Los Angles City Councilmember Jose Huizar and members of his staff toured the Industrial District BID on May 3, led by BID Chair Mark Shinbane and Executive Director Estela Lopez. This was an opportunity for these key stakeholders to see first-hand the extensive impact of sidewalk encampments throughout our district. Accompanying the Councilmember were Council Office Director Joella Hopkins and Deputy Edna Degollado, both of whom have visited us before in meetings and on the street, and are acutely aware of the issues we face on a daily basis.
At the intersection of 7th and Crocker, BID Board chairman Mark Shinbane described all-too-familiar scenes of pedestrians walking in the street because of sidewalks blocked with tents.
The Councilmember is working on several initiatives that would provide shelter options for persons living on the streets. He expressed his concern for the businesses in our BID and the challenges posed by the unprecedented number of unsheltered individuals encroaching on doorways, sidewalks and driveways throughout this area.
If you would like to communicate with the Councilman’s office, you can email his Downtown Director Joella Hopkins at Joella.hopkins@lacity.org, or Downtown Field Deputy Edna Degollado at edna.degollado@lacity.org.
