I'm not sure about the exact history, but I think Ronald Reagan closed the state mental hospitals, because they were filled about 200% capacity. If you were nuts, California had a nice climate for wandering loons.
https://www.kqed.org/news/11209729/...tal-hospitals-contribute-to-homelessness-here
By the 60's modern life was overwhelming some parts of the population who couldn't or wouldn't maintain. Add decades of alcohol and drug abuse, and the issues multiplied.
I spent some lovely times in San Francisco, and a chunk of money doing all the fun things. I wouldn't go there now without rubber gloves, a loaded pistol, and a can of Lysol.
https://www.kqed.org/news/11209729/...tal-hospitals-contribute-to-homelessness-here
By the 60's modern life was overwhelming some parts of the population who couldn't or wouldn't maintain. Add decades of alcohol and drug abuse, and the issues multiplied.
I spent some lovely times in San Francisco, and a chunk of money doing all the fun things. I wouldn't go there now without rubber gloves, a loaded pistol, and a can of Lysol.