Hollywood companies are trying a new approach to eliminating homeless encampments

Mark Sternfeld and Chip Yost

2 hours ago

The debacle of Hollywood’s homeless encampments has prompted some companies to try a new tactic.

Large plantings, most of them containing cacti and other succulents, began growing in front of storefronts and offices along Hollywood and Sunset boulevards.

The companies hope the new temporary landscaping will deter people experiencing homelessness from pitching tents — or at least make it more difficult for encampments to grow and overtake entire sidewalks.

“It keeps things clean and fresh [the homeless] “Less space to move them around,” local resident Benshir Linder told KTLA 5’s Chip Yost.

“I think it’s a good idea,” Per Parsons said.

Some of the farmers can be found in front of The Assistance League of Los Angeles, a non-profit organization that helps homeless and low-income children, Sunset Sound and Harbor Freight music studios.

It is too early to know whether the experiment will succeed. The Aid League says about five farmers have already been robbed.