Hollywood Residents Say Unchecked Crime, Homelessness Are Gutting the Iconic Strip

“All the economic indicators are flashing red—jobs are leaving, businesses are leaving,” says the head of one homeowners association.

Dozens of area residents, business owners, and homeowners gathered at a town hall event to voice concerns about crime, economic decline, and homelessness in the Hollywood area of Los Angeles on March 16, 2024. Courtesy of The Hollywood Partnership

LOS ANGELES—Dozens of area residents, business owners, and homeowners gathered at a town hall event with Los Angeles City Councilman Hugo Soto-Martinez on March 16 to voice concerns about crime, economic decline, and homelessness that they say are laying waste to the iconic heart of Hollywood.

Mr. Soto-Martinez represents the 13th District, which encompasses most of the Hollywood neighborhood, including its Walk of Fame.