannot fire employees or reduce their pay based on actual or perceived disabilities.
Employees can be misclassified in two primary ways: as independent contractors or as exempt employees. When an employer mistakenly labels a worker as an independent contractor or wrongly classifies a non-exempt employee as exempt, the potential financial repercussions from unpaid wages can be quite substantial.
To see whether you have been misclassified in the workplace, it's important to work with an experienced employment lawyer in Los Angeles, CA who knows the appropriate laws and can start a claim on your behalf.
It's well-known that America's workforce is getting older, and with that trend has come a rise in age discrimination. Many employers display bias against individuals aged 40 and above. Thankfully, workers in California and across the U.S. are safeguarded against age discrimination.
While federal laws prohibit such practices, most states also have their own regulations in place. However, demonstrating instances of age discrimination can often be challenging - especially when you do not have a reliable legal advocate by your side.
Examples of workplace discrimination in California include:
Employment law problems like age discrimination are very real in California and cause harm to both victims and society as a whole. At Castle Law, making sure you are compensated fully and fairly for harm isn't just our job - it's our passion. It's the only type of law we practice. That means our clients benefit from decades of combined experience handling tough cases. Call our employment law office today to schedule your free consultation.
Los Angeles, CA (July 15, 2025) – Emergency responders were quick to the scene Monday night after a serious vehicle collision occurred in the Hollywood area of Los Angeles, leaving several people with injuries. The crash was reported at approximately 9:28 p.m. at the intersection of N Wilton Pl and W Sunset Blvd.First responders, including fire and medical crews from Los Angeles Fire Department, arrived swiftly to assess and treat those hurt in the crash. The accident involved at least two vehicles and caused a significan...
Los Angeles, CA (July 15, 2025) – Emergency responders were quick to the scene Monday night after a serious vehicle collision occurred in the Hollywood area of Los Angeles, leaving several people with injuries. The crash was reported at approximately 9:28 p.m. at the intersection of N Wilton Pl and W Sunset Blvd.
First responders, including fire and medical crews from Los Angeles Fire Department, arrived swiftly to assess and treat those hurt in the crash. The accident involved at least two vehicles and caused a significant disruption to local traffic as emergency teams worked to clear the scene and assist victims.
Authorities have not yet released specific details about the number of individuals injured, but confirmed that a variety of injuries were sustained in the incident. Those hurt received medical attention at the scene, and at least one individual was reportedly transported to a nearby hospital for further care.
Traffic in the area was impacted for an extended period while crews worked to investigate the circumstances and ensure safety for other drivers. The intersection of N Wilton Pl and W Sunset Blvd, a busy corridor in Hollywood, remained partially closed during the response.
At this time, the cause of the collision is under investigation by local law enforcement. Officials have not yet indicated whether impairment, distraction, or speed played a role. Updates are expected as the investigation continues.
Our thoughts are with all those affected by this crash as they recover.
Collisions like the one that occurred at N Wilton Pl and W Sunset Blvd highlight the risks drivers face daily on California’s urban roads. Heavily traveled intersections in dense neighborhoods such as Hollywood are particularly vulnerable to accidents, especially during nighttime hours when visibility is reduced and congestion remains high.
The Monday evening crash not only disrupted a central Hollywood corridor but also resulted in a range of injuries that required immediate medical attention. Events like these underscore the importance of enhanced awareness, timely emergency response, and the continued need for public education around intersection safety.
One of the critical challenges in areas like Los Angeles is balancing pedestrian activity, heavy vehicle traffic, and frequent stops. Drivers must remain alert and cautious, particularly at intersections known for frequent incidents. According to state transportation data, intersections with high foot traffic and multiple lanes—like the one at Wilton and Sunset—are among the top locations for serious crashes.
In the aftermath of such incidents, access to the right support and resources is vital. Victims may face not only physical injuries but also emotional stress, lost wages, and complex insurance claims. Understanding local traffic laws, documenting injuries, and seeking prompt legal or medical guidance can make a major difference during recovery.
If you or someone you care about was impacted by this crash, know that there are local resources in Los Angeles to help with medical recovery, insurance processes, and legal rights. Staying informed and supported is key to moving forward safely and confidently after a collision.
