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Housing & Homelessness

Hermosa Beach expands camping ban to all public areas

A city street lined with palm trees and colorful businesses. The sky is mostly clear and blue.
A row of bars and restaurants in Hermosa Beach in 2020.
(
Apu Gomes
/
AFP via Getty Images
)

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Topline:

Camping is now banned in all Hermosa Beach public areas in a move that will essentially make it illegal for unhoused people to sleep in those areas overnight.

Why it matters: Citing last year’s Supreme Court decision in Grants Pass v. Johnson, Mayor Dean Francois said in a statement that the city has more enforcement options to make sure Hermosa Beach stays a "safe and sanitary environment" for everyone. He added that they’ll continue to help unhoused people seek shelter.

Why now: The Hermosa Beach City Council voted to expand the ban during Tuesday’s meeting.

The backstory: Camping was previously only banned on the beach, parks and the Strand walkway.

What's next: Citations issued under the new ordinance — which can lead to fines or even jail time — can be dismissed by the city manager if a diversion program is completed or services are accepted.

Read more …about the Supreme Court decision and SoCal cities.

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