Edelman looks to put plans into action
CITY HALL — What was first envisioned as a temporary, one-year position could become permanent as the City Council looks to extend the contract of homeless czar Ed Edelman.
In a budget report to the council dated May 15, City Manager Lamont Ewell recommended retaining the services of Edelman for an additional year. That would allow Edelman, whose official title is special representative for homeless initiatives, to finish projects currently underway, including the most daunting of tasks — convincing more municipalities to step up and do their fair share when it comes to housing the homeless.
If Edelman’s contract is extended for one year and his salary remains the same, his services over the two-year period will cost City Hall $400,000. Edelman said he is happy with his current salary and said he would not ask for a raise.
“I think this is absolutely the right thing to do,” said Councilman Richard Bloom when asked about his support for the extension. “The fact of the matter is, he’s just getting started. He has a lot of work left to do. I think if we weren’t seeing changing attitudes in communities around Southern California (regarding homelessness), I might feel otherwise.”
What’s been the primary problem according to many people in Santa Monica is the failure by neighboring communities to help bear the burden in funding social service programs.
Edelman, a former Los Angeles County supervisor and most recently a mediator for dispute resolution, has been charged with bringing regional cohesiveness to the growing homeless problem, particularly on the Westside. He’s been tapping those who are closest to the issue, finding out what their issues are and what their proposed solutions to getting homeless individuals off the streets so they can become functioning members of society.
Edelman, who helped create the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), said he welcomes the contract extension.
“Once I start something, I’d like to get it finished and get something accomplished,” Edelman said. “So, I’m pleased with the staff recommendation, because when dealing with homelessness, things don’t happen overnight.”
Councilmembers said the money is worth it because Edelman brings with him the experience needed to get the job done, not to mention a pretty impressive Rolodex.
“I think we’re already seeing the benefits of his work,” Mayor Bob Holbrook said.“We are starting to see funding fall into place, with more cities pitching in. He’s really gotten the ball rolling, and that’s truly important. He has the political savvy and the knowledge to be able to access different people in government and get decision makers to listen.”
One of those decision makers is Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky, who said, “When Ed calls, you pick up the phone. That’s a tremendous asset to Santa Monica.”
Knowing people and getting things done are two different things, Edelman says, which is why he has spent much of his time behind the scenes, holding meetings with elected officials to see if a regional solution can be developed. He also has been lobbying for the creation of a court for homeless individuals who violate municipal codes in Santa Monica and an expanded drug court in downtown Los Angeles, both of which are intended to help the homeless deal with their legal troubles while simultaneously signing up for services to keep them out of trouble.
On top of that, Edelman has held meetings with those who host food lines for the homeless to see if they can hold the feedings at locations approved by City Hall. That would protect food quality while linking homeless to services, city officials said.
Edelman said he is working with Councilman Bobby Shriver on establishing housing for homeless veterans at the Veterans Administration in West LA. He also is involved in the reorganization of LAHSA, with hopes of expanding its reach to include cities such as Santa Monica. Currently, LAHSA serves the city and county of Los Angeles, but not individual cities in the county.
“I’ve got a lot on my plate, but we’ve got our foot in the door,” Edelman said. “We need to get more of the body in there and get something done as a result. Talk is cheap. Action is what counts.”
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on May 31, 2006. Read the original PDF.