Have questions about your next steps after an accident? At Local Accident Reports, we know how overwhelming this process can feel. Our team connects injured victims with the support and information they need to move forward—quickly and confidently. Don’t navigate this alone—reach out today to discover how we can help you take back control.
Note: These posts are created solely for the use of Local Accident Reports. We have not verified the information in these posts as the information is gathered from secondary sources. If you have personal knowledge that the information contained in these posts is inaccurate, please contact Local Accident Reports immediately so we can make the necessary corrections or remove the story.
Disclaimer: We are providing this information to the general public as a resource to use in the event you or a family member are injured in a similar incident. Every effort is put forth to honor the victims of accidents, and hope the information presented helps others avoid the same type of accidents in the future. The photos depicted in these posts are not representative of the actual accident scene. Please contact Local Accident Reports at (888) 657-1460 to be connected with an attorney in your area who will answer any legal questions you may have.
Citing a budget deficit in excess of $200 million, the University of Southern California’s interim president said Monday that an undisclosed number of layoffs and other belt-tightening measures would be implemented to “deal decisively with our financial challenges.”Beong-Soo Kim wrote in a letter addressed to faculty and staff that USC is “experiencing significant shifts in federal support&rd...
Citing a budget deficit in excess of $200 million, the University of Southern California’s interim president said Monday that an undisclosed number of layoffs and other belt-tightening measures would be implemented to “deal decisively with our financial challenges.”
Beong-Soo Kim wrote in a letter addressed to faculty and staff that USC is “experiencing significant shifts in federal support” for its research and other programs — a product of the Trump administration’s sweeping effort to cut billions of dollars in grants — and also faces “potential decreases in international student enrollment.”
At the same time, Kim said, USC’s expenses have “significantly outpaced” its revenue for several years.
Recent cost-cutting — including a hiring freeze announced in March — hasn’t been enough. Kim said that by the end of the fiscal year that concluded in June, the university’s deficit had mushroomed to more than $200 million, a notable increase from $158 million a year earlier.
In addition to layoffs, Kim said, USC will also sell unused properties and adjust compensation for its highest earners, among other moves. He added: “By taking these tough actions now, I am absolutely confident that USC can and will emerge stronger, ready to continue transforming lives and benefiting our society for generations to come.”
Universities across the country have reeled in recent months as President Trump has upended decades of norms in higher education, with tens of billions of dollars of federal funds threatened or withheld.
In March, the University of California announced a systemwide hiring freeze and cuts in several areas amid Trump’s threats to slash its research funding. In late June, Stanford disclosed $140 million in general operating fund cuts and related layoffs for the upcoming 2025-26 academic year, citing “significant uncertainty about how federal support for universities will evolve.”
And last week, Boston University announced it would give pink slips to about 120 staff members in an attempt to reduce its budget by 5%.
Kim said it’s possible that a university with the scale of USC could lose federally sponsored research funding worth more than $300 million annually.
Referencing today’s “volatile external environment,” Kim said that the university would “continue to advocate for the vital importance of research and our academic mission,” but added, “we cannot rely on the hope that federal support will revert to historical levels.”
Some at USC see things differently from the interim president.
In interviews, two university employees acknowledged how grave the federal funding losses could be — but they also cited several pricey projects that they believe have hurt USC’s finances. Those endeavors include the construction of the Bloom Football Performance Center, which broke ground in November; the installation of enhanced security measures in the aftermath of spring 2024 protests over Israel’s war in Gaza; and the opening of the university’s Capital Campus in Washington, D.C., in 2023.
Sanjay Madhav, an associate professor of practice at the USC Viterbi engineering school, said that these and other costly ventures were part of a “series of poor decisions” made by university leadership in recent years.
“The administration has made a lot of irresponsible financial decisions,” said Madhav, who is involved in a union organizing effort for non-tenure track professors. “The regular employees, they ultimately pay the price for the poor decisions.”
In an email, The Times described some of the criticism and asked the university for comment. In response, a spokeswoman for USC said that the “information that is available” was in Kim’s letter.
The interim president did not indicate how many people would lose their jobs or provide other details about the cuts. “That USC is not alone in having to take these difficult actions does not make this news any less disappointing or painful to hear,” he said.
Kim’s letter comes just days after The Times reported on a trim within USC’s athletics department, including the laying off of six people and elimination of another six positions. Among the departures was Paul Perrier, an executive senior associate athletic director.
