UPDATE: Residents of Humboldt Street in Lincoln Heights, Los Angeles are calling for immediate action as a surge of abandoned RVs transforms their community into a hotbed of crime and health hazards. The situation has escalated to the point where local businesses and residents are turning to 7 On Your Side Investigates for help, citing rampant criminal activity linked to these vehicles.
According to local business owner Stacy Vierheilig, the street has become overrun with RVs, which are now sources of sewage, trash, and theft. “This is not OK,” Vierheilig exclaimed, as her security cameras captured a recent theft of copper wire from her air conditioning unit. The state of Humboldt Street has left residents and business owners feeling vulnerable and frustrated.
Gabriel Perez from St. Vincent de Paul, which operates a thrift store adjacent to Vierheilig’s property, expressed deep concern for the safety of his employees and customers. “Break-ins happen almost every night,” he reported, adding that the RVs crowd the sidewalks, forcing pedestrians into the street.
The local community has taken drastic measures, with many businesses fortifying their properties. “For every dollar we have spent on security, we are taking away from our mission to serve those in need,” Perez lamented.
Local officials are aware of the growing crisis. Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez, representing the area, has stated that addressing the RV situation is a top priority. Recently, Hernandez voted against a new state law that would allow the city to remove RVs valued over $4,000. “I didn’t want to give constituents the false hope that this will be a game changer,” she explained, indicating that she is focused on securing funding for more homeless beds instead.
Despite her reservations, the new law has passed and will go into effect next year. The city is now tasked with determining how to implement this new regulation. Mayor Karen Bass’s office has voiced support for the initiative, calling it a “vital tool” to combat RV encampments across Los Angeles.
As the community awaits concrete solutions, residents like Vierheilig continue to reinforce their properties, with new iron fences being installed. The situation has reached a critical point, and the residents of Humboldt Street are demanding immediate intervention to restore safety and order to their neighborhood.
As this story develops, locals are encouraged to share their experiences and concerns, amplifying the urgent need for action in Lincoln Heights. The fight against the challenges posed by these RVs is not just about property but also about the safety and well-being of the community.
