Councilmember lifts camping bans at dozens of Hollywood-area parks

In a 10-3 vote, the Los Angeles City Council approved a proposal by Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez that scrapes anti-camping provisions from more than a dozen public spaces across Hollywood, Silver Lake and nearby neighborhoods. The repeal of LAMC 41.18 lifts previous bans on sitting, sleeping, lying down or storing belongings at sites including Barnsdall Art Park, Hollywood Recreation Center, Las Palmas Senior Citizen Center and Madison West Park.

Community advocates had pressed for the change, while Councilwomen Traci Park, Imelda Padilla and Monica Rodriguez were the only dissenters, citing concerns over public-space damage and resident safety. Restrictions near schools and a daycare were left intact. The measure now legally permits homeless individuals to establish tents at the listed parks without further council approval.