URGENT UPDATE: Residents of Humboldt Street in Los Angeles are sounding the alarm over an escalating crisis as abandoned RVs have taken over their neighborhood. The situation has become dire, with reports of sewage, crime, and trash threatening the safety and health of the community.
Residents like Stacy Vierheilig, who owns a building filled with toys for underprivileged children, are fed up. She noted, “This is not OK,” as she described the pools of wastewater spilling from the rows of RVs that line both sides of the street. Just this week, her security cameras captured a man stealing copper wire from her air conditioning unit, highlighting the rampant crime associated with these vehicles.
The frustrations are compounded by the lack of safe passage for pedestrians, forcing many to walk in the street due to the RVs occupying the sidewalks. Gabriel Perez, a representative from St. Vincent de Paul, expressed concerns over nightly break-ins and the impact of drug-related activities, saying, “We are taking away from our mission to serve those in need.”
In response to these growing issues, Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez stated her office is prioritizing the situation. Recently, she voted against a new state law aimed at allowing the city to remove more RVs, raising the value threshold from $500 to $4,000 for removal. “I just didn’t want to give constituents the false hope that this is going to be the game changer around RVs in our city,” she explained.
Despite her concerns, the councilmember believes that securing funding for more homeless shelters may ultimately provide a solution. “I don’t have a timeline for when those RVs will not be on that street,” said Hernandez, emphasizing the need for alternative accommodations for those living in the RVs.
As residents take matters into their own hands, Vierheilig has fortified her property with an iron fence, and Perez confirmed that St. Vincent de Paul will follow suit. The urgency of the situation is underscored by the fact that while Hernandez opposed the resolution, it still passed and will go into effect next year.
Mayor Karen Bass’s office has described the new law as a “vital tool” for tackling RV encampments throughout Los Angeles. In a statement, the mayor’s office emphasized that this effort reflects a commitment to addressing the homelessness crisis, which has been neglected for decades.
As the community grapples with this growing issue, residents are determined to raise awareness and demand action. “We need help,” Vierheilig urged, as the impacts of the RV crisis continue to threaten the well-being of Humboldt Street and its residents.
The city is now faced with the challenge of implementing the new law while addressing the immediate concerns of those who live and work in the area. This situation is developing, and residents remain hopeful for a resolution that prioritizes their safety and community integrity.
Stay tuned for further updates as this situation unfolds and authorities work to find a solution.
