City Council/CCHA Act on Legal Notices and Homeless

With the closure and immediate resurrection of the local Triplicate newspaper last month, Crescent City officials have taken steps to ensure that residents remain informed about public notices and government actions. During Monday night’s meeting, the City Council introduced and approved Ordinance No. 858, establishing a new framework for posting official legal notices with The Triplicate still in operation without any interruption in publication betweeen the former owners and the new owner, Dan Schmidt, there will be no need of the new ordaniance.

The State of California allows municipalities to adopt alternative legal notice procedures when a community loses its adjudicated newspaper. Under the new Section 1.04.080, added to Crescent City’s General Provisions, legal notices may now be posted at City Hall, the Del Norte County Library, the County offices, and on both the City and County websites. State law currently required such noices to be published in a newspaper of general circulation in a nearby county.

City officials emphasized that the goal is to maintain public transparency and accessibility despite the loss of traditional newspaper publication. The ordinance ensures that residents can continue to access important information such as public hearings, ordinances, and bid announcements.

In the same meeting, the Crescent City Housing Authority announced the appointment of Daphne Cortese-Lambert as a representative and advocate for the city’s unhoused population. Her appointment aligns with the city’s ongoing efforts to reduce homelessness and provide direct access to support services.

Under the American Rescue Plan, HUD-funded vouchers will be available to assist qualifying individuals and families with rental and utility costs. These funds are intended to prevent homelessness by stabilizing housing for those most at risk.

According to Housing Authority officials, federal funds are projected to last through 2030, with the program officially ending in 2035. However, HUD estimates that current funding levels may only sustain voucher support through part of 2026, underscoring the need for continued local advocacy and resource development.

Residents seeking assistance must complete an application through the Crescent City Housing Authority to determine eligibility for the housing voucher program. Applicants will be notified within 10 days regarding their status, and processing may take up to 60 days before placement.

The Housing Authority also reaffirmed its commitment to reasonable accommodations for non-English speakers, people with disabilities, and seniors, ensuring that all members of the community can access vital housing resources.