Parents and Coaches Worried About Homeless Presence Near Encino Little League? What is the Story?

A recent shooting aboard a Metro bus in Commerce has highlighted growing concerns over public safety in Los Angeles, including worries from parents and coaches about a homeless encampment situated close to an Encino Little League field. In this article we talk about Parents and Coaches Worried About Homeless Presence Near Encino Little League.

On Thursday evening, a deadly shooting occurred aboard a Metro bus near Boxford and Slauson Avenues, leaving one man hospitalized and later deceased. The motive remains unclear. This tragic incident, said Los Angeles Mayor and Metro Board Chair Karen Bass, “exemplifies how violence is increasing in society overall and spilling into our local communities.”

It also came on the same day that Bass ordered an “immediate surge” of law enforcement personnel onto LA buses and trains to increase visibility and deter crime, following several violent attacks connected to the transit system over recent weeks. Among other measures, Bass’ motion calls for establishing a “unified command” of the various agencies policing Metro and enabling cellular service in all underground stations so riders can call for help.

“The spike in violent crime on Metro that we have recently seen against operators and riders has been absolutely unacceptable,” said Bass during a press conference. Metro statistics do show an overall drop in transit crime over the past year, but highly publicized recent attacks have elevated public concerns.

Beyond Metro, parents and coaches affiliated with a Little League in Encino also worry over a different public safety issue – a sizeable homeless encampment located alongside the baseball fields.

Tom Wilson, manager of Encino Little League’s AAA team, says the encampment’s proximity to the fields poses a potential risk: “There are sharp objects on the ground, discarded drug paraphernalia, and people exhibiting erratic behavior. As much compassion as we have for the homeless, our priority is keeping the kids safe.”

Growing Homeless Encampment Near Encino Little League Sparks Safety Concerns

The encampment, nestled between Balboa Boulevard and the concrete channel of Bull Creek, has grown substantially over the past two years. It now consists of dozens of tents housing around 80 people, by most estimates. Wilson says coaches typically do perimeter checks before practices and games, picking up any hazardous debris. Parents and guardians are also advised to keep watch over children if leaving the bleacher area.

Still, uncertainty lingers. Ten-year-old player Lucas Rollins admits feeling “nervous that somebody from the tents will come onto the fields.” Parent Sandra Soto adds, “I understand the city can’t relocate people overnight, but there has to be a better solution than having kids play baseball right next to an encampment with no barrier.”

Increased trash and pollution from the encampment also raise environmental concerns. After recent rains, nearby storm drains showed higher levels of contaminants requiring hazmat cleanup.

Encino Little League president Brandon Walsh hopes the city will intervene before conditions worsen further: “The homeless have rights like anyone else, but our young players also deserve a safe place to play. With the rainy season coming, we’re worried about diseases spreading or tent fires igniting. The city needs to take action.”

The Encino community has met with Councilmember Paul Koretz to advocate for relocation assistance and temporary housing for the encampment residents. But such reforms require time to implement. In the interim, Walsh has asked Koretz to provide mobile hygiene stations, trash receptacles, and regular hazmat cleanup near the Bull Creek channel. Koretz’s office says they are exploring options to address the Little League’s concerns.

Still uncertain is whether the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) will conduct official outreach to the encampment inhabitants as a first step toward providing shelter and social services. According to LAHSA data, the greater San Fernando Valley region has seen a 23% rise in homelessness over the past four years. But resources have not kept pace with demand.

Walsh says the Little League is willing to help with donation drives if needed: “We want solutions that humanely help the homeless while protecting children who play here.”

As city leaders like Karen Bass and Janice Hahn call for bolstered law enforcement and safety measures on the Metro system, families around Encino Little League hope officials will also address public health risks posed by nearby homeless encampments. Achieving progress may require partnership between city agencies, nonprofit service providers, and community organizations invested in constructive solutions.

With compassion and persistence, perhaps communities across Los Angeles worried over homelessness and public safety can turn concern into positive action. The safety of Encino’s young ballplayers depends on it. I sincerely hope you find this “Parents and Coaches Worried About Homeless Presence Near Encino Little League? What is the Story?” article helpful.