The issue of homelessness and encampments in the Hollywood and Beverly Hills area has taken a disturbing turn, as a local business owner has pleaded with city officials to remove a naked woman who has been seen sleeping outside her haircare business as she's scaring away customers

The issue of homeless encampments in the Hollywood stomping grounds of Beverly Hills has escalated, with reports of naked people deterring customers and impacting local businesses. Business owners, such as Debra, who owns a haircare business, are expressing concerns about the negative impact of the encampments on their businesses and the safety of their clientele. City officials, including Councilmember Katy Yaroslavsky, have been called upon to take action to address the issue, but so far, no effective solutions have been found.

Homeless encampments in the Hollywood stomping grounds of Beverly Hills have taken a turn for the worse, as a local business owner says there are now naked people deterring customers

Debra (pictured), a business owner was scared of a naked woman lying out on a leftover couch amid the rubble in one of the encampments in recent days

She says the encampment has hurt her haircare business and made her afraid to work past 6 p.m. along San Vicente Boulevard, just south of the Beverly Center

The problem of homelessness in Los Angeles is widespread, with an estimated 40,000 people experiencing homelessness in the city and a four percent increase in homelessness in Los Angeles County since 2020, according to the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority. Homeless encampments have been observed in affluent neighborhoods, such as Beverly Hills, and have raised concerns about the safety and well-being of both the homeless individuals and the local residents.

Homeless encampments are becoming increasingly common near Beverly Hills, one of LA's most affluent neighborhoods

Tents are pictured scattered along the sidewalk in Beverly Grove, near Beverly Hills, along with bicycles wheelchairs and loose bedding

According to Beverly Hills City Manager, Nancy Hunt-Coffey, the amount of homelessness in the area is increasing. Pictured: tents in nearby Beverly Grove

A homeless person is seen napping on a patch of grass in a park on the corner of Santa Monica Blvd. and Crescent Dr.

A homeless man sits on a public bench in Beverly Grove, near Beverly Hills on April 11, 2023

The issue of drug overdoses, particularly from fentanyl, among homeless individuals in Los Angeles has also been noted as a significant problem, with overdose deaths increasing significantly in recent years. California Governor Gavin Newsom has announced plans to cut homelessness by 15 percent in two years through measures such as providing small homes, but the problem remains complex and multifaceted.

City officials and advocates for the homeless emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach that addresses both housing and homelessness, as well as the underlying issues that contribute to homelessness, such as mental health, addiction, and poverty. The situation is urgent, with reports of increasing homelessness and encampments impacting communities and businesses, and local leaders are being called upon to take effective action to address the crisis.