The Los Angeles City Council voted Thursday to limit homeless people’s belongings to 60 gallons worth, roughly the size of a large recycling bin.
Property in excess of that could lead to a citation. Councilmembers said the measure was not perfect, but that it struck a balance between respecting homeless people’s property rights and the public’s right to unobstructed and clean streets and sidewalks.
Homeless advocates argued that the measure only served to criminalize homeless people and will make it easier for the city to sweep encampments.
After the Council’s 13-1 vote, with Gil Cedillo casting the only “no,” advocates chanted “Housekeys, not handcuffs!”