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 individuals who trespass on or around our properties. Assistance from any City Councilmember's office, which used to include engaging social service agencies to provide help to relocate, feed, and house the homeless, is now worthless (calls are not returned, and the 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 are pervasive on our streets, and the Police Department is struggling with recruitment and does not seem willing to engage in addressing these issues. Crime of all types, from smash-and-grab to robberies to gun violence, is increasing and a growing concern throughout Southern California."

Many 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 the following:

• How to get the police to arrest a homeless person who consistently trespasses
• How to safely escort homeless individuals off the property — should you hire private security?
• Understanding Los Angeles Municipal Code 41.24
• Is it safe to confront trespassers yourself? What are the risks?
• Should you install fencing or lighting, or hire private security to protect your property?
• Are temporary deterrents like lights or music effective or legal?
• Legal liability when using private security or force
• How to respond to threats, assaults, or harassment by trespassers
• Physical deterrents: are items like wire, mothballs, or noxious scents legal?
• Self-defense: is it legal to use pepper spray, tear gas, or stun guns?
• How to connect with social service agencies to offer aid rather than enforcement
• And much more — Q&A to follow

Moderator: Daniel Yukelson, AAGLA Executive Director

After registering, participants can submit questions in advance or during the live session. Please log in to register. For questions, contact Events Manager Diana Alcaraz at diana@aagla.org. Please have your membership number ready for faster service.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: 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.

Panelists:

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

Gita O'Neal has been with the City Attorney's Office for over 23 years. Before joining the City, she was an associate at Girardi and Keese. She earned her J.D. from Santa Clara University School of Law.

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

Tamar Galatzan has served in the City Attorney's Office for over 20 years, previously working as the Neighborhood Prosecutor in Van Nuys, North Hollywood, Hollywood, and Northeast divisions. She earned her J.D. at the University of California, Hastings College of the Law.

Moderator:

Daniel Yukelson
Executive Director, Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles

Daniel is a CPA and former CFO of Premiere Radio Networks and Oasis West Realty. He served on the Beverly Hills Planning and Public Works Commissions.

About the Los Angeles City Attorney's Office

The City Attorney's Office helps shape Los Angeles by addressing neighborhood quality of life, gang and gun violence, consumer protection, environmental justice, and more. The office advises the Mayor and City Council, drafts municipal laws, defends the city in litigation, and prosecutes misdemeanors such as domestic violence, DUI, and vandalism.

Webinar Registration Ticket:

• Member Ticket: $0.00 (Expires August 8, 2022)

Presentation By:

City of LA