Homeless Camp Repeatedly Returns to Wealthy LA Intersection

Residents frustrated as city cleanups fail to stop cycle of homelessness at busy corner

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Residents of a wealthy Los Angeles neighborhood say a homeless encampment at the intersection of Santa Monica Boulevard and Westwood Boulevard keeps reappearing just hours after being cleared by city sanitation crews. Despite multiple cleanups, the camp has returned multiple times, leaving locals feeling powerless to stop the revolving door of homelessness in their community.

Why it matters

The ongoing issue highlights the challenges cities face in addressing homelessness, even in affluent areas, as well as the limitations of temporary cleanup efforts. It also reflects broader tensions between housed residents and the unhoused population over the use of public spaces.

The details

Last month, sanitation crews cleared tents, trash, and belongings from the intersection, but by the end of the day, people had already begun setting up encampments again. Locals say this cycle has repeated multiple times, with the camp disappearing only to reappear shortly after. Residents describe the situation as a "nightmare," with sidewalks cluttered with debris and makeshift shelters. Some of the unhoused individuals say they feel the location is relatively secure and choose to remain, despite being offered shelter beds in the past.

  • Last month, sanitation crews cleared the intersection.
  • By the end of the day, the encampment had reappeared.
  • On Monday night, several individuals were seen bedding down at the intersection, with at least 10 encampments observed.

The players

Paul Spurrier

A resident and business owner near the intersection who described the situation as a "nightmare."

Larry

An unhoused individual who has lived on the streets for roughly five years and says he chooses to remain outside to support others.

Derek

An unhoused man who says the location feels relatively secure compared to other areas.

Katy Yaroslavsky

A city councilwoman whose office is preparing to install signage designating the intersection as a no-camping zone.

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What they’re saying

“It's turning into a nightmare. You think this is one of the nicer parts of L.A., and then you see this.”

— Paul Spurrier, Resident and business owner (FOX 11 Los Angeles)

“We've been here. We haven't left yet.”

— Larry, Unhoused individual (FOX 11 Los Angeles)

“It's the safest place to be where you're not right in front of a business.”

— Derek, Unhoused individual (FOX 11 Los Angeles)

What’s next

A spokesperson for Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky told Fox her office is preparing to install signage formally designating the intersection as a no-camping zone. Once posted, officials say enforcement action could follow.

The takeaway

This ongoing issue highlights the challenges cities face in addressing homelessness, even in affluent areas, as well as the limitations of temporary cleanup efforts. It reflects the broader tensions between housed residents and the unhoused population over the use of public spaces, and the need for more comprehensive solutions to address the root causes of homelessness.