Residents in Tarzana are raising public safety concerns involving drugs and vandalism they believe are tied to the homeless crisis.
Community members told KTLA Monday that they have witnessed brazen drug use and vandalism taking place out in the open, much of it near Reseda Boulevard and Bessemer Street.
One resident shared a photo of what appears to be drug use in broad daylight near neighborhood homes, but concerns are also growing over graffiti, sanitation and fires, including one that recently broke out in a nearby encampment.
“I’m afraid to walk in my neighborhood. I used to go out for morning walks around the neighborhood. I’m afraid to do that at this point. I’ve considered selling my house,” said one resident who put together a group of about 70 neighbors to figure out how to make things better.
The resident said he has met with his councilman and a senior lead officer with the Los Angeles Police Department but was told there is some gray area regarding jurisdiction and what can be enforced.
Nearby bus lanes and a Metro station, along with a Tiny Home village are believed by some to be responsible for at least part of the problem.
Some unhoused residents who spoke to KTLA’s Lauren Lyster said they are in the area hoping to get into the Tiny Home Village and claim that outreach workers have failed to connect them with nearby shelters.
L.A. City Councilmember Bob Blumenfield, whose district includes Tarzana, provided this statement to KTLA.
“This is a location the Councilmember and our staff are well aware of and we’ve been partnering with law enforcement to help remedy. One of the critical things that our staff has been working toward is connecting the private owner of this lot with LAPD so the proper letters are on file to allow PD onsite. The Councilmember helped secure overtime funding to increase patrols around this area but the alleged outdoor drug use here is beyond unacceptable.”
The residents are asking for at least more patrols to help deter any criminal activity.
