The Increasing Problems of Homelessness and Crime

What can be done about it?  Can you obtain assistance from any City Councilmember’s office, the police or any other city or county agency?

One of our members recently wrote to us with the following issues: “I have been a member of the Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles for many years and appreciate the work the organization has done…One area where there has been lacking assistance and information is the increasing problem of homeless and homeless people who trespass on or around our properties.   Assistance from any City Councilmember’s office, which used to include engaging social service agencies to provide services to help relocate, feed and house the homeless, is now worthless (calls are not returned, and limited advice offered is merely to call the police who do not respond!).”

Many property owners have been left alone to deal with homeless encampments and trash and human waste strewn about near or sometimes on their properties.  Drug use and addiction today are pervasive on our streets.  And, the Police Department is struggling to keep up with recruitment and does not seem to want to be bothered with dealing with homelessness and drug use on our streets.  Crime of all types, from “smash and grab” to robberies to gun violence all are increasing and a growing concern of all of us in Southern California.

Many of have asked, “what can we do to deal with homelessness and drug use on our streets and at our properties, and how can we protect ourselves from becoming victims of crime?”  During this webinar, we will discuss and attempt to cover all of the following:

• What do YOU have to do to get the police to arrest a homeless person who consistently returns to camp on YOUR private property?
• How can YOU get help with escorting homeless off the property? Will the police come or should private security be hired?  When the police do come, the homeless often return minutes after the police drive off.
• What about Los Angeles Municipal Code 41.24? What is it?
• Is it safe to “do it yourself?” Should property owners risk engaging with the homeless particularly if they are threatening or mentally unstable? Can attempts to escort them off the property result in violence and threats?
• Should property owners consider enclosing their properties with fences and gates or hiring private security to “guard” the property?
• Should property owners deploy short-term “fixes” like increased (glaring) lights, playing loud music in the areas the homeless like to camp on their property?
• What advice or direction can be given on how to deal with these issues?
• Can a property owner be liable from claims by the homeless (e.g., that they were assaulted and / or injured when removed by private security)?
• How should a property owner or tenant deal with a situation where they are threatened or assaulted (e.g., a trespasser throws a solid object or unknown liquid at a passing tenant), is it worthwhile to file a police complaint against that person, or to have the police arrest them at the time?
• What sort of physical impediments can we set up to discourage trespassing, including chicken wire, noise, noxious odors (e.g., mothballs, vinegar) or anti-animal spikes, without the risk of any criminal liability?
• Is it legal to use tear gas, or a stun gun, if it is necessary as a last measure of self-defense when a trespasser lashes out when asked to leave. Is there potential criminal liability for this type of self-defense?
• Are there social service agencies that we can call to come to the assistance of these homeless trespassers, to offer them a carrot (i.e., temporary housing, food, employment assistance, mental health assistance) to leave instead of the sticks listed above?
• And, of course, much, much more! Q&A to Follow…

The discussion will be moderated by Daniel Yukelson, AAGLA’s Executive Director.  After registering, participants can submit questions prior to the meeting so that we can tailor the discussion to your concerns.  Additionally, there will be opportunities during the meeting to submit your questions live.

This is another of many member-exclusive informative online sessions we have been offering.  Please log in to register.  If you have any questions regarding this event, please contact Events Manager Diana Alcaraz via email at .  For faster service, please have your membership number ready.  We look forward to your joining us.

WARNING:  THE INFORMATION PROVIDED DURING THIS WEBINAR IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. ABSOLUTELY NO LEGAL OR TAX ADVICE IS BEING GIVEN DURING THIS WEBINAR.  BEAR IN MIND THAT EVERY SITUATION IS UNIQUE, AND THE LAWS, RULES AND REGULATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME.  SO, BEFORE ACTING, BE SURE TO OBTAIN TAX AND/OR LEGAL ADVICE FROM A LICENSED PROFESSIONAL.

About Our . . .

Panelist(s):

Gita O’Neal, Assistant City Attorney and Director of Homelessness Policies and Strategies, Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office

Gita O’Neal is an Assistant City Attorney, and Director of Homelessness Policies and Strategies for the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office.  She has been with the City Attorney’s office for more than 23 years.  Prior to joining the City Attorney’s office, she was an Associate at the law firm of Girardi and Keese.  She earned her J.D. at the Santa Clara University School of Law School.

Tamar Galatzan, Deputy City Attorney and Acting Supervisor of the Neighborhood Prosecutor Program, Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office

Tamar Galatzan is a Deputy City Attorney and the Acting Supervisor of the Neighborhood Prosecutor Program. She has been with the Los Angeles City Attorney's office for over 20 years and was previously the Neighborhood Prosecutor in Van Nuys, North Hollywood, Hollywood and Northeast divisions.  She earned her J.D. at the Hastings College of Law at the University of California at Berkeley.

Moderator: 

Daniel Yukelson, Executive Director, Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles

Daniel Yukelson is currently the Executive Director of The Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles (AAGLA).  As Certified Public Accountant, Yukelson began his career at Ernst & Young, the global accounting firm, and since then had served in senior financial roles principally as Chief Financial Officer for various public, private and start-up companies.  Prior to joining AAGLA, Yukelson served for 12 years as Chief Financial Officer for Premiere Radio Networks, now a subsidiary of I-Heart Media, and then 3 years as Chief Financial Officer for Oasis West Realty, the owner of the Beverly Hilton and Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills where he was involved with the development and construction of the Waldorf.  Yukelson also served for 6 years as a Planning Commissioner and for 3 years as a Public Works Commissioner for the City of Beverly Hills.

About the Los Angeles City Attorney's Office

The Los Angeles City Attorney plays a leading role in shaping the future of the City of Los Angeles by fighting to improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods, reducing gang activity, preventing gun violence, standing up for consumers and the elderly, protecting our environment and so much more. The City Attorney's office writes every municipal law, advises the Mayor, City Council and all city departments and commissions, defends the city in litigation, brings forth lawsuits on behalf of the people and prosecutes misdemeanor crimes such as domestic violence, drunk driving, and vandalism.

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