David Aguilar, the original vice president of Block by Block, stepped in for General Manager Erica Leone to deliver Block by Block’s report to the Public Safety Commission on Monday night. Aguilar’s report covers the activities of the Block by Block Security Ambassadors for the month of October.
He began by noting an overall increase in activities across multiple categories. There was a notable rise in business contacts, particularly with the approach of the Halloween Carnaval. This increase in interaction with businesses mainly involved addressing questions about street closures, with ambassadors directing people to a city page that provided detailed information. Another significant area of increased activity was in contacts with homeless residents, indicating a greater engagement with this segment of the community.
Aguilar also reported a rise in calls for service and requests for assistance from the sheriff’s department, especially in the east side and center city areas. He emphasized that the center city area saw a particularly significant increase in activities compared to the previous months. In response to these trends, there is an ongoing consideration to adjust patrol strategies to more effectively address the concerns in these areas, focusing particularly on issues related to the homeless population.
The team also participated in a training session conducted by Healthcare in Action on the west side of town. This session provided the team with updates on resources available for homeless services and new contact information, strengthening their capability to assist this community segment.
A significant portion of the report was dedicated to detailing the team’s activities during the Halloween period. Aguilar highlighted the strong presence of the team throughout the city, with a primary focus on residential areas. The team played a crucial role in facilitating the movement of people to and from the festivities. This involved staffing pickup trolleys and the city line, which included a collaboration with teams from Hollywood and direct coordination with the LAPD. Aguilar proudly noted that there were no reported issues related to the CityLine Pickup trolley, or their teams along Santa Monica Boulevard and in adjacent residential areas.
Addressing specific inquiries, Aguilar mentioned a request for a year-to-year comparison of statistics, promising that this data will be presented in the next month’s report. He also responded to Commissioner Nickel’s question about the issue of improperly parked scooters. He clarified that while handling these scooters does not currently take up much time, it has the potential to become more demanding. The process involves ambassadors quickly repositioning scooters that obstruct pedestrian traffic and logging each incident. Aguilar acknowledged that this is a common issue in other districts and can be time-consuming for ambassadors on foot patrol.
Finally, Aguilar touched upon concerns about the east side of the city and some vacant properties, specifically mentioning thoseSweetzer. He expressed his intention to collaborate with Erica Leone and the team to explore additional support measures, including having ambassadors monitor these areas more closely.
Commissioner Adam Eramian commended the ambassadors’ presence and efforts during Halloween in their city. Eramian inquired about whether the ambassador program is operating at full capacity. Aguilar indicated that the program is near full capacity, but exact numbers need confirmation.
Oremian raised a concern that some areas of West Hollywood, particularly around La Brea and Fountain, including the vicinity of a McDonald’s, may not be receiving adequate attention from the ambassadors. It’s mentioned that the ambassadors cover areas up to Fountain but do not extend north of Fountain on the east side of town. The discussion pointed out that some streets in West Hollywood might not be seeing patrols by security ambassadors, and Eramian requested the identification of these specific streets to ensure that they receive adequate patrol coverage.
The focus then shifted to how the ambassadors in West Hollywood interact with the homeless community. The commission suggested the possibility of including social workers in the Block by Block program, especially during the hours of 9 to 5, to assist with outreach to the homeless. This idea was proposed to enhance the services provided, drawing a parallel with the sheriff’s department, which already includes social workers.
Aguilar acknowledged the potential benefits of this suggestion but also highlighted concerns about liability, considering the social workers would not be employees of the company. Despite these concerns, the idea was not dismissed outright, and there was mention of possible waivers to address liability issues.
Aguilar noted that the ambassadors have been responsive in contacting healthcare and action teams when encountering issues with the homeless population. The ambassadors are primarily focused on foot and bicycle patrols, with limited vehicle use mainly for supervisory staff. This limitation could present operational challenges in implementing the proposed idea of having social workers ride along.
Commissioner Brandon Blau spoke about general benefits of the Block by Block program, particularly in the context of public safety equipment and city council decisions. Blau emphasized the value of having a people-oriented approach in public safety, favoring more Block by Block representatives patrolling residential areas over the installation of fixed cameras in high-visibility areas like Santa Monica, Sunset, and Melrose.
Blau raised a question to Aguilar regarding the last section of a report that listed response times for seven calls. Blau was curious about the criteria used to select these calls out of over 1,200 calls in October for showcasing response times. David acknowledged noticing the limited number of calls reported and expressed uncertainty about why these specific incidents were highlighted, suggesting they might have been more significant. He committed to following up for more detailed information.
Nickle inquired about the safety escort service, noting an increase in usage from September (41) to October (63), possibly related to Halloween. The question sought to understand the nature of these escort requests – why they were needed and the destinations of those escorted.
