Los Angeles Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky Tuesday postponed a resolution intended to expand the city’s anti-camping law to more areas in her district.
The resolution will now come before the City Council on May 27.
Under the city’s anti-camping law, also known as Municipal Code section 41.18, council members can designate via resolution specified areas to prohibit sitting, lying, sleeping, storing, using or maintaining personal property in public right-of-ways.
According to a representative from Yaroslavsky’s office, officials needed more time to add to the letter, detailing public safety reasoning for the designations.
Yaroslavsky, who represents the Fifth Council District, encompassing West Los Angeles neighborhoods, introduced such a resolution on May 13, seconded by Councilman Bob Blumenfield.
According to the resolution, the councilwoman would expand the anti-camping law to 12 areas, including two freeway entryways at Robertson Boulevard and Interstate 10, as well as Pico Boulevard and the San Diego (405) Freeway. Additionally, it would cover Pan Pacific Park, located at 7600 Beverly Blvd.
City officials implemented 41.18 on Sept. 3, 2021, in an attempt to prevent obstruction of public spaces, address safety concerns and reduce homeless encampments across the city.
Homeless advocates have long criticized the anti-camping law for what they have described as a policy meant to “criminalize” homeless individuals.