News Summary

Residents in Westwood, California, are rallying against disturbances from a property owned by elderly siblings that has become a hub for squatters and criminal activity. Local complaints include unsafe conditions and harassment, prompting action such as petitions and restraining orders. Community members express concern for public health and safety, calling on city officials for urgent intervention.

Westwood Residents Unite Against Squatter Crisis at Elderly Siblings’ Home

Westwood, California – A neighborhood in Westwood is facing significant disruptions due to ongoing disturbances from a house owned by an elderly brother and sister, which has become a hotspot for squatters and potential criminal activity. The property, located in proximity to the Westfield Century City mall, has garnered attention for its deteriorating condition and the alarming behavior of individuals frequenting the area.

Residents describe the siblings’ home as a “hell house,” cluttered with debris and discarded furniture, and shrouded by overgrown trees. The situation has worsened over the past year, with neighbors noting that the siblings have reportedly hoarded belongings to the point where they are living in their vehicles. This alarming decline in living conditions has prompted significant concern among the local community, especially with a school and a family dental office located just across the street.

The disturbances reported by residents include public urination, alleged prostitution, and the presence of drug paraphernalia scattered throughout the neighborhood. The number of unwelcome visitors to the property has also led to complaints of harassment and trespassing, with some visiting individuals reportedly breaking into nearby homes. Surveillance footage has shown individuals unlawfully entering and exiting the property, adding to the residents’ concerns over safety and security in their community.

Local resident Amy Gordon expressed that the situation has escalated over the last 10 to 12 months, suggesting a growing crisis for the neighborhood. Another neighbor, Carrie Livingston, shared her distress after having spent thousands of dollars erecting a fence, which has since been breached multiple times by intruders. Livingston frequently discovers empty alcohol containers and other debris in her yard, indicating the extent of the disturbances affecting the area.

In an effort to address what they consider a public health crisis, concerned residents have taken action by contacting adult protective services regarding the living conditions of the elderly siblings. Additionally, some neighbors have filed restraining orders against the siblings, aiming to mitigate the disruptions stemming from the property.

To amplify their concerns, residents have collected over 150 signatures on a petition directed at Los Angeles City Councilmember Katy Yaroslavsky, requesting prompt action to rectify the ongoing situation. The fear of public health hazards and potential fire risks associated with the property has only added to the urgency of their pleas for help. Graham Livingston, a neighbor, recounted that the siblings were previously perceived as “creepy neighbors” during childhood, but he noted that the issues surrounding the property have intensified significantly in recent times.

Despite repeated calls to law enforcement and local officials, many residents feel their complaints have not been adequately addressed. They are left questioning the effectiveness of current measures being taken to resolve the situation, as the disturbances continue to disrupt their daily lives and affect the overall safety of the community.

As the situation unfolds, the community remains hopeful that their united efforts will prompt action from local authorities to restore peace and safety in the Westwood neighborhood.

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Additional Resources

• KTLA: Neighbors Outraged Over Hell House
• Wikipedia: Squatting
• Westside Current: Westwood Residents’ Concerns
• Google Search: Squatters in Los Angeles
• Patch: Taggers and Squatters in Hollywood Hills
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Squatter’s Rights
• Business Insider: Landlord Issues in LA
• Google News: Squatters Crisis