Regulars on the Los Angeles River path near Griffith Park say their scenic route has turned into a stressful one, with tents and tarps tucked into storm drains and discarded drug paraphernalia in plain view of cyclists and families. People who use the trail report coming across used needles and piles of abandoned belongings, and some nearby residents say they have noticed more violent or organized activity near hidden encampments. City officials and outreach workers insist they are on the case, but they also warn that progress here is slow, technical, and far from simple.
An exclusive report from FOX 11 documented people living in makeshift shelters and inside storm drains just a short distance from the river trail. The station reported used needles, other drug paraphernalia, and what appeared to be stolen items scattered around encampments. A local therapist and outreach worker told the station that some people in the area carry tools and unregistered firearms, which has raised safety concerns for both neighbors and outreach teams. Dozens of people are believed to be living along the river through Los Feliz and the Griffith Park stretch, according to the report.
“Residents deserve to feel safe, and we take these reports extremely seriously,” Councilmember Nithya Raman said in a statement to FOX 11. Her office also noted that outreach workers are contending with steep concrete sides, culverts, and other hard-to-reach spots along the river, which complicate both enforcement and delivery of services…