The Brief

SANTA MONICA, Calif. - A controversial proposal to establish mental health housing on Ocean Avenue has been temporarily halted following significant community opposition. The plan, first reported by FOX 11 last week , would provide 49 beds for individuals with severe mental health issues in two facilities on the high-end street.

Residents packed a Santa Monica City Council meeting Tuesday, prepared to voice concerns over the project. However, just an hour before the meeting, Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath announced the project’s pause in a press release, citing the need for "more robust community engagement."

"No one told the community. We asked if the residents were violent, and we got no answers," said Charlie Loventhal, who lives near the proposed site.

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