LA Struggles to Address Massive RV Homeless Encampment Despite Cleanup Efforts

Encino residents say the city has not done enough to address the ongoing RV homeless crisis in the Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 4:39pm

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The city of Los Angeles claims it cleaned up a huge homeless encampment at a park near Balboa Sports Center, removing over 4,700 cubic yards of debris and more than 50 encampments. However, Encino residents say the city has done little to address the ongoing issue of people living in RVs in the area, which has simply relocated the problem rather than solving it.

Why it matters

The Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area is slated to be a venue for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, putting pressure on the city to address the longstanding homelessness crisis in the area. Residents are frustrated that the city's efforts have not adequately addressed the RV homeless issue, which continues to impact the community.

The details

In a coordinated effort, the Los Angeles Fire Department, nonprofits, and others removed 4,776 cubic yards of homeless encampment debris and invasive plants, and removed more than 50 encampments while offering services to displaced individuals. However, Encino residents say the city has done little to address the RVs parked in the area, which have simply relocated to the park's parking lot or residential streets, leading to continued issues with public safety and quality of life.

  • In early March 2026, Mayor Karen Bass touted the operation to 'restore' the Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area.
  • The city has previously stated that cleaning up the basin area will take a continued, sustained effort that takes time.

The players

Karen Bass

The mayor of Los Angeles who touted the operation to 'restore' the Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area.

Encino Residents

Local residents who have complained that the city has not done enough to address the ongoing RV homeless crisis in the Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area.

Los Angeles Fire Department

The department that was part of the coordinated effort to remove homeless encampments and debris from the Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area.

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What they’re saying

“Our comprehensive and coordinated strategy to address longstanding challenges in the Sepulveda Basin is centered around public safety – and we're seeing real results.”

— Karen Bass, Mayor of Los Angeles

“The residents and the taxpayers are really left behind because we have to deal with the mess in the park, and oftentimes unsafe conditions.”

— Encino Resident

What’s next

The city has stated that cleaning up the Sepulveda Basin area will require a continued, sustained effort that takes time. Mayor Bass continues to meet with Valley residents and community leaders to ensure progress, and the city has vowed to maintain a presence in the area.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the ongoing challenge of addressing homelessness in Los Angeles, particularly the issue of RV encampments that can be difficult to remove permanently. While the city's cleanup efforts have made some progress, residents remain frustrated that the RV homeless problem persists, underscoring the need for more comprehensive and long-term solutions.