Brentwood Homelessness Update
The following is an update from the Brentwood Community Council’s Brentwood Task Force on Homelessness.
Update on Outreach & Available Housing Within West LA VA System
- VA Beds Available: 1883
- VA Beds Occupied: 1139
- Outreach Visits from VA, County or Other Providers to San Vicente since June 11: 37
- Number of All Veterans Entering the Safe Camping Program since June 11: 18
- Number of Veterans From San Vicente Sidewalk Entering VA Housing or Treatment Program since June 10: 2
- Number of Homeless on San Vicente Sidewalk as of July 1: 38
Los Angeles Sheriff Department (LASD) Cleanup for San Vicente Sidewalk Encampment?
LASD is working on a date and process for San Vicente, which would include extensive notice and social services, while dealing with lack of sidewalk access and Federally mandated ADA required access. The County has no law prohibiting camping on County sidewalk at this time – this policy is one of several County policies at issue in the current Federal lawsuit (lawsuit update at this link). Please Note: A San Vicente sidewalk clean up is a start, not a solution. Under current County policy, homeless persons can refuse services and remain on the sidewalk.
A County sidewalk policy change is unlikely unless the 2022 election changes the prevailing opinion of the County Board of Supervisors, or a County ballot measure is introduced and passed, or the current Federal litigation is settled. A County ballot measure hasn’t received much traction due to the expected cost to pass such a measure – well over $3M – and, if passed, it could well end up in Court and not implemented.
Enhanced Private Security Patrols
Enhanced foot patrols and installation of additional cameras are being priced out and will focus on key private commercial and residential locations in Brentwood based on crime data. A new chamber of commerce is being formed as the contracting entity. More details will follow as they become available, however, the security patrols will focus on trespassing, fire-setting, arson, loitering and panhandling on private property, as well as monitoring cleanliness and collaboration with LAPD as needed. This is being put in place as quickly as possible.
