Neighbors Raise Concerns Over Encampments, Crime Along Western Avenue

Residents and business owners in East Hollywood say growing homelessness, prostitution, and public safety issues are plaguing the area.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Residents and business owners along Western Avenue in Los Angeles say the area is increasingly plagued by homeless encampments, crime, and prostitution, leaving them concerned for public safety. Neighbors describe a deteriorating situation with tents lining the sidewalks, gang activity, drug use, and frequent incidents of vandalism and sex work near local businesses.

Why it matters

The issues along Western Avenue highlight the ongoing challenges many urban communities face in addressing homelessness, public safety, and quality of life concerns. As the city attempts to respond through new task force efforts, the situation underscores the need for comprehensive, community-based solutions to complex social problems.

The details

Residents and business owners say the area near the intersection of Western and Oakwood Avenues has become overrun with homeless encampments, including tents reinforced with plywood, furniture, and makeshift kitchens. They report frequent incidents of gang violence, drug use, vandalism, and prostitution in the vicinity. One long-time business owner has repeatedly dealt with her storefront being tagged and her windows etched, and she has complained of almost nightly prostitution outside her shop.

  • In the past two weeks, FOX 11 has reported on prostitution concerns in the nearby Larchmont neighborhood, about four blocks away from Western Avenue.
  • The city recently launched a new cross-agency task force to address human trafficking and provide support services along Western Avenue.

The players

Dylan Kendall

A candidate for Los Angeles City Council District 13 who has spoken with a local business owner about the issues in the area.

Hugo Soto-Martinez

The Los Angeles City Councilmember who said the city has launched a new effort to address the situation along Western Avenue, including partnering with an organization that specializes in rescuing and supporting victims of human trafficking.

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What they’re saying

“I think they're right. What am I going to say? They're right. We shouldn't be living like this.”

— A man living on the street (FOX 11)

“They kept tagging the side of her walls — she'd paint over it. They acid-etched her windows. She replaced them, and the next day they came back and acid-etched them again.”

— Dylan Kendall, Candidate for Los Angeles City Council District 13 (FOX 11)

“When she gets here at 8 in the morning, there are literally — in her words — naked girls standing on Oakwood in front of her shop.”

— Dylan Kendall, Candidate for Los Angeles City Council District 13 (FOX 11)

“There are definitely safer areas, maybe feeling-wise, when you walk out the door. I've lived here four-and-a-half years and never had a problem.”

— PJ Yurman, Local resident (FOX 11)

“I feel safer out here. We take care of each other.”

— A person living in the encampment (FOX 11)

What’s next

The city's new task force on Western Avenue is expected to bring increased enforcement, services, and long-term solutions to address the issues in the area.

The takeaway

The problems along Western Avenue underscore the complex, multifaceted challenges many urban communities face in addressing homelessness, public safety, and quality of life concerns. Addressing these issues will require a comprehensive, community-based approach that balances enforcement, social services, and long-term solutions.