Photo credit: Dean Musgrove
Echo Park has been fenced off and the homeless living along the lake were given 24 hours to leave after protesters and police clashed Wednesday night.
“No one else may enter. 24 hr notice for those in the park to leave. Housing resources are being provided to everyone,” says Los Angeles Police Chief Michael Moore.
Our people remain in the area around Echo Park tonight as fencing is installed. Those already inside the park in tents will be allowed to remain overnight. No one else may enter. 24 hr notice for those in the park to leave. Housing resources are being provided to everyone
— Chief Michel Moore (@LAPDChiefMoore) March 25, 2021
Police were clearing out area Wednesday and met by hundreds of protesters who were upset and ready to fight for the space being taken away. It got a bit out of hand with shoving and pushing, and some police even reported that rocks and other object were being thrown at them. The LAPD later declared two unlawful assemblies and gave an order for the crowd to disperse.
An online petition on Change.org called “Save Echo Park Lake” was created and calls for officials to “restore the lake housing,” but City Council member Mitch O’Farrell claims that the closure was specifically created to fix lighting, plumbing and other much-needed improvements. Social workers will walk through park today and offer people who are still there another place to stay, etc.
The Los Angeles Police Department was asked to support community safety efforts during installation of the fencing to assist in the rehabilitation of Echo Park.
Department personnel are deployed in that area so that those efforts can begin in a safe and unimpeded manner. pic.twitter.com/9V1lsXpZAC
— Mitch O’Farrell (@MitchOFarrell) March 25, 2021
What are your thoughts? Are they right or wrong for shutting this area down?
