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Policy Memo: Homelessness In Los Angeles

1075 Words5 Pages

To: Eric Garcetti, Mayor
From: Advisor
Date: September 5, 2017
Subject: Homeless Population and New Ordinances

POLICY MEMO: HOMELESSNESS IN LOS ANGELES
Summary:
Homelessness in the Los Angeles (LA) area has jumped to new records in recent years. This memo will evaluate new ordinances that affect this issue. As well as different perspectives on homeless encampments and the public health, safety risks, and financial funds.

Problem and Background Overview:
There has been a rise in the homeless population throughout the years. According to an annual tally conducted by Los Angeles County the number of people who are homeless went up 23% compared to last year; 57,794 people are homeless (Denkman, 2017).
With homelessness at an unprecedented high many feel that the quality of life is being threatened by crime and trash. Elaine Jenkins, a San Pedro resident, spoke about the issue at a City Council hearing where she expressed her concern about the homeless population residing in her neighborhood.

According to Jenkins (2015):
"I have found out that my homeless neighbors can move in and set up their shelters on the sidewalk outside of my house". They can drag up old mattresses, sofas and spread trash everywhere. They can use the streets as their public restroom."

Elaine Jenkin, is one …show more content…

James Otero issued a ban that prohibited city police and sanitation workers from “seizing and destroying homeless people’s property without sufficient notice” (Holland, 2016). With this ordinance Judge Otero gives the city the authority to confiscate or destroy crime evidence, hazardous material, and rat-infested property that may pose a risk. After this ordinance was passed and after a lawsuit was filed due to illegal confiscation by the city. The city passed a new ordinance which limited possessions to what fits in a 60- gallon trash bin (Holland, 2016). If this ordinance is not being followed then citations and arresting can

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