In a move that's baffled Chatsworth residents and homeless advocates alike, a series of concrete barriers, barrels, and even upside-down dumpsters have sprung up around the neighborhood's streets, according to Spectrum News 1. These barriers have effectively deterred RV parking and are suspected by some to be a measure to prevent the formation of homeless encampments.
In an email, the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) clarified that it was not responsible for placing the barriers. Instead, they stated that the Department of Public Works, StreetsLA, would investigate to determine any potential public right-of-way violations. Pastor Kathy Huck, CEO of About My Father’s Business Homeless Outreach, expressed to KTLA, "How are people finding their clients? So, this undermines the City’s efforts to house people because you can’t house people that you can’t find."
Pastor Huck insists cooperation and community involvement would yield a more effective solution, per her interview with CBS Los Angeles, "I would like to see the powers that be bring some of the unhoused folks into the meeting, hear them out, and then you come up with resolutions." KCAL News contacted the Mayor's Office, Councilman John Lee's office, and Los Angeles County Public Works for comment but did not receive an immediate response.
