A Los Angeles business owner has adopted an unconventional method to deter homeless encampments near his property by playing the children’s song “Baby Shark” on a continuous loop. This approach has ignited discussions about the challenges faced by local businesses and the broader issue of homelessness in the city.
The tactic involves broadcasting the repetitive tune through a loudspeaker directed at the encampment located at the intersection of West 11th and Main streets. Tracy, a woman residing in the nearby encampment, expressed her distress: “They played ‘Baby Shark’ all night long. They’re doing everything they can to make us move or drive us crazy. But it’s doing the latter. It’s driving people crazy.”
Shalom Styles, owner of Styles Barber Lounge situated around the corner from the business employing this method, defended the action. He emphasized the difficulties faced by local businesses amid the homelessness crisis: “It’s not always about being kind, because when people are taking away from business, and all the stores are going out of business.”
This incident underscores the tension between business owners striving to maintain their livelihoods and the growing homeless population in Los Angeles.
Governor Gavin Newsom recently unveiled a multi-billion-dollar plan to combat homelessness in California. The initiative includes a model ordinance for cities to “immediately address dangerous and unhealthy encampments and connect people experiencing homelessness with shelter and services,” Newsom stated, “There’s nothing compassionate about letting people die on the streets,” the governor said in a recent press release.
The plan is supported by $3.3 billion in new funding under Proposition 1, with Newsom urging local governments to act promptly. Newsom’s office highlighted the state’s legal authority to intervene, noting that the U.S. Supreme Court has affirmed such measures. The governor’s office reported that while national homelessness increased by nearly 7% last year, the rise in California was only 0.45%, indicating progress in the state’s efforts.
As Los Angeles grapples with homelessness, the use of “Baby Shark” as a deterrent reflects the frustration of business owners. “We’re still here surviving, trying to put up for our family,” Styles said.