It’s not clear if the cuts at the athletics department are part of the layoffs described by Kim; asked about those reductions, the university spokeswoman again referred The Times to the interim president’s letter.
Uncertainty over the size and scale of the looming job cuts has left workers demoralized, said Phil Turner, who has worked at the university since 2009 and is associate director of USC Housing. He also serves as president of the USC Staff Assembly, which advocates for employees.
“Staff morale is in tatters — I think it is the worst it has ever been in the 16 years I’ve been here,” said Turner, who was speaking as an employee and not in an official capacity. “I think everybody is just aching for some sort of win or positive momentum, but it is not there. Obviously, we need to course correct as a university.”
Kim’s letter said that he welcomed feedback and directed readers to a web page where they could offer suggestions about the university’s “financial resilience efforts.”
But Madhav said that it would be hard to weigh in with so few details known about the university’s plan. Instead, what he’s hoping for is concrete information about the impending job reductions.
“If anyone is going to be laid off, they’d like to know with as much notice as possible,” he said. “Especially given how difficult the job market is now.”
Times staff writer Jaweed Kaleem contributed to this report.
PLAYA VISTA, CA — Propel off towers several feet tall, free-fall and glide through a slide and swing around the sky this summer through a children's day camp offered at a Los Angeles County rock climbing gym.Sender One, with locations in Westwood and two near the South Bay, opened up their children's day camp earlier this month, with interactive ways for children ages 6 to 13 to enjoy their summer break.The day camp runs through Aug. 15, and ...
PLAYA VISTA, CA — Propel off towers several feet tall, free-fall and glide through a slide and swing around the sky this summer through a children's day camp offered at a Los Angeles County rock climbing gym.
Sender One, with locations in Westwood and two near the South Bay, opened up their children's day camp earlier this month, with interactive ways for children ages 6 to 13 to enjoy their summer break.
The day camp runs through Aug. 15, and features several activities, including bouldering, art projects, slacklining, wall climbing and king swinging.
"With 29,000 square feet of fun, Sender One goes beyond the average summer camp," according to the company. "Kids can learn to climb and participate in fun group activities that build confidence, encourage teamwork, and improve coordination and strength."
Sender One's LAX location features Sender City — an interactive wall climbing center exclusive to the location — with several adrenaline-filled challenges, including jumping off a platform several dozen feet in the air and a free-fall slide.
Here are the prices and times for each camp, which run Monday through Friday until Aug. 15:
Sender One LAX ($549 per camper) — Split into two time sessions, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., this camp includes access to Sender City, bouldering, games, rope climbing, slacklining and king swinging.
Sender One Playa Vista ($229 per camper) — This summer runs from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and includes the same activities as Sender One LAX, except for Sender City.
Sender One Westwood ($229 per camper) — This summer runs from 9 a.m. to noon and includes the same activities as the Playa Vista location.
Sender One also has locations in Lakewood and Orange County, but those do not offer children's day camps.
At least four firefighters have been injured over the last week while battling three wildfires in Northern California forests that are burning amid extreme heat in steep, bone-dry terrain, fire officials said Monday.One firefighter combating the barely contained Green fire in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest sustained a blunt force trauma wound while working on the fire line S...
At least four firefighters have been injured over the last week while battling three wildfires in Northern California forests that are burning amid extreme heat in steep, bone-dry terrain, fire officials said Monday.
One firefighter combating the barely contained Green fire in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest sustained a blunt force trauma wound while working on the fire line Saturday, said Deanna Younger, a spokeswoman for California Interagency Management Team 10, the incident command team overseeing the fire response.
Another firefighter suffered a heat-related injury Sunday, she said. Both were treated at a hospital and released.
Two firefighters working on the Orleans Complex — two blazes burning in Del Norte and Siskiyou counties — were stricken with heat illness amid temperatures that have topped 110 degrees in recent days, said Paul Meznarich, a spokesman for the multi-agency team coordinating the response to those fires.
“Everyone is very mindful of the heat effects,” Meznarich said.
With nearly 700 firefighters working for multiple days in triple-digit temperatures, crews are “managing the heat well under the circumstances,” he added.
For those fighting the blazes — which, combined, have charred more than 21,000 acres of forest since July 1 — the conditions have been extremely challenging, fire officials said. The remote areas are steep, thickly forested and bone-dry.
