The homelessness problem in Los Angeles keeps growing.
Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez from the Democratic Socialists of America has pushed a policy decision through City Council allowing homeless people to set up encampments at sites that were previously cleared by law enforcement.
Homeless people will be allowed to return to popular locations such as Barnsdall Art Park, the Hollywood Recreation Center, Las Palmas Senior Citizen Center, Madison West Park and areas around freeway and roadway crossings while restrictions around schools will remain in place.
Before the move, people were banned from sitting, sleeping, lying down or storing belongings in designated public areas. After the Los Angeles City Council voted 10-3 on the motion, anti-camping restrictions in Soto-Martinez’s District 13 are now lifted.
District 13 borders the city’s Koreatown where locals complained about a massive homeless encampment stealing their electricity last year.
Over 94 percent of citizens in Los Angeles County view homelessness as a serious problem in their community.
People in the City of Angels are furious about Soto-Martinez’s decision as California has become the epicenter of America’s homeless crisis. Thousands of Angelenos have fled Hollywood in the past months blaming high rents and crime-ridden streets.
Comments under the politician’s announcement post accused him of ‘destroying Hollywood’ and being ‘disrespectful’ to people who ‘want clean and safe streets.’
Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez from the Democratic Socialists of America has pushed a policy decision through City Council allowing homeless people to set up encampments at sites that were previously cleared by law enforcement
People in the City of Angels are furious about the decision, accusing Soto-Martinez of ‘destroying Hollywood.’ A homeless camp in LA is seen here in August 2025
One angry local wrote: ‘How about respecting people who live by society’s rules, pay taxes, and accept housing when offered and necessary.
‘It’s disrespectful for us to want clean and safe streets and parks but NOT disrespectful for these people to refuse assistance and instead make public areas their own homes, drug dens and toilets?’
Another added: ‘Parks are for the community to enjoy + for children to enjoy and be safe. NOT for camping!!!!!!!!!!!!’
Just last month, reports showed that Los Angeles County’s homelessness crisis has surged.
Data from USA Facts shows that the homeless count in Los Angeles reached a total of more than 67,000 people.
Only about one-third of those people are living in emergency shelters, transitional housing or safe havens.
In comparison, over 96 percent of New York City‘s homeless population is sheltered.
Los Angeles’ homeless population has been growing since the pandemic, as the city’s housing market continued to struggle with high demand and limited affordable housing options.
When the city’s Covid-era relief funds and emergency help expired, many neighborhoods experienced an overwhelming increase in homeless camps.
Commercial real estate analyst Dom Tordjmann has lived in Los Angeles County for over 24 years. He told the Daily Mail: ‘I was just hanging out with my friends in El Segundo the other day and we passed by a homeless guy sleeping in a shop.
‘It’s almost like the sand and the water – there is no escaping.’
Councilwoman Traci Park was one of the three people who voted to keep the anti-camping restrictions in place.
‘We have spent billions on homeless housing and services, and our constituents have been incredibly generous,’ Park said. ‘They have every right to expect something in return.’
Comments under Soto-Martinez’s announcement post raise concerns over public safety
Locals were not happy with Hugo Soto-Martinez’s decision to lift restrictions on anti-encampment regulations
Only about one-third of the more than 67,000 homeless people in Los Angeles are living in emergency shelters, transitional housing or safe havens
Councilwomen Imelda Padilla (left) and Traci Park (right) were two of the three voices who voted against Soto-Martinez’s motion raising concerns about the potential influx of homeless people in popular LA neighborhoods and residential areas
Homeless people will be allowed to return to popular locations such as Barnsdall Art Park, the Hollywood Recreation Center, Las Palmas Senior Citizen Center and Madison West Park
Global tourist attractions like Venice Beach have become infamous spots for homeless encampments
Park represents part of the Westside district that includes Venice Beach, a global tourist attraction which has turned into one of the most infamous homeless spots in Los Angeles.
One of the other councilwomen who opposed the vote, Imelda Padilla, said the homelessness crisis was unfair to working-class homeowners who deserve to feel safe in their own neighborhoods, the California Post reported.
‘In communities like mine, communities of color, communities where people have worked so hard to be able to become homeowners, I don’t think it’s fair that they can’t hang out in their front yard or keep things in their front yard, because there are so many people walking up and down over the influx of homeless folks,’ Padilla said.
The decision from Tuesday is set. Once the action is processed, the affected sites will no longer carry the location-specific restrictions, making it easier for homeless people to set up tents and live in the parks within Soto-Martinez’s district.
