CALIFORNIA—According to the Los Angeles Times, families who were living in vacant homes were evicted by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) in Los Angeles on Wednesday, November 25.
The eviction occurred in the neighborhood of El Sereno. Hours before CAP removed them, nearly 20 families moved into the vacant homes. Videos and images of the evictions were posted on social media. Videos included protestors chanting “Shame on you!” as CAP evicted individuals.
Kevin de Leon, Councilman for Los Angeles’ 14th District, called the images “heartbreaking and “unacceptable.” In addition, he said on Instagram that he is “working with state elected officials to find permanent solutions so more families can safely move in.”
He noted he reached out to California Governor Gavin Newsom to talk about “the need to restore these remaining properties” and enact legislation to “give the city more authority over these properties.”
Governor Newsom is currently quarantining with his family after being exposed to an officer who later tested positive for the coronavirus.
The Los Angeles Times reported in September 2020 the price in Los Angeles to build an unit to house homeless people rose to $531,00
In El Sereno, the California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) owns some of the houses. As the coronavirus pandemic emerged, homeless individuals started living in the homes.
