L.A. Clears Homeless Encampment Plagued by Crime in North Hollywood

Residents say the encampment has made the area unsafe for years due to drug use, shootings, and other alleged criminal activity.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 12:05am

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An extreme close-up photograph of discarded drug paraphernalia, broken glass, and other debris from a homeless encampment, captured with a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conveying a stark, gritty, and investigative aesthetic.The clearing of a long-plagued homeless encampment in North Hollywood exposes the harsh realities of the city's ongoing struggle with public safety and homelessness.Los Angeles Today

The city of Los Angeles has cleared a homeless encampment in the North Hollywood neighborhood that had long been plagued by crime, drug use, and other safety concerns for local residents. The encampment, located on a vacant lot along the Tujunga Wash, had attracted reports of assaults, firearms, gang activity, and overdoses, prompting years of complaints from neighbors. The city has now declared the property a public nuisance and will bill the owners for the cleanup costs.

Why it matters

The clearing of this encampment represents an effort by local officials to address persistent public safety issues in the North Hollywood community that have impacted residents' quality of life. It highlights the ongoing challenges cities face in managing homelessness and addressing the intersection of mental health, addiction, and criminal activity in these types of encampments.

The details

The homeless encampment was located on a vacant lot along the Tujunga Wash in the 7000 block of Varna Avenue, just north of Saticoy Street in North Hollywood. Neighbors reported a range of criminal activity at the site, including assaults, the presence of firearms, gang-related incidents, and open-air drug use. A home that previously stood on the property had burned down, leaving the lot to deteriorate into a junkyard filled with trash. The city has now declared the property a public nuisance and will bill the owners, identified as Guadalupe Castrellon and Sofia Carillo, for the cleanup costs.

  • In June 2025, the city notified the property owners of its intention to declare the site a public nuisance.
  • Last month, the Los Angeles City Council approved the declaration of the property as a public nuisance.
  • On April 10, 2026, the Los Angeles Board of Public Works took up the matter, paving the way for the cleanup on April 16, 2026.

The players

Adrin Nazarian

A Los Angeles City Councilmember whose district includes North Hollywood, who has been involved in addressing the issues at the encampment site.

Guadalupe Castrellon and Sofia Carillo

The owners of the property where the homeless encampment was located, who will be billed for the cleanup costs.

Robert Baindourov

A resident who lives across from the property and has reported issues with drug use and criminal activity at the site.

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What they’re saying

“'This property has been used by drug runners to facilitate all kinds of larceny, grand theft auto. There have been multiple shootings and overdose deaths. It's been a constant nuisance, a thorn in my side.'”

— Robert Baindourov, Resident

“'For too long, this public nuisance has plagued the neighboring community with gang activities, open-air drug use, and other safety concerns. I'm proud that we have taken a major step toward restoring our community's quality of life. This is also a message to all owners of vacant properties — take care of your business or we will send you the bill.'”

— Adrin Nazarian, Los Angeles City Councilmember

What’s next

The city will now bill the property owners, Guadalupe Castrellon and Sofia Carillo, for the costs of clearing and cleaning up the former homeless encampment site.

The takeaway

The clearing of this long-standing homeless encampment in North Hollywood underscores the complex challenges cities face in addressing the intersection of homelessness, mental health, addiction, and public safety. While this action may provide temporary relief for nearby residents, it highlights the need for more comprehensive solutions to address the root causes of these issues and ensure the wellbeing of all community members.