Squatters Raising Hell in Beverly Grove

When you think of Beverly Grove, what do you think of? Beautiful 1920s homes, proximity to upscale stores and restaurants, walkability, and a quiet atmosphere with low crime, right? Me too. It’s long had a reputation as one of the city’s most desirable neighborhoods.

Yeah, about that…

KCAL News reports that squatters have taken over THREE abandoned apartment buildings at Flores Street and West Third Street.

According to neighbors, the fence was not enough to keep roughly 20 people from moving in over the last few months. Brawls, drug use, and multiple fires have ensued.

KCAL didn’t specify the exact addresses, so I did a little detective work.

I thought I’d start by checking LAFD alerts, but that only turned up one. Of course, if you remember Mr. Smurfy’s story, you may already be aware that sometimes smaller fires are extinguished by neighbors.

I was able to positively identify the three affected buildings as 8320-8326 1st Street, 106 S. Flores Street, and 110 S. Flores Street.

All three of them have LADBS complaints, filed by terrified neighbors. ALL OF THE COMPLAINTS HAVE BEEN CLOSED. Since KCAL’s news story went live just yesterday, it’s clear that the issue of three buildings held empty and invaded by squatters has NOT been addressed. Councilmember Yaroslavsky’s office flagged the problems with LADBS and the complaints were STILL closed.

I’m starting to wonder what LADBS even does around here, since complaints rarely seem to be taken seriously.

Oh, wait…they sure love to rubber-stamp demolition permits.

Demolition permits for 8320-8326 1st Street and 106-110 S. Flores were all issued May 14th.

So the owner most likely intends to redevelop, building something large enough to require three adjacent lots in a row. That’s NOT an excuse to let squatters take over, trash the block, and scare the living daylights out of the neighbors.

And even if the buildings are demolished soon…squatters are like mold. They often come back, and if there’s a new building under construction, they may very well set THAT on fire.

In the KCAL article, city officials blamed the property owner. Yes, the property owner absolutely is to blame, but why hasn't there been a consequence yet? The City Attorney could charge the owner, so why isn’t she doing that?

It’s a lousy situation, and the neighbors don’t deserve it.

And if it can happen in classy, upscale Beverly Grove, it could happen on YOUR block, too.

8320-8326 1st Street, Beverly Grove.

106-110 S. Flores Street, Beverly Grove.