“It is very, very dry right now, and we’re still around 100 degrees,” Younger said of the Green fire region Monday morning. “We are not getting good humidity recovery at night.”
The Green fire — burning on the eastern side of Shasta Lake near the Pit River between Interstate 5 and Highway 299 — was sparked by lightning the evening of July 1, according to the U.S. Forest Service.
It had burned 13,366 acres and was 5% contained as of Tuesday.
On July 1 and 2, the Shasta-Trinity National Forest saw more than 3,100 lightning strikes, which sparked more than two dozen fires, most of which were small and quickly extinguished by firefighters who had been “positioned throughout the forest in anticipation of wildfires caused by lightning strikes,” according to the Forest Service.
“The Forest Service was able to catch all of them except this one,” Younger said of the Green fire. “That’s because this one was so inaccessible.”
Firefighters are gaining access to some areas that are unreachable by vehicle or foot by taking boats to more accessible areas and climbing in with their gear, Younger said. Fighting the blaze by air, she added, has been complicated because there is a thick tree canopy, and water cannot reach the fire burning in vegetation close to the ground.
Planes also have not been able to fly amid heavy smoke, fire officials said.
More than 1,400 firefighters were assigned to the blaze as of Monday. Two so-called Super Scooper airplanes — each of which can hold 1,600 gallons of water — arrived from Canada on Sunday, according to the Forest Service.
The Super Scoopers, which require a mile of open water to refill their onboard tanks, are expected to use multiple arms of Shasta Lake, which fills with recreational boaters during the peak summer tourist season.
“The physics involved in the contest between a fully loaded plane and recreational watercraft are unfortunate at best,” the Forest Service said in a statement asking boaters to avoid areas where firefighting aircraft were operating.
To the west, two blazes — the Butler and Red fires — were being managed by the same incident command team as the Orleans Complex fire.
The Butler fire, which was reported amid a lightning storm July 3, had burned roughly 8,156 acres in the Six Rivers and Klamath national forests and was completely uncontained as of Tuesday afternoon, Meznarich said.
The fire was burning between the tiny towns of Orleans and Forks of Salmon, the latter of which was, on Monday, under an evacuation warning issued by the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office.
It was burning within the 2024 Boise fire, the 2020 Salmon fire and the 2013 Butler fire footprints, according to the Forest Service.
Firefighters, some patrolling on boats, were working to keep the fire from jumping the Salmon River because areas east of it had not recently burned and had more dense vegetation, Meznarich said.
The 116-acre Red fire, which was 95% contained on Tuesday, was burning in the Siskiyou Wilderness in Del Norte County, Meznarich said. It started July 6.
In rural San Luis Obispo County, the massive Madre fire — the largest in California this year — was 91% contained as of Tuesday.
The Central Coast blaze began July 2 east of Santa Maria near the town of New Cuyama and has burned nearly 81,000 acres. As of Tuesday, 336 firefighters were battling the blaze.
Despite the decline, officials warned that more housing will be needed to continue the downward trend.LOS ANGELES, CA — The Greater Los Angeles region experienced a second consecutive year-over-year decline in people experiencing homelessness, according to figures released Monday, but authorities warned that more housing will be needed to continue the downward trend.The annual point-in-time homeless count showed there was a 4% decrease in homeless people across the county, while in the city of Los Angeles, there was a 3...
LOS ANGELES, CA — The Greater Los Angeles region experienced a second consecutive year-over-year decline in people experiencing homelessness, according to figures released Monday, but authorities warned that more housing will be needed to continue the downward trend.
The annual point-in-time homeless count showed there was a 4% decrease in homeless people across the county, while in the city of Los Angeles, there was a 3.4% drop, according to data released by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, which was created as a joint city-county organization overseeing funding and programming to address the homelessness crisis. Los Angeles County has since opted to pull funding from the agency and create its own homelessness department.
"Homelessness has gone down two years in a row because we chose to act with urgency and reject the broken status quote of leaving people on the street until housing was built," Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said in a statement responding to the latest numbers.
Data showed that unsheltered homelessness in the county declined by 9.5% in 2025 compared to the prior year, and it has dropped by 14% over the last two years. Additionally, there has been about an 8.5% increase of unhoused individuals entering interim housing, such as shelters and other forms of temporary housing.
