BREAKING: A surge of abandoned RVs on Humboldt Street in Lincoln Heights is causing a public health and safety crisis. Residents are voicing urgent concerns over rampant crime, sewage issues, and overflowing trash, prompting calls for immediate action from city officials.
The situation has reached a boiling point for local business owners like Stacy Vierheilig, whose industrial property is now surrounded by security cameras to combat escalating theft and vandalism. “This is not OK,” Vierheilig stated, expressing her frustration as pools of wastewater flow from the RVs that have taken over the street. Just recently, surveillance footage captured a thief stealing copper wire from her air conditioning unit.
In a desperate plea for help, Vierheilig shared, “We need assistance,” as crime rates have skyrocketed in the area. Nearby businesses, including St. Vincent de Paul, are facing similar challenges. Director Gabriel Perez reported nightly break-ins and is deeply concerned for the safety of his employees and customers. “For every dollar we spend on security, we’re taking away from our mission to serve those in need,” he lamented.
Local officials are acknowledging the severity of the issue. Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez, who represents the area, confirmed that addressing the RV crisis is one of her office’s top priorities. However, her recent vote against a state law aimed at easing RV removals has drawn criticism. The current law only allows for the removal of RVs valued at $500 or less, while the new legislation, set to take effect next year, raises the threshold to $4,000.
Hernandez explained her decision, stating, “I didn’t want to give constituents false hope that this would be a game changer.” Instead, she emphasized the importance of securing funding for more homeless beds as a potential long-term solution. “I don’t have a timeline for when those RVs will not be on that street,” she added, revealing the complexities of the situation.
Despite Hernandez’s reservations, the city is moving forward with the new law, which Mayor Karen Bass‘s office heralds as a “vital tool” in combating RV encampments across Los Angeles. In a statement provided to Eyewitness News, the mayor’s office reiterated its commitment to breaking the cycle of homelessness that has plagued the city for decades.
As local businesses fortify their properties against theft and vandalism, the need for immediate, effective action is more pressing than ever. Vierheilig has installed a new iron fence around her property, while Perez plans similar measures for St. Vincent de Paul. The community is left grappling with the impact of these RVs on their daily lives and businesses.
As the city prepares for the implementation of the new RV removal law, residents of Humboldt Street are left wondering: Will this legislation bring the relief they desperately need? The situation remains fluid, and communities across Los Angeles are watching closely as developments unfold.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story continues to evolve.