Aguilar clarified that most escort requests involved walking people back to their vehicles after they left businesses, though occasionally, escorts to the front doors of residences were provided, especially from areas like the Gateway Center and shopping zones. It was noted that these escorts were primarily requested at night, often by patrons leaving bars or clubs.
Commissioner George Nickle thanked Chair David for responding to a previous question about scooters and referred to a report showing 347 incidents of improper e-scooter parking. Nickel shared personal observations from a walk along, noting that ambassadors were seen relocating scooters to safe positions but questioned what happens next – whether companies like Bird or Lime are contacted to pick up the scooters.
Director Danny Rivas responded, explaining that ambassadors’ role is to relocate scooters to ensure pedestrian access, not necessarily to designated locations. They are not generally responsible for contacting scooter companies; that task is managed by a different division with contracted providers who proactively patrol and reposition scooters in designated areas. Rivas acknowledged the time-consuming nature of this task for Block by Block and mentioned feedback from residents about scooters being left in the same place for extended periods. However, Rivas commended the ambassadors for their efforts in relocating scooters, highlighting the benefit this brings, especially for disabled residents and older adults.
The Block by Block security ambassadors are set to present their October report at Monday night’s meeting of the Public Safety Commission.
In general, across all regions, there’s a increase in activity in October compared to September. Business contacts showed significant growth, especially in the Mid City and West regions. Homeless resident contacts and calls for service also increased across all regions, though to varying extents. Sheriff assistance, while the numbers are small, also showed an increase, particularly in the West.
- Business Contact
- East: Increased from 1,056 in September to 1,244 in October, indicating a significant growth in business-related activities or interactions.
- Mid City: Saw a more than double increase from 74 in September to 167 in October, suggesting a substantial rise in business engagement.
- West: Also experienced an increase from 2,013 to 2,311, continuing the trend of growing business interactions.
- Homeless Resident Contact
- East: Rose from 236 to 321, indicating a notable increase in interactions or assistance with homeless residents.
- Mid City: Slight increase from 64 to 71, showing a consistent but small rise in contact.
- West: A marginal increase from 397 to 409, indicating a relatively stable level of contact.
- Sheriff Assistance
- East: Increased slightly from 3 to 4.
- Mid City: Also saw a minimal increase from 2 to 3.
- West: Increased from 6 to 9, showing a higher rate of increase compared to East and Mid City.
- Calls for Service
- East: Increased from 152 to 173, suggesting a growing demand for services.
- Mid City: Rose from 37 to 43, indicating a slight increase in service calls.
- West: Increased from 190 to 216, following the general trend of increased service demands.
| ALL CITY | SEPT | OCT |
|---|---|---|
| Business Contact (East) | 1056 | 1244 |
| Homeless Contact (East) | 236 | 321 |
| Sheriff Assistance (East) | 3 | 4 |
| Calls for Service (East) | 152 | 173 |
| Business Contact (Mid City) | 74 | 167 |
| Homeless Contact (Mid City) | 64 | 71 |
| Sheriff Assistance (Mid City) | 2 | 3 |
| Calls for Service (Mid City) | 37 | 43 |
| Business Contact (West) | 2013 | 2311 |
| Homeless Contact (West) | 397 | 409 |
| Sheriff Assistance (West) | 6 | 9 |
| Calls for Service (West) | 190 | 216 |
| SANTA MONICA BLVD. | SEPT | OCT |
|---|---|---|
| Hospitality Assistance | 4193 | 3261 |
| Business Contact | 3143 | 3722 |
| Motorist Assist | 0 | 0 |
| Homeless Contact | 697 | 801 |
| Crosswalk Assistance | 6 | 8 |
| Calls for Service | 379 | 437 |
| Sheriff | 9 | 16 |
| Fire | 12 | 17 |
| EMS | 8 | 11 |
| Bike Miles Ridden | 311 | 461 |
| Scooter Imp Parking | 231 | 274 |
| Safety Escorts | 41 | 63 |
| SUNSET BLVD | SEPT | OCT |
|---|---|---|
| Hospitality Assistance | 291 | 221 |
| Business Contact | 586 | 591 |
| Motorist Assist | 0 | 0 |
| Homeless Contact | 68 | 54 |
| Crosswalk Assistance | 86 | 71 |
| Calls for Service | 3 | 3 |
| Bike Miles Ridden | 238 | 279 |
| Scooter Imp Parking | 43 | 39 |
| Safety Escorts | 5 | 8 |
| Sheriff | 2 | 4 |
| Fire | 0 | 0 |
| EMS | 1 | 1 |
| MELROSE AVE. | SEPT | OCT |
|---|---|---|
| Hospitality Assistance | 14 | 11 |
| Business Contact | 71 | 63 |
| Motorist Assist | 0 | 0 |
| Homeless Contact | 2 | 16 |
| Crosswalk Assistance | 12 | 7 |
