There’s been an issue lately -- especially on Canyon Drive -- where recreational vehicles (RVs) have been parked on the street for days and sometimes weeks at a time. As many of you know, in late February of this year we had one RV on Canyon Drive actually catch fire, which was frightening and could have been a disaster if it had occurred in a high wind situation.
The Oaks Association’s Security Committee has worked with LAPD and our Senior Lead Officer Heather Mata to observe and focus on RVs parked illegally on our streets. It is illegal in the City of Los Angeles to park on a public street for longer than 72 hours, whether the vehicle is an RV or not. There are special restrictions on oversize vehicles and downright bans in some parts of the city, but right now we think it most productive to focus on the 72-hour restriction. However, if there is evidence that someone is actually living in the RV, it may be difficult to enforce the 72-hour rule as there are special circumstances that became part of the law during the homelessness crisis. In addition, please consider that a vehicle may be parked for a greater length of time due to the fact that someone is on vacation, so use good judgement.
We suggest you coordinate with your neighbors to note cars or RVs that have been parked in the same place on the street for long periods of time and appear to be abandoned. In such cases, you can call the City’s abandoned vehicle phone line: 800-222-6366. Report the vehicle, citing its color, make, and license number. The City will come out and tag the vehicle; if it is not moved within three days, they will tow it.
KEY LAPD CONTACT
Most importantly, stay aware and if you see something, say something. Our LAPD Senior Lead Officer Heather Mata is very accessible and willing to take calls and to help. You can reach her in the following ways. Put this information in your Phone Contacts and be part of looking out for the entire neighborhood!
LAPD SENIOR LEAD OFFICER Heather Mata
PHONE (213) 308-0455
E-MAIL 40988@lapd.online
