Century City/ Westwood
September 6 – 19, 2019
NEWS
CenturyCity-WestwoodNews.com
Sleeping Ban Near Schools, Parks? Proposal that would ban homelessness oin public places sparks debate By Sam Catanzaro A policy proposed by a Los Angeles City Councilmember that would prohibit sleeping within 500 feet of schools - among other locations tests a federal court’s power over local governments’ attempt to tackle a homelessness crisis, while also raising moral questions. A federal court ruling last year in the case Martin v. City of Boise barred cities from punishing individuals from sleeping on public property unless they provide sufficient and accessible indoor housing. “As long as there is no option of sleeping indoors, the government cannot criminalize indigent, homeless people for sleeping outdoors, on public property," reads the ruling from the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, which includes both Idaho and California. In the decision, which ruled a City of Boise law penalizing homelessness unconstitutional, citing the Cruel and Unusual Punishments Clause of
the Eighth Amendment, the court did give cities leeway to prohibit sleeping in public in certain situations. “Even where shelter is unavailable, an ordinance prohibiting sitting, lying, or sleeping outside at particular times or in particular locations might well be constitutionally permissible," the decision reads. Last week, Los Angeles Councilman Mitch O’Farrell proposed a set of regulations that would test the scope of this leeway. The rules would prohibit sitting, lying down or sleeping within 500 feet of schools, daycare centers and parks while also banning bedding near homeless shelters. In addition, O’Farrell's rules would make illegal: sleeping on bicycle paths; on bridges or in tunnels designated as school routes; public spaces with notices prohibiting trespassing; crowded areas near large venues, including the Venice Beach Boardwalk. The rules also would make illegal approaching, following closely or speaking to a person in a manner that may cause a reasonable person to fear bodily harm or damage to or loss of property. Being intimidated into giving money would also be punishable as well. While supported by some residents such as Travis Binen who said in a letter to Council "the City needs to be able to legally move them instead of
Photo: Sam Catanzaro
Under a proposal by a Los Angeles City Councilmember, sleeping on the Venice Beach Boardwalk could be illegal.
leaving them on the sidewalk to die or harm others," O'Farrel's proposal rebuked by his colleague Councilmember Mike Bonin in a series of tweets. "Some restrictions on encampments near schools and shelters make sense and could pass legal muster — but this overreaching proposal is
giving a middle finger to the court, false promises to neighbors, and a kick in the head to people who are homeless," Bonin wrote. "The heart of LA’s homeless problem is that that for decades we have
SLEEPING, see page 3
West LA Civic Center Redevelopment City considering options to bring much-needed repairs to mid-century complex By Sam Catanzaro The West Los Angeles Civic Center, home to many local and federal government offices, may be getting a much-needed makeover. The center, located at 1645 West Corinth Avenue, is home to the Councilmember Mike Bonin's West LA Field Office, the West LA Neighborhood Council, and serves the neighbors of the Westside as a government resource center, housing the district offices of various public services, as well as the district offices of County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl and Congressmember Ted Lieu. The complex, bounded by Santa Monica Bou-
Photo: Los Angeles Conservatory
The Los West Los Angeles Civic Center.
levard, Corinth Avenue, Iowa Avenue and Colby Avenue features the West L.A. Civic Center Building and courtyard, the Felicia Mahood Multipurpose Center, the West L.A. Regional Library, the West L.A. LAPD Building and multiple parking lots. The venue has served the community throughout the years with events such as the West L.A.
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Farmers Market and the West L.A Summer Concert Series. Moreover, it possesses a cultural significance, featured in videos and video games, as a home to a de-facto skatepark where people from around the world come to visit and skate. The West Los Angeles Civic Center is the product of Los Angeles' 1949 plan to build branch administrative centers throughout the city to give more efficient services to citizens of the rapidly growing metropolis. "Built between 1957 and 1965, the civic center reflects the postwar growth of municipal services and the general optimism of the period, exemplified by its eye-catching Mid-Century Modern design," said the Los Angeles Conservatory. "All of the buildings are in the Mid-Century Modern style and feature horizontal orientations, concrete construction, flat roofs, bands of windows, and glass entryways. The City Hall and court buildings are particularly notable for the decorative concrete grilles and geometric metal brise soleils which ornament their front façades. The most flamboy-
ant structure is the amphitheater, with a swooping, parabolic arch of a roof held aloft by tiled pillars and sheltering a small stage with curves to match." "This civic center is a great example of Mid-Century Modern architecture in an institutional context, and serves as an intact reminder of Los Angeles' rapid postwar expansion," the Conservatory added. Despite its history and importance, the Civic Center needs some love, as many of the existing facilities are in poor condition and long overdue for a complete renovation. "Redevelopment of the West L.A. Civic Center would provide a tremendous opportunity for a revitalized area that could benefit the community," reads motion submitted by Bonin to LA City Council. "The community and the City could shape and drive a shared vision that could include outdoor public space, improved recreation, library, and senior facilities, as well as sorely need-
CENTER, see page 4
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