LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) — An effort to recall Mayor Eric Garcetti by a group of residents upset over the dramatic increase in homelessness in Los Angeles was officially launched Wednesday.
A press conference was held by Alexandra Datig, the leader of the recall effort, on the steps of City Hall announcing the filing of a formal notice of intention with the city clerk and calling for Garcetti to step down over “failed leadership” on the homeless issue.
“Because of Eric Garcetti’s failed leadership, becoming homeless in Los Angeles has become a death sentence, for some. We ask that you accept your failure and that you step down,” said Datig.
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She cited a reported 75 percent increase in homelessness citywide over the last year. Dating also stated that for every 133 people housed, 155 more become homeless.
It’s unclear what data was being cited by Datig: data released earlier this month by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) cited a roughly 16 percent jump citywide in homelessness.
In order to have the recall effort certified, the group will need to collect nearly 315,000 signatures from registered Los Angeles voters.
“The homeless situation is in a state of emergency, and everything that we’ve done has not worked,” , the leader of the recall effort, told City News Service. “At this point, I think we need an intervention, and we need to recall this mayor.”
Datig created a website that posts news clips about the homelessness crisis in the city. She also uses the platform to outline the reasons she believes Garcetti should be removed from office.
