The Brentwood Community Council Issued This Update In Their Latest Email
By Dolores Quintana
The Brentwood Community Council has given an update about the two encampments of unhoused people in Brentwood.
The encampments situated near the VA and in the Wilshire/Westgate area have garnered significant attention from concerned citizens and local authorities alike. Acknowledging the importance of addressing these encampments and the issues they pose, the community and government agencies are collaborating to find solutions that benefit all stakeholders involved.
Regarding the encampment near the VA, community members and authorities are actively engaged in monitoring the situation. Recognizing the impact on the unhoused individuals and nearby residents and businesses, community members have proactively shared their concerns via emails sent to info@bcc90049.org. The collective effort of keeping the lines of communication open ensures that the situation is thoroughly assessed and addressed.
The appearance of an RV at the encampment earlier this week raised attention. Though not utilized as living quarters, the RV encroached upon the right of way. Prompt actions were taken, and the RV received citations for its infringement. Subsequently, it departed from the location by Thursday. As of Friday afternoon, it had not returned, indicating a proactive response to community concerns.
Managing this encampment falls within the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. The County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath’s Office and the LA County Sheriff’s Office play vital roles in addressing issues on County land. To ensure effective communication, community members are encouraged to reach out to County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath’s field representative, Zac Gaidzik, at zgaidzik@bos.lacounty.gov.
Incidents involving illegal activities are under the purview of the LA Sheriff’s West Hollywood Station, reachable at 310-855-8850. Emergencies are best reported to 911, while LAPD should be contacted when unlawful activities cross over to the City side. The Senior Lead Officer can also be informed at 34713@lapd.online.
Community collaboration is essential for addressing homelessness effectively. The VA has been actively involved in conducting regular outreach at the encampment, with efforts to move veterans indoors and provide them with assistance.
Efforts to resolve these challenges extend to government officials, who have received requests for intervention. Updates on these efforts will be shared with the community as more information becomes available. The community can visit the organization’s website under the Homeless Resources section for further resources on addressing homelessness.
Shifting focus to the Wilshire/Westgate encampment, a Care+ cleanup was carried out on Monday. This approach involves prior notification to campers, offering social outreach services, and sanitizing the area. The cleanup efforts have resulted in a clear and camper-free area as of August 4, 2023. The commendable leadership of City Councilwoman Traci Park and her team, including Field Representative Michael Amster, played a pivotal role in orchestrating the cleanup. Their dedication to addressing the encampment and ensuring public access to sidewalks while extending support to campers demonstrates the collaborative spirit driving local solutions.
