Court to consider $6.4M fine for LA’s alleged failure to reduce encampments

A push to compel Los Angeles officials to address the city’s homelessness crisis is underway, with the LA Alliance for Human Rights filing a forceful motion in federal court.

Scheduled for a March 4 hearing, the LA Alliance seeks a $6.4 million fine against the city for its handling of a settlement agreement aimed at reducing homeless encampments.

Growing concerns have arisen between City Council members and Mayor Karen Bass regarding her Inside Safe program’s allocation of $250 million for outreach and temporary housing.

Business owners and residents represented by the LA Alliance have called out the city for allegedly stalling and negotiating in bad faith. The LA Alliance, which represents business owners and residents, claims the city fell short on creating 5,190 beds for the homeless by the end of 2023 by only providing 2,810.

This comes at a time when disagreements surface about Inside Safe motel leases’ contribution to the city’s shelter commitment. Additionally, the geographical focus of Inside Safe encampment cleanups has become a contentious topic, allegedly favoring wealthier districts, according to some council members.

“The Alliance is committed to throwing some elbows to hold the city and county accountable … (and) unwilling to accept the complacency of our elected leaders when people continue to die on the streets and our communities struggle with the challenge of homelessness,” LA Alliance Executive Director Paul Webster said.

Recent tensions within the city’s leadership peaked when Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez and Councilman Kevin de León’s chief of staff intruded on a judge’s negotiation session.

The LA Alliance’s motion points to critical areas like Skid Row and Highland Park avenues, known for hazardous encampments, urging U.S. District Judge David Carter to demand the city produce cleanup plans.

The city’s slow response is particularly under scrutiny by Carter, who had conditionally approved the original settlements. Carter is expected to oversee the city and county’s progress in meeting their commitments.

The LA Alliance’s motion expresses frustration over the city’s delays, with the city initially promising to handle 12,000 instances of homelessness but later adjusting to moving 5,300 people from encampments.

The increasing homeless population, currently estimated at about 32,700 in the city and 55,200 in the county, and the city’s claim of housing 21,000 individuals, underline the severity of the crisis.

As reported by the Westside Current, MyNewsLA.com and the Los Angeles Times

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