Councilman Bob Blumenfield introduced a resolution to expand the homeless anti-camping law, known as Section 41.18, specifically to fight the increasing problems surrounding the Woodland Hills Trader Joe’s. The law can be enforced if there is a documented spike in crime. Blumenfield pushed to get the ordinance for two streets, Alhama Drive and Comercio Way, that abut the Trader Joe’s on Ventura Blvd. Calling it a “public safety issue” as most recently there has been a stabbing and a rape in the area, he asked that it be deemed off limits to encampments. The City Council approved the measure 9 to 5, with City Council members Marqueece Harris-Dawson, Eunisses Hernandez, Nithya Raman, Hugo Soto-Martinez and Katy Yaroslavsky voting against, with many saying it further criminalizes the homeless. The City can now post signs to give campers at least two weeks notice to move before enforcement. They also will be offered social services and housing.
