Resident reports suspected encampment near Hollywood Elementary; police outline trespass process and offer increased patrols

A resident who lives across from Hollywood Elementary School described items and activity in bushes adjacent to the school and said she had installed cameras that showed people "pick[ing]" items and spending time in the area. The resident asked how to report and resolve the situation.

Major Eddie Ciccolleti responded that homelessness alone is not a crime but that trespass on private property is enforceable: "If you're on private property, you can be asked to leave. And if you come back, we'll place you under arrest for trespassing," he said. Ciccolleti said officers would increase patrols in the area and asked the resident to email photographs and the location so staff could follow up.

Councilmember Jacob Hernandez and other participants confirmed the property in question is privately owned and said the process typically requires the property owner to ask police to remove someone from private land. Ciccolleti said the department offers services and shelter referrals to unhoused individuals but noted many decline help. He said the department would attempt to locate the site before dark on the night of the meeting.

During the same exchange, participants discussed neighborhood watch programs. Officials and Councilmember Maria Mackey described active neighborhood watch efforts on the west side of the campus and in District 4 and encouraged residents and workers to contact the city about forming neighborhood watch groups where activity is a concern.

No enforcement action was recorded during the meeting; staff said they would follow up directly with the resident and send officers to the site.