Local and state officials to talk on rehab homes

Newport Beach kicks off a day-long conference this morning on drug and alcohol recovery facilities and group homes, and a full house is expected.

City officials had to cut off registration at about 280 people for the event at the Newport Beach Radisson Hotel. The program includes panel discussions on state and federal laws that restrict regulation of group homes, past and present bills to change state law so cities have more control, and best practices for cities and operators of group homes.

Newport Beach residents have put increasing pressure on the city to regulate the recovery homes, which they say can be bad neighbors. They also worry about the concentration of recovery facilities in residential neighborhoods.

Panelists at the conference will include Newport Beach City Atty. Robin Clauson, representatives of the state Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs, and state legislators.

“We’re really excited about the response from other cities and from other government agencies, and we look forward to working with the other government officials to find a balanced solution,” Newport Beach contract attorney Cathy Wolcott said.

A major goal of the conference is to build support for about 10 bills addressing group homes or recovery homes that are new this legislative session.