The creation of counties in California dates back to the state’s early days, with 27 counties expanding to 58 over 57 years in response to a growing population and the need for services. California counties have evolved to manage a variety of health and welfare programs, becoming both state agents and local service providers, leading to conflicts and tensions with cities.
In Los Angeles, the issue of homelessness has exacerbated these tensions, with city and county officials squabbling over responsibility for decades. Recently, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted to pull out of a joint agency with the city and create its own department to address homelessness, further straining relations.
The ongoing rivalry between city and county officials highlights the need for a statewide reconfiguration of responsibilities to address 21st-century realities and reduce friction. Despite calls for a rational response to address these issues, a resolution seems unlikely, leading to continued discord between local governments.
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