LA Times Spotlights UMK Client, Efty Sharony, and Her Whistleblower Complaint against CalHHS

Creator: Robert Gauthier | Credit: Los Angeles Times | Copyright: 2024 Los Angeles Times

On June 30, 2023, Efrat Sharony, former Office of Youth and Community Restoration Ombudswoman, was fired by CalHHS without cause.

As of May 18, 2025, her story is finally public.

“‘The first ombudsperson was someone who was widely known and respected as a veteran stakeholder in the juvenile system here in L.A.,” said Jerod Gunsberg, a veteran criminal defense attorney who represents juveniles. “Then after that, the ombudsperson is removed from her position, and we’ve never heard anything again here in L.A.’”