Residents in a West Los Angeles neighborhood say repeated disruptive behavior by homeless people and acts of vandalism have left them living in fear and uncertainty. Homeowner Sasan Nejati said the problem has worsened over the years and is now happening about once a week.[1]
Nejati said he stepped outside Monday morning to walk his dog and found a homeless woman sleeping on his front porch under a blanket. After he asked her to leave and she ignored him, he called police. Before officers arrived, he said, the woman walked to his parked car and threw a rock at it, causing more than $1,000 in damage.[1]
Nejati said his home security cameras have also captured people showering with an outdoor hose, charging electronic devices from an outlet in his driveway and lingering around the property, including knocking on the door. He said he has called police several times, but delayed response times have often made those calls ineffective.[1]
Nearby resident Christopher Scott said he regularly sees homeless people acting erratically in the street, including yelling and walking in the middle of the road, and said the situation has raised serious safety concerns for children. Some residents say they understand the complexity of homelessness, but are frustrated that they do not feel safe in their own homes and are considering moving.[1]
The city of Los Angeles said it is aware of the situation and has sent homeless outreach teams to the area to investigate and consider next steps.[1]
