A commercial building in downtown Los Angeles recently caught attention for its unusual approach to addressing homelessness. Located at the corner of 11th and Main streets, the building’s landlord started playing the children’s song "Baby Shark" loudly from a speaker, aiming to deter homeless individuals from loitering nearby. This decision was made in response to a homeless encampment that has been established on the sidewalk for over a year.
Shalom Styles, the owner of Styles Barber Lounge, which is one of the tenants in the building, shared that the music began on a Thursday. He expressed frustration about the encampment, stating that it poses challenges for local businesses. "These are thriving businesses, we don’t need to have that stuff over here," he remarked, referring to the homeless situation.
However, by the following Monday, the music had stopped. Styles explained that the landlord received complaints, including one from the police, about the noise level and the risk of being cited for disturbing the peace. The landlord expressed a desire to meet with city officials to discuss the matter further before making any decisions about the music.
Councilwoman Ysabel Jurado, who represents the area, confirmed that a meeting between the landlord and the Los Angeles Police Department had already taken place but did not provide specifics on the discussion. In her statement, Jurado highlighted the importance of addressing homelessness with compassion and emphasized the need for long-term solutions that respect everyone’s humanity.
In a related effort, the Los Angeles Mission announced plans to collaborate with Styles Barber Lounge to provide free haircuts and grooming services for unhoused individuals in the area. Dennis Oleesky, the Mission’s chief executive, acknowledged the strain that homelessness places on both individuals living on the streets and business owners. He praised Styles for turning a frustrating situation into an opportunity to help.
The ongoing tensions between business owners and the homeless population have been escalating. In recent years, various businesses have attempted different methods to discourage loitering, including playing loud music and using physical barriers. While the number of unsheltered individuals in Los Angeles decreased from 32,680 to 29,275 last year, frustrations remain high among residents and business owners regarding the city’s handling of the homelessness crisis.
Recent audits have raised concerns about the effectiveness of the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, revealing issues with data management and financial oversight. As the city grapples with these challenges, many business owners and residents continue to seek solutions that balance public safety with compassion for those experiencing homelessness.