To the editor: The Times editorial board, Los Angeles Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky and Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, mistakenly believe that Los Angeles Municipal Code 48.18, the city's anti-camping law, is intended “somehow solve homelessness.” (“Release anti-camping law report now. Los Angeles needs to see the data,” editorial, March 6)
They fail to understand that the primary goal of 48.18 is to save vulnerable residents from the harmful effects of homeless encampments.
For example, in Venice, 41.18 keeps campers (some of whom openly shout obscenities or shoot drugs) away from children in our child care centers. The law prohibits people in tents, often with noise at night, from setting up under the windows of a senior living center.
And according to 48.18, the city eliminated a large “Skid Rose” crime and drug use-ridden encampment, which affected hundreds of residents in nearby homes for more than 10 years. This camp has not returned.
This law restores the quality of life for thousands of children, seniors, and residents of our neighborhoods, regardless of whether it pushes homeless people to accept shelter or not.
Mark Ryavec, Venice
The writer is president of the Venice Stakeholders Association.
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To the editor: While everyone is arguing about 41.18, here's what I know after two years of walking around Hollywood.
I am safer walking on the streets than on the sidewalks. I've seen a woman attacked walking through a campground, so I don't do that.
A large tent recently caught fire near Franklin Avenue; It once extended along the sidewalk from the fence to the street, preventing disabled access to the sidewalk, as do 99% of the encampments.
I walk to work on Franklin Avenue, to Trader Joe's on Vine Street, and to pick up my car at Santa Monica Boulevard and Gower Street. I have reported problems at the Hollywood police station and they have told me that they are not allowed into the camps.
So as city leaders continue to argue about 41.18 while people remain homeless and dying, I'll keep walking and remembering the 1980s, Children of the Night, and how Hollywood, in my memory, was a better place to live.
Oh, and I'll keep walking, hoping everyone at City Hall finally figures it out.
Susan Polifronio, Hollywood
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To the editor: The struggle to find an effective and enjoyable solution to the homeless encampment quagmire is very similar to the parable of the blind men who describe an elephant feeling only a specific part of the animal.
City and county leaders have some ideas, but no one has come up with a solution that addresses all aspects of the challenge. Meanwhile, encampments remain as widespread as ever despite millions of dollars spent.
It's time we got something for our money.
William Carroll, Carlsbad
