Opposition to Homeless Encampment Clearances in Venice
A Socialist Party city councilor is leading opposition against a proposal, which has the backing of the current mayor, aimed at clearing homeless encampments in violence-prone areas.
As reported by the California Post, Democratic Los Angeles City Council member Nithya Raman voted against Councilwoman Tracy Park’s motion to designate Venice as a no-camping zone. Local residents expressed their dissatisfaction with Raman’s stance, especially as she is running against Democratic Mayor Karen Bass. One resident recounted a troubling incident, stating, “It was just crazy. I saw a man get shot across the street,” during an interview with KTTV’s Matthew Seedorf.
Park, who represents the area, criticized the decision by pointing out, “These are people who have been presented with alternatives over and over again and have chosen to continue camping on the streets.”
Police records last year indicated 40 reported incidents related to encampments, which included assaults, according to FoxLA.com.
Bass’ office issued a statement claiming, “This is who she is: Councilmember Raman opposes legislation banning encampments next to schools and has voted against hundreds of cleanup efforts. This is just one example of how she’s going to set us back.”
In response, Raman remarked that “this part of 41.18 already overlaps with laws regulating camping and, at best, succeeds in moving homeless people into neighborhoods.”
California’s homeless population has surged 60% since 2015, despite billions from the Department of Housing and Urban Development intended for cities like Los Angeles.
Raman, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America who unseated an incumbent in 2020, announced her candidacy against Bass on February 7. She expressed concern, saying, “Especially in the last few months, I’m really starting to feel that unless we make a big change in the way we do things in Los Angeles, what we’re expecting isn’t going to work anymore.”
Despite Raman’s opposition, the motion passed with a vote of 11-4.
