San Diego Mayor’s Replacement of Homelessness Czar Highlights Democrats’ Failure to Tackle the Issue
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria’s decision to replace Hafsa Kaka, the current homelessness czar who is leaving her post at the end of the week, is indicative of the ongoing struggle that Democrats face in addressing the city’s homelessness problem. Despite Kaka’s efforts to increase shelter beds and other service offerings, street homelessness has continued to rise in downtown and surrounding areas, reflecting the inadequacy of the regional homelessness response system.
Critics of Kaka’s tenure argue that she has not demonstrated the political acumen or expertise necessary for the role, despite her extensive experience in the homeless service industry. Her failure to directly answer City Council members’ questions, reliance on talking points, and involvement in the Housing Commission’s dispute over ending housing programs have further fueled dissatisfaction.
The move to replace Kaka comes on the heels of a recent city reorganization that placed the Homelessness Strategies and Solutions Department under the neighborhood services division, a decision that Gloria campaigned against but now supports as part of the new COO’s vision for interdepartmental collaboration.
While Gloria and the Democrats are quick to deflect blame for the city’s ongoing homelessness problem, it is clear that they have yet to effectively address the issue. The lack of progress underscores the need for voters to hold their elected officials accountable for their failure to address this pressing issue.
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