A notorious homeless encampment at one of the busiest intersections in Westwood is back after city crews cleared it several times, underscoring what neighbors describe as a persistent cleanup-and-return cycle.
A notorious homeless encampment at one of the busiest intersections in Westwood is back after city crews cleared it several times, underscoring what neighbors describe as a persistent cleanup-and-return cycle.
When crews swept the area last month, the site was cleared of tents and debris. But within hours, people had returned. Nearby residents say that pattern has repeated several times since.On Monday night, multiple people were seen sleeping at the intersection near Santa Monica Boulevard and Westwood Boulevard. Trash and items including bottles, furniture, scrap metal and other debris were scattered around the sidewalk."I mean, we’ve been here. We haven’t left yet," said Larry, who said he has lived on the street for about five years.Another man, Derek, said people continue coming back because they feel safer there.SUGGESTED: Neighbors raise public safety concerns along Western Avenue amid encampments, prostitution"It’s the safest place to be where you’re not disturbing the front of a business," he said.Both men said they’ve been offered shelter in the past. Derek said offers are frequent but declined them, while Larry said he prefers to stay outside to help others living on the street.Neighbors and workers nearby say the situation has become increasingly concerning."It’s turning into a nightmare, really," said Paul Spurrier, who lives and works in the area. "It’s like wow, welcome to L.A. This is supposed to be one of the nicer areas."During reporting at the scene, a person appeared to be sleeping beneath a patio umbrella belonging to a nearby Peet's Coffee location. Trash, food containers and what looked like a makeshift weapon made from plant material were also visible.City crews are expected to clear the area again, though neighbors say encampments often return shortly afterward.A spokesperson for Katy Yaroslavsky said the council office is working on signage that would designate the intersection a no-camping zone. Once signs are installed, officials say enforcement could begin.
Ca Los Angeles County La Los Angeles County Westwood News Homeless Crisis
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
LAFC, Inter Miami Smash Records in MLS Opener As Son, Messi Face OffThe famous Los Angeles Coliseum was the setting as new ground was broken.
Read more »
Inter Miami Player Ratings vs. LAFC: A Shocking Debut Paints Worrying PictureThe Herons opened the 2026 MLS season in the worst way possible.
Read more »
4 Takeaways From LAFC's MLS Season Opening Win Over Lionel Messi, Inter MiamiIt wasn't a pretty sight for Lionel Messi and Inter Miami, who got a first-hand look at a stacked LAFC team that will challenge them for the MLS Cup title.
Read more »
The Bride Wore a Family Heirloom Veil for Her Wedding at a Historic Los Angeles MansionWriter Meg Zukin wore Vivienne Westwood and a 1930s-era family heirloom veil to marry therapist John Ghadar at the Paramour Estate in Los Angeles.
Read more »
BART Transbay Tube shutdown caused by RV fire at homeless encampment that damaged cables near West Oakland stationSunday's extended closure of the Transbay Tube was caused by a fire that damaged communication cables, Bay Area Rapid Transit officials say.
Read more »
RV fire shuts down BART’s Transbay Tube, raising encampment-related concernsAn RV fire near the West Oakland station damaged critical cables, forcing an hours-long shutdown of the Transbay Tube Sunday.
Read more »