In the city of L.A., unsheltered homelessness declined by 7.9% in 2025, and it has dropped by 17.5% over the last two years. LAHSA reported there has been a 4.7% increase in unhoused individuals entering temporary housing in the city.
The 2025 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count was conducted over the course of three days, Feb. 18-20, after it was postponed in January due to the devastating wildfires that ravaged areas of L.A. County and city.
LAHSA cited city and county initiatives such as Inside Safe and A Pathway Home for the decline in unsheltered homelessness. The agency also touted an increase in permanent housing placements, a record high of 27,994 in 2024, which has contributed to the positive results.
LAHSA noted that the region still needs more than 485,000 affordable housing units to meet the need in the region.
County Supervisors Lindsey Horvath, Kathryn Barger, and Hilda Solis hailed the homeless count results, and also noted that more work remains.
"But 72,308 people are still living without permanent shelter. We can, and must, do more," Horvath said in a statement. "At this pace, it would take three centuries to end homelessness in Los Angeles County. Every day, seven lives are being lost on our streets — an unacceptable reality that demands bold, coordinated action."
She noted that the county's new homelessness department will meet the urgency of the moment, adding that it is expected to "streamline services, break through bureaucracy, and deliver results across all 88 cities and unincorporated communities."
Solis and Barger echoed their colleague in statements issued Monday afternoon, which similarly noted that the new county entity will strengthen efforts to reduce homelessness.
Homelessness in the county in 2019 stood at 58,936 people, with the city of Los Angeles accounting for a majority of that figure with 35,550 individuals.
In the following years, homelessness ballooned across the L.A. region as a result of several factors, such as a lack of affordable housing and the coronavirus pandemic. The crisis reached its highest point in 2023 when LAHSA recorded 75,518 homeless people in the county with 46,260 of them in the city.
Elected officials and homeless service providers marked 2024 as a pivotal point when the annual homeless count showed the first decline — a slight decline — in homelessness. That year, LAHSA recorded 75,312 homeless people in the county with 45,252 of them in the city.
In 2025, those figures further dropped to 72,308 homeless people in the county, with about 43,669 of them in the city.
Across the region, there was a 12.6% decrease in various encampments on streets, LAHSA reported, meaning there was a reduction of people living in their cars, vans, recreational vehicles, tents and other makeshift shelters.
The city of Los Angeles experienced a similar reduction in temporary street encampments of about 13.5%. In 2024, LAHSA recorded 12,717 street dwellings compared to 11,010 of these structures in 2025.
The homeless count encompasses what is known as the Los Angeles Continuum of Care, covering most cities and unincorporated areas in the region except Pasadena, Glendale and Long Beach.
According to the 2025 Homeless Count, data continued to show a disproportionate number of Black people experiencing homelessness, while Latinos remain the largest ethnic group experiencing homelessness in the region.
Benjamin Henwood, director of the Homelessness Policy Research Institute at USC, told City News Service in a telephone interview there was a margin of error of about plus-or-minus 1,300 people, based on a 1.75 multiplier.
The USC team conducted a separate survey, during which members interviewed about 5,000 unsheltered people, who were encountered at randomly selected Census tracts through the county. Henwood said the margin of error comes from estimating the number of unsheltered people who live in those dwelling units.
"For most people seeing these numbers and seeing fewer people on the streets, and more people in shelters, is interpreted as a step in the right direction," Henwood told CNS.
"To be clear, and we have seen an overall decrease in numbers, which again is a positive sign, but shelter, in and of itself, is not a solution to homelessness," he added.
He emphasized that the homelessness crisis is challenging to address but he hoped that we will continue to make progress.
"I don't know that this should be regarded as a celebration of sorts, given the difficulties ahead, especially with the changing federal landscape," Henwood added.
The Trump administration has stated its intent to reduce federal funding for an initiative known as the Housing Choice Voucher Program, or Section 8, which helps low-income families, elderly people, veterans and disabled individuals afford housing.
At the state and county levels, due to budget constraints, funding for homeless services was also reduced.
Meanwhile, federal immigration enforcement activities are a cause for concern as well.
"...That could have an indirect impact, or really a direct impact on our homelessness rates, given how those ICE (U.S. Immigration Customs and Enforcement) raids affect the labor market," Henwood added. "So, that's also a big concern beyond just like the homeless service system."
By Jose Herrera, City News Service