I am writing on behalf of myself and my fellow citizens in the East San Fernando Valley Of Los Angeles California. We are extremely concerned with the growing homeless situation in our neighborhood. This crisis needs to be addressed NOW.

Recently our community has endured countless acts of violence and theft stemming from the homeless population living in our neighborhood. While we understand the complexity of this issue and have compassion for these fellow citizens living on our streets, we cannot and will not stand for any more violence, terror, or loss of human rights because of it. The homeless population living under the freeway underpasses at Moorpark St. and Vineland Ave., Lankershim blvd. and Riverside Dr., Laurel Canyon and the 101, and along Ventura Blvd. need to be housed and dealt with (according to their needs) immediately. They are not only a danger to us, but to each other and to themselves.

The following is a short list of some of the criminal activity experienced by our community members in the recent months. (I, personally, was a witness to the first two incidents and called 911):

Freeway underpass on Moorpark St. and Vineland Ave.: I, and several other people driving in cars, got stuck in the underpass due to four homeless men fighting in the middle of the street armed with weapons (an axe, a large metal pipe and two golf clubs). They were swinging the weapons at cars and at each other. One homeless man got struck in the face resulting in a horrific injury. I managed to weave my way through the stopped traffic and call 911. Police responded.

Carpenter Charter Elementary School on the corner of Carpenter Ave. and Ventura Blvd.: A homeless man struck an elderly woman in the face as she was walking to school to pick up her grandchild. I witnessed it and called 911. Police responded and an arrest was made. This same homeless man was back on the street days later.

Fernando’s Pizza on Lankershim Blvd. and Ventura Blvd.: A woman was chased by a screaming homeless man. She had to run out of the pizza shop into another shop (Photocity) who’s owner let her in and locked the door to keep her safe until police arrived (20 minutes later).

Christian Science Church on Whitsett Ave. and Ventura Blvd.: Grandfather Stabbed and robbed by homeless man to whom he said “Good Morning” to on his morning walk. Police were called and the homeless man, Samuel Magana, was arrested and charged for attempted murder. He was on drugs, mentally ill and out on parole for another violent crime.

LA River at Colfax Ave. and Ventura Blvd.: A mother was out for a walk with her two young boys (ages 2 and 6) when a man with a knife started following them and cursing at them. They managed to get away.

Vineland Ave and Fruitland Dr.: multiple incidents over the past week, including a cell phone stolen at gunpoint, a naked man on Ventura touching himself near children, and an assault by a group of 6 men

FWY Underpass at Lankershim blvd. and Riverside Dr.: A homeless man threw a glass bottle at a woman’s car and it hit the windshield while she was driving. She reported the dangerous encampment to 311 and nothing was done. Another woman then reported the same crime under the same underpass - A homeless man threw a hard object at her car and cracked he windshield. After being on hold with the police for 55 minutes, she gave up. She did end up emailing our two SLOs but got no response.

Corner of Colfax Ave. and Ventura Blvd.: A young woman was brutally attacked by a homeless woman. Several bystanders came to her rescue.

7Eleven on Vineland: A homeless woman chased an unprovoked woman buying coffee at 7Eleven. The woman managed to get into her car, but the homeless woman threw a bin at the car, damaging it.

That is just a small sample of hundreds of incidents that have been endured and recorded by our tax paying citizens. We can provide names, dates and detailed statements if needed.

Please know that we have reached a tipping point. We will not tolerate this terror in our streets ANY LONGER. The city and the county’s lack of response in this matter has not only lead to increased violence against our citizens but also to sanitation issues that spread disease and death. With Covid 19 continuing to spread throughout our communities, we are doubly concerned about the spread throughout these encampments. We are paying hard-earned money through our tax dollars to get these homeless people housed and the services they require only to see the problem get continually worse. 

Many of our friends and neighbors have recently made the decision to move out of Los Angeles due to the homeless problem, increased violence and crime. We are considering doing same but decided to make one last ditch effort to fight for what’s right. Legal action will be taken if necessary.

Please let us know the actions you plan to take to address these issues stated above.

Thank you for your time, leadership and commitment to your fellow citizens.

Most Respectfully,

The Hendrix Family
And the concerned citizens of Studio City