Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
Echo Park Lake Encampment: The Latest On The Fight Against City Plans To Clear The Park
Protesters block Glendale Boulevard near Echo Park Lake on Wednesday night. (Frank Stoltze/LAist)
()
Early Thursday morning, city councilman Mitch O'Farrell issued a statement that said the city "has started the process of closing Echo Park, beginning with numerous intersections and freeway ramps around the facility. They are now closed to vehicular and pedestrian traffic to protect public safety while crews begin the installation of the fence around the park."
LAPD and city officials now say all unhoused people living at Echo Park Lake must leave by 10:30 tonight.
More than 100 tents once stood in the park. Some living at the park have accepted the city’s offer of a 60-day stay at a hotel. Others are pushing back.
Last night, about 300 unhoused people and their supporters faced off with riot police who came to help the city begin to erect fences around the park.
Support for LAist comes from
A group of #LAPD cars just drove up to the crowd on Glendale then reversed. Protesters claimed victory. Likely a short lived one. @LAist @eedugdale pic.twitter.com/hBRKbGylwK
— Frank Stoltze (@StoltzeFrankly) March 25, 2021
One of those who was protesting city plans to clear the park and shut down the encampment was Jack Allison, 35, who lives in the neighborhood.
“I think that the community they built here at Echo Park Lake is a beautiful thing," Allison said. "There’s a community garden and there’s people helping other people. And you know I visit the park pretty often. I walk the dog here. There’s nothing dangerous about it. So long as you are willing to build space.”
Our politics reporter Libby Denkmann will have the latest from the park this morning.
READ MORE
- FULL COVERAGE: Echo Park Lake Homeless Community Forced Out: What We Know So Far
- Echo Park Lake Encampment: Protesters Clash With LAPD As A Deadline To Leave The Park Is Issued
- Echo Park Lake Homeless Community On Park Closure: 'This Won't Be Easy'
- The Echo Park Lake Homeless Community Is Bracing For The City To Clear The Park
Our news is free on LAist. To make sure you get our coverage: Sign up for our daily newsletters. To support our non-profit public service journalism: Donate Now.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
After rising for years, the number of residential installations in the city of Los Angeles began to drop in 2023. The city isn’t subject to recent changes in state incentives, but other factors may be contributing to the decline. -
The L.A. City Council approved the venue change Wednesday, which organizers say will save $12 million in infrastructure costs.
-
Taxes on the sale of some newer apartment buildings would be lowered under a plan by Sacramento lawmakers to partially rein in city Measure ULA.
-
The union representing the restaurant's workers announced Tuesday that The Pantry will welcome back patrons after suddenly shutting down six months ago.
-
If approved, the more than 62-acre project would include 50 housing lots and a marina less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow's famous nest overlooking the lake.
-
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.
Best of LAist