Areta Crowell: Behavioral Health Leader
In 1967, the California Legislature overwhelmingly approved the Lanterman Petris Short Act, which sped the emptying of state hospitals. Areta Crowell lived the origin story of that landmark law. Her job was to implement the law in Los Angeles County.
She went on to become director of mental health departments in San Diego and Los Angeles Counties and for a time in Ventura County. In this oral history interview, she tells the story from the ground up about how that law worked and didn’t work.
In retirement, she focused on helping fill one of the main voids—housing for people who have been chronically homeless in her Pasadena where she lives. She sat down with veteran journalist Dan Morain for an extensive interview as part of the Open California Oral History Project. This program was made possible by a grant from the California State Library. The interview was conducted at her home, which has a view of the area burned by Eaton Fire of January 2025.
This program was made possible by a grant from the California State Library. This interview has been edited for clarity and continuity.
In three parts.
Transcript for Part III