Parents in South Los Angeles are expressing serious concerns about a hazardous homeless encampment located near an elementary school. A mother of two was reportedly seized by a homeless individual right on the street and pulled into a tent.
Karen Gutierrez detailed the frightening reality that parents and children face due to the encampment’s closeness to 61st Street Elementary School.
“A parent came to the school, and as she was walking with her two kids, one of the homeless individuals grabbed her and pulled her into a tent,” Gutierrez shared. City officials, according to Gutierrez, seem to be ignoring the issue without any long-term solutions.
The elementary school, part of the Los Angeles Unified School District, is just a block away from a freeway underpass where numerous homeless individuals often camp.
Gutierrez pointed out the distressing items that children encounter on their way to class, including drug paraphernalia and discarded condoms.
“There were broken pipes and many used condoms,” Gutierrez recounted.
Another local resident described the environment as dangerously unsafe.
“People are having sex in their cars, and once they’re done, they toss the used condoms right onto the sidewalk or road. This is where children have to walk to school,” Omar Ramos said.
Ramos has been in touch with the city, which claimed to have cleaned up the area, but it quickly reverted to its previous state.
“I’ve been communicating with the 9th Ward Council and the schools since 2021, looking for a permanent solution. And what’s come from them? Absolutely nothing,” Ramos remarked.
“They’ll come back within an hour,” Gutierrez added. “Some say they’re just waiting for it to be cleaned up before returning. It’s truly alarming.”
District 9 City Councilor Karen Price Jr.’s office acknowledged the problem, stating they are actively trying to manage the situation with ongoing cleanups, though residents assert that it tends to revert back almost immediately.
“We’re taking additional steps to provide lasting relief. Our office is preparing to file Motion 41.18, which is aimed at protecting the area around the school. We’re also working on installing surveillance cameras to prevent illegal dumping and hold offenders accountable,” the statement mentioned.
Moreover, it’s clear that keeping students safe is a top priority. A spokesperson from the Los Angeles Unified School District emphasized their understanding of the community’s concerns and their commitment to working with city partners for improvements, even though they don’t control the sidewalks outside the schools.
