California Allows Demolition of Homeless RVs Worth Up to $4,000
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · May 24
California Allows Demolition of Homeless RVs Worth Up to $4,000
2 articles · Updated · The New York Times · May 24
A January law now lets authorities in Los Angeles and Alameda Counties quickly destroy oversize vehicles worth up to $4,000 if owners cannot move them without a tow truck.
The change sharply raises the prior threshold from $500 and targets RVs, converted buses and trailers that shelter many of California’s vehicle-dwelling homeless residents.
Roughly 34,000 homeless people in California sleep in vehicles on a given night by official estimates, and advocates say the true number may be about twice that.
Los Angeles Councilwoman Traci Park has pushed towing sweeps in District 11, arguing RV encampments bring crime, illegal dumping and human waste, while advocates call the crackdown a war on RVs.
As California crushes vehicle-homes, is it ignoring cheaper and more humane solutions that actually work?
With housing costs spiraling, where do thousands of displaced RV dwellers go after their homes are towed away?