9/4/2021- 9:52 a.m.
Los Angles – The new law bars homeless encampments in specific areas, such as parks and near schools. However, the details of the new ordinance are still being worked out and now are on hold.
Hoping to quell a rising tide of homeless encampments that have become a political lightning rod in the city, a City Council anti-camping ordinance went into effect today. The selection and processing of the areas where such encampments will be banned has yet to be determined. Moreover, outreach teams to the area homeless will be required to talk to the affected campers before citing them.
Major encampments at Venice Beach and Echo Park Lake have drawn widespread attention, as have lesser camps in Los Feliz and under freeway underpasses. At least one City Councilperson, Nithya Raman, is the subject of a recall effort for her perceived lack of action on homeless issues in her district.
Those details mean the impact of the new law isn’t going to be apparent for some time. Still, its implementation is yet another step in quelling growing community outrage at a seemingly out of control problem that has taken over many parts of the city.
“Today’s action will ensure sidewalks are passable, fire hydrants are accessible, doorways and driveways are clear,” Councilman Joe Buscaino added in a statement. “This a great step in the right direction, but I still don’t think this ordinance is enough. We must still pass a law that says you cannot camp on the sidewalk if you have been offered housing.”
“This ordinance establishes fair and clearly defined rules for how sidewalks in Los Angeles are regulated — while linking those rules to a comprehensive, compassionate strategy for street engagement that will establish reasonable pathways to positive outcomes and, ultimately, permanent homes,” O’Farrell said.
