This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
LA City Council sets new rules for dismantling homeless camps
Pieces of artificial turf and rugs surround a tent in the Arroyo Seco riverbed along the 110 Freeway on Tuesday morning, May 5, 2015.
(
File photo by Maya Sugarman/KPCC
)
The Los Angeles City Council has set new rules for breaking up homeless encampments and removing personal property left on sidewalks and in city parks.
The city currently gives 72 hours' notice before removing personal items. The new measures will cut that to 24 hours, and the belongings will be stored for 90 days.
Gil Cedillo, a member of the council’s new homelessness committee, gave the lone opposition in Tuesday’s 14-1 vote.
“Why put our energies on strategies that we know don't work? We've received a report from our [City Administrative Officer] that says we've spent over $100 million addressing the homeless issue in our city,” Cedillo said. “Eighty-five percent of that money was spent on law enforcement, yet we know over the last year the homeless count has increased… We're on the wrong track.”
The councilman said that the city doesn’t have the capacity to implement changes that will triple the amount of properties taken to storage facilities without more staff and additional lockers.
Cedillo added, "None of us want the city to be a city of encampments, but I think there's other ways to address that."
The new rules will be on the agenda at an L.A. City Council meeting on Thursday.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
