Date: November 7, 2025

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Arcadia Safety Guardians (ASG) is committed to promoting transparency, accountability, and responsible development within our community. In pursuit of these principles, ASG is pleased to announce the engagement of Mr. Jerome Champion, former Multifamily Housing Director at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Los Angeles Field Office, as a consultant to our organization.

 

Mr. Champion brings extensive public service experience, having led a team of 81 professionals who delivered multifamily development, credit enhancement, and asset management services across Southern California, an area serving nearly 25 million residents. His expertise includes advising nonprofits, foundations, and public agencies in structuring public-private partnerships and designing financing programs for affordable and workforce housing.

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​​Mr. Champion will assist ASG in the following areas:

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• Investigating funding sources and allocations for the Live Oak Apartments project, including potential funding from the Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA), the No Place Like Home program, and Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC).

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• Engaging directly with the Los Angeles County Supervisor’s Office and related agencies to clarify voucher programs and oversight responsibilities.

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• Monitoring ongoing federal and local investigations involving the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) and other entities accused of financial mismanagement, nepotism, and improper record handling.

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• Mr. Champion will not receive direct compensation from ASG. In lieu of payment, donations will be made on his behalf to two charitable organizations of his choice:

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1. Cathedral High School

2. The National Football Foundation – Pasadena/San Gabriel Chapter

Context and Background

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Recent federal actions underscore the urgent need for stronger oversight in public housing and homelessness initiatives. In October 2025, federal prosecutors charged two Los Angeles developers with misappropriating over $50 million in public funds intended for homelessness programs. Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Justice established the Homelessness Fraud and Corruption Task Force to investigate waste, fraud, and abuse in taxpayer-funded housing efforts.

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As U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli stated:

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“California has spent more than $24 billion over the past five years to address homelessness. Yet officials have been unable to account for all expenditures, and the crisis has only worsened. Taxpayers deserve answers.”

 

These remarks mirror the concerns raised by Arcadia residents seeking accountability in the proposed housing development at 4217 East Live Oak Avenue.

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About the Live Oak Apartments Project

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Formerly known as Elara Arcadia, the Live Oak Apartments Project was originally proposed as a 95-unit development, including:

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• 48 units designated for low-income households

• 45 units for permanent supportive housing targeting individuals experiencing homelessness and mental health challenges.​

 

According to recent updates published by the project developer, Affirmed Housing, all 95 units are now expected to be reserved for very-low-income families who have experienced homelessness.

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Affirmed Housing representatives attended the Arcadia City Council meeting in November 2024, but provided limited details and did not respond to numerous resident inquiries. Following that meeting, ASG launched the “Stop Elara” campaign after more than 1,800 residents signed a petition calling for transparency, accountability, and meaningful public engagement.

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Our Continuing Mission

 

Since November 2024, ASG has remained dedicated to ensuring that community voices are heard and respected. Through resident contributions, we have continued outreach efforts that include:

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• Hosting volunteer meetings

• Printing and distributing flyers, posters, yard signs, and banners

• Promoting civic awareness among Arcadia residents, schools, and local businesses

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With Mr. Champion’s leadership and expertise, Arcadia Safety Guardians will continue to pursue full transparency regarding the Live Oak Apartments project and related public funding decisions.

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Commitment to the Community

 

ASG stands united for responsible development, ethical governance, and the protection of Arcadia’s residents and neighborhoods. Together, we affirm our shared commitment to integrity, safety, and truth in public service.