Tensions over homelessness continue to rise in the Valley

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Podcasts Take Two

Aug 1, 2017

Listen • 4:42

Tensions over homelessness continue to rise in the Valley

Tensions are mounting in the valley when it comes to the growing homeless population. We take a closer look at what’s going on and the state of Angeleno attitudes.

A man pushes a shopping cart full of his belongings in Los Angeles on December 2, 2015. While the national homeless population declined over the previous year by 2 percent, according to federal data figures released in November, the homeless population in Los Angeles County increased by over 20 percent with a 28 percent increase on people living outdoors. AFP PHOTO / FREDERIC J. BROWN / AFP / FREDERIC J. BROWN (Photo credit should read FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images)

Tensions are mounting in the valley when it comes to the growing homeless population. We take a closer look at what’s going on and the state of Angeleno attitudes.

If you're planning on traveling through the Valley tonight, be advised...two big marches will be taking place along Ventura Blvd in Woodland Hills.

One hopes to raise awareness about "criminal panhandling in West San Fernando Valley," The other is a protest against what organizers see as an effort to criminalize homelessness in the area.

It's the culmination of tensions that have been mounting around the Valley's growing homeless population. L.A. daily news reporter, Elizabeth Chou, has been writing about it. She spoke with A Martinez about the Valley's shifting attitudes towards its growing homeless population.

To listen to the segment, click the blue play button above.