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Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Yahoo
LA residents want the state to do more about trash fires, dumping, masked gunmen and nearby encampments
Residents of LA's South Bay community say they are fed up with dumping, trash fires and rising crime in their neighborhood — issues they claim are directly tied to nearby homeless encampments. The area sits at the intersection of multiple jurisdictions, including Union Pacific Railroad, Caltrans, the state of California and the city of Los Angeles. That overlap has made it difficult to determine who's responsible for addressing the growing problems, but locals say they're hopeful that Governor Gavin Newsom's new ordinance targeting homeless encampments will finally be a solution. "We just want some law and order," local business owner Caesar Verdin told reporters. "Everyone pays their taxes. California is one of the most expensive states to live in and we feel like our tax money should be coming up with solutions instead of the problems getting bigger." Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 6 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) "It's pretty lawless out here," Verdin told Fox 11 reporters. "Kids aren't allowed to go outside on their own without adult supervision." Verdin's family has owned and operated the local business for more than 40 years. He says things have gotten significantly worse in recent years. A recent report from the Los Angeles Fire Department seems to back up his claim. The department says that people experiencing homelessness (PEH) have been involved with at least 500 trash fires in the area since January 1st, 2025, according to Fox 11 News. The department noted a 475% increase in rubbish fires from 2014 to 2024 and while not all incidents are directly tied to homeless encampments, many are. The local Watts Fire Station told Fox 11 News that 'easily' 95% of the fires they respond to are homeless-related. Under the 105/110 freeway interchange alone, more than 1,000 fires have been recorded this year. But fires aren't the only concern. Masked gunmen recently rolled up in the area with AK-47s. Graffiti is also an issue and locals say that violent crime and illegal dumping have also escalated. Dave Matthews, a community activist, says bizarre, large-scale dumping has also been an issue. "We have 400 pounds of pork shoulder marinating on Figueroa and 127th that was dumped overnight. And then on Saturday, we had 1,000 pounds of pork ribs dumped on the street." The nearby railroad tracks have also become dangerous. In a recent tragic incident, a woman lying on the tracks had her leg severed by a train that was unable to stop in time. "And then a homeless person actually took the leg into an encampment," said Matthews, who found the limb. Locals are hopeful that Governor Gavin Newsom's new model ordinance related to homeless encampments will finally bring peace to the area. Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says — and that 'anyone' can do it The Public Policy Institute of California reports that the population of unhoused people in the state is estimated at 187,000, or 24% of the estimated total in the country. Moreover, two in three of these have no shelter at all. The ballooning issue of homelessness in the state is said to be one Governor Gavin Newsom hopes to shrink in time for a presidential run in 2028. The area where many of the fires and illegal dumping are taking place — described by Fox News as an '8-square mile danger zone' — is unique in that small sections of land owned by the city, state and private railways all intersect with each other. Responsibility for the area and enforcement on it has become a hot potato, making it easier for illegal activities to take place and encampments to thrive. In May, Gov. Newsom unveiled a model ordinance urging California cities to take quicker action to address unsafe or illegal encampments and connect unhoused residents with services. While cities aren't required to adopt it, the ordinance provides a framework to restrict 'persistent camping' in a single location and to prevent encampments from blocking sidewalks and public spaces. It also encourages jurisdictions to provide notice and make a reasonable effort to offer shelter before clearing an encampment. The rollout was paired with the announcement of $3.3 billion in grant money for facilities to treat mental disorders, including substance abuse. According to ABC 7 News, cities may be required to comply with the ordinance to access this funding. However, homeless advocates say punitive measures don't work and the ordinance is not enough. Carolyn Coleman, executive director and CEO of the League of California Cities, says most cities already have similar ordinances. To solve the issue, they need money to address the root causes of homelessness, such as lack of housing. For residents of South LA, the issue feels urgent. Fires, violent crime and hazardous dumping have become part of daily life and the complex tangle of jurisdictional responsibility only makes matters worse. While Newsom's proposed ordinance has brought hope, many locals say real change will only come with enforcement — and the political will to fund lasting solutions. Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead How much cash do you plan to keep on hand after you retire? Here are 3 of the biggest reasons you'll need a substantial stash of savings in retirement Robert Kiyosaki warns of a 'Greater Depression' coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 'easy-money' assets will bring in 'great wealth'. How to get in now Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
USA Today
05-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Packers WR Christian Watson provides positive update on knee injury recovery
Packers WR Christian Watson provides positive update on knee injury recovery Christian Watson still has a ways to go in his recovery after tearing his ACL late last season. However, the Green Bay Packers wide receiver provided a positive update in a recent interview with Ellie French of Fox 11 News. "Recovery's going really well. I'm in a really, really good spot," said Watson. "I got a couple more months ahead of me, but I'm attacking it every day. I'm in a really good spot." Watson suffered the injury in Week 18 against the Chicago Bears and subsequently missed the playoffs. There is no timetable for his return in 2025, but there's a chance he will miss the first few months of the season. The good news is Watson hasn't had any setbacks and appears to be on schedule with his rehab. On Friday, Matt LaFleur raved about Watson's approach. "He's been outstanding—great attitude, and he's working hard. That's all you can ask of anybody," LaFleur said. Injuries have plagued Watson since being drafted 34th overall in 2022, but he appeared in a career-high 15 games last season, finishing with 29 receptions for 620 yards and two touchdowns. When healthy, Watson is one of the most important components of the offense. At 6-4, 208 pounds with 4.3 speed, Green Bay doesn't have another receiver who can emulate his skill set. The Packers did select Texas standout Matthew Golden with the 23rd overall pick in this year's draft, marking the first time the team has taken a wide receiver in the first round since 2002. Golden ran a 4.29 in the 40-yard dash at this year's Scouting Combine after a breakout year with the Longhorns. Getting Golden and Watson on the field at the same time would add a new and explosive element to the offense. Now in the final year of his rookie contract, Watson's future in Green Bay past 2025 remains in question. While he is an elite talent, his lack of availability makes it difficult to invest in him long-term. The sooner he gets healthy and shows he is the same player, the better it will be for his future with the team.
