With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
Homeless Advocates Are Planning To Protest Tomorrow’s Echo Park Lake Clean-Up
Visitors pedal swan boats on Echo Park Lake. Andrew Cullen for LAist Andrew Cullen/Andrew Cullen for LAist
()
The city of L.A. is planning a clean-up at Echo Park Lake on Wednesday morning, which will occur in and around a homeless encampment that now includes approximately 60 residents. Protests are planned, with groups including the Democratic Socialists of America announcing their intent to show up at the park prior to the clean-up.
There have been a number of protests at the lake amid the evolving debate about how to best serve Los Angeles’ unhoused residents. In January, a similar clean-up at Echo Park Lake was met with protesters who blocked city vehicles and stood near tents.
In a statement, Councilmember Mitch O'Farrell’s office said that tomorrow’s action will be a “regular maintenance day to ensure safe accessibility of amenities for all park users, conduct outreach to those experiencing homelessness, and educate the public on the rules governed by the City Charter.”
In addition to clean-up crews, staff from the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority and L.A. Sanitation and Environment will be on hand.
Support for LAist comes from
Homeless sweeps have been the target of protests over the past year. Those who oppose them claim that they are ineffective and result in people’s belongings being lost, destroyed or confiscated.
KPCC/LAist will follow the story with a reporter on the scene Wednesday morning..
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Tens of thousands of workers across Southern California walk out over pay and staffing issues. -
People in and around recent burn scars should be alert to the risk of debris flows. Typical October weather will be back later this week. -
Jet Propulsion Laboratory leadership says the cuts amount to 11% of the workforce. -
The rock legend joins LAist for a lookback on his career — and the next chapter of his music. -
Yes, it's controversial, but let me explain. -
What do stairs have to do with California’s housing crisis? More than you might think, says this Culver City councilmember.
Best of LAist