On Tuesday, September 21, the Fire Prevention Bureau Legal Unit / Illegal Cannabis Section served a warrant with LAPD 77th Division Narcotics Enforcement Detail at 5710 S. Western Avenue. Discovered during the warrant service on an illegal cannabis business were six residential units of illegal housing.
At this location, a one-story commercial building had been converted into a two-story building with six residential units housing a total of 26 people –15 adults, 12 children, and four dogs — according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.
Council District Eight staff was on the scene to assist with housing services partner, Homeless Outreach Program Integrated Care System (HOPICS) team. Thanks to HOPICS, all families were provided with temporary housing, and all pets are being cared for by family friends.
“This is a city in crisis with families seeking out dwellings with tenement conditions because they cannot find housing anywhere else,” said Eighth District Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson. “It is essential to continue to address the need for adequate funding for affordable housing, inclusive planning, and the continued funding of crisis services. Thank you to LAFD, LAPD, Los Angeles Building and Safety, and of course, our service providers.”
