LA City Council Approves Expansion of Anti-Camping Law in Woodland Hills

The LA City Council has approved a resolution to expand the city's anti-camping law to include two locations in Woodland Hills, despite opposition from some council members and members of the public.

The Los Angeles City Council voted 9-5 in favor of a resolution to expand the city’s anti-camping law, known as section 41.18, to include two locations in Woodland Hills. The resolution, introduced by Councilman Bob Blumenfield, calls for the law to be enforced on 5400 Alhama Drive and 5416 Comercio Way.

The law prohibits sitting, lying, sleeping, storing, maintaining, placing personal property, and obstructing the public right-of-way in designated areas. The resolution requires relevant city departments to post notices and begin enforcement once the posting period ends.

During the public comment section, Salvador Vazquez, director of sales for Courtyard by Marriott in Woodland Hills, expressed concerns about the impact of homeless encampments on nearby businesses, including employee and guest safety. He called on City Council members to expand 41.18 and address the encampments.

However, other public speakers opposed the resolution, claiming it would further criminalize unhoused individuals and criticizing the effectiveness of Mayor Karen Bass’ Inside Safe program.

Council members Marqueece Harris-Dawson, Eunisses Hernandez, Nithya Raman, Hugo Soto-Martínez, and Katy Yaroslavksy voted against the resolution.