| Calls for Service | 6 | 11 |
| Bike Miles Ridden | 79 | 91 |
| Scooter Improper Parking | 26 | 34 |
| Safety Escorts | 0 | 6 |
| Sheriff | 2 | 5 |
| Fire | 0 | 0 |
| EMS | 0 | 2 |
| PLUMMER PARK | SEPT | OCT |
|---|---|---|
| Park Code Violations | 17 | 21 |
| Business Referrals | 2 | 5 |
| Graffiti Removed | 0 | 0 |
| Hospitality Assistance | 183 | 167 |
| Restroom Counts | 289 | 354 |
| Restrooms Serviced | 6 | 3 |
| Social Service Referrals | 23 | 36 |
| Homeless Contact | 97 | 116 |
| Sheriff | 7 | 9 |
| Fire | 0 | 0 |
| EMS | 2 | 3 |
| WEHO PARK | SEPT | OCT |
|---|---|---|
| Life Guard Escorts | 8 | 6 |
| Park Violations | 35 | 41 |
| Business Referral | 3 | 6 |
| Hospitality Assistance | 691 | 587 |
| Restroom Count | 289 | 336 |
| Restroom Serviced | 6 | 4 |
| Social Service Referral | 0 | 8 |
| Homeless Contact | 191 | 213 |
| RESIDENTIAL PATROLS | SEPT | OCT |
|---|---|---|
| Park Code Violations | 17 | 21 |
| Business Referrals | 2 | 5 |
| Graffiti Removed | 0 | 0 |
| Hospitality Assistance | 183 | 167 |
| Restroom Counts | 289 | 354 |
| Restrooms Serviced | 6 | 3 |
| Social Service Referrals | 23 | 36 |
| Homeless Contact | 97 | 116 |
| Sheriff | 7 | 9 |
| Fire | 0 | 0 |
| EMS | 2 | 3 |
| KIOSKS CONTACTS | SEPT | OCT |
|---|---|---|
| La Brea | 59 | 48 |
| Ramada | 37 | 25 |
| Robertson | 43 | 56 |
| Sunset | 8 | 3 |
| Plummer Park | 32 | 57 |
| West Hollywood Park | 58 | 69 |
| FairFax | 13 | 9 |
“Security Ambassadors” are no substitute for police in regards to keeping the public safe. Period.
Unhoused persons ARE NOT residents. They are transient, they do not pay taxes, they’re income is generally panhandling and public defecation is not a qualification for residency. Trying to make homelessness pc is not cool. Our well paid commissioners and entitled council members need to stop with this bs. The homeless need to be removed not acclimated. Stop this damn insanity.
100%
When did “homeless people” turn into “unhoused residents”? Seems to be a contradiction in terms, and an attempt to get us used to transients and vagrants as our neighbors.
Yep. Welcome to what has been fostered.
Everything is a contradiction. Everything.
Using dehumanizing terms for our “unhoused residents” makes it easier for society to accept further oppression for this group and deny any responsibility to help them. Remember this in the time of year when we celebrate the birth of an “unhoused resident” to a family of internally displaced Middle Eastern refugees victimized by western imperialism.🎄
Bottom line… If Hamas hadn’t, without provocation, attacked, tortured, and massacred 1400 innocent Israelis, none of this retaliation would be happening now.
Bottom line… If the west had not created the apartheid state israel starting the Nakba 75 years ago with continued ethnic cleansing and genocide of the indigenous Palestinians. Hamas freedom fighters would not have had to break out of the world’s biggest open air prison of Gaza on dirt bikes🏍 and scooters🛵 with homemade RPG7s to destroy Merkava tanks❗
Vast majority are mentally ill and people with addictions and find themselves homeless due to their issues.
Please do consider how being displaced from your residence and made to be unhoused would impact your own mental health and, possibly a desire to self-medicate. Studies have shown that homelessness is inducing mental illness at a far greater rate than mental illness inducing homelessness ❗ If you have any doubts, ask anyone from Gaza.😢
Why are people with addictions victims? They make their weakness our problem. Still no excuse for our politicians allowing our streets to be overrun with maniacs.
The recent death (likely drug related) of a famous wealthy sitcom actor clearly shows how willing society is to excuse white wealthy people for their faults in stark contrast to poor minorities who face mandatory prison time. It’s right-wing republicans who insist that it’s NOT government’s place to fix street problems, it’s “free market” magic that will work miracles. Right ❓
Numbers. I never see these people. Have to hangout in more saloons, I guess.
You wouldn’t because security and law enforcement is too busy harassing nonwhites❗
I thought “NUMBERS” closed.
There’s nothing impressive about these numbers except to highlight that this program is close to zero about public safety and almost all about hospitality as a form of municipal concierge. The public policy narrative that the spending on block by block represents an increase in public safety spending is a complete lie.
That is exactly how the former Weho Public Safety Director Cook interpreted her responsibilities. She believed she had a Public Relations position and simply pushed responsibilities elsewhere until she could exit unscathed and with plenty of compensation.