North Figueroa Street, once a stark reflection of the struggles of urban life, has undergone a significant transformation in recent days, leaving many residents astonished.
Yesterday, I drove along North Figueroa to the Train Station near Avenue 58, and I could hardly recognize the area.
The streets were clean, devoid of the usual homeless encampments that had plagued the area for months.
It was evident that Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez took action to address the issues faced by Highland Park, an area rich in businesses and community spots along main thoroughfares like Figueroa and York Blvd.
This revitalization comes as a welcome change for locals eager to frequent shops and restaurants, highlighted by an influx of vibrant developments.
The dramatic shift, however, is bittersweet, as just days prior, the street had descended into a troubling state reminiscent of Skid Row.
Homeless encampments crowded the sidewalks, and the local business community felt overwhelmed and neglected.
In response to the city’s inaction, a coalition of businesses came together to form the North Figueroa Coalition, advocating for their concerns amid what they believed was a lack of attention from Hernandez and her policies.
They felt that local leaders, including Hernandez, were more focused on initiatives to support the homeless rather than addressing the immediate challenges impacting businesses and the community.
Among these initiatives is the Circle Program, which Hernandez champions.
The Crisis and Incident Response through Community Engagement program aims to provide a 24/7 unarmed response to non-urgent police calls involving unhoused individuals, allowing for community-led engagement in addressing homelessness.
While the concept appears promising, concerns arise regarding funding in a city grappling with significant financial challenges.
Questions linger about the viability of such programs in a city that has declared itself financially strapped.
Eunisses Hernandez, who won her seat as a representative for Council District 1 after defeating longtime politician Gil Cedillo, has since faced criticism for her progressive stances, which many view as a double-edged sword.
Her affiliation with the Democratic Socialists of America indicates a move towards a progressive agenda, one that prioritizes social support systems over traditional policing.
But Hernandez has also found herself at odds with broader budget decisions, particularly opposing Mayor Bass’ first budget proposal that allocated a significant sum to the Police Department while neglecting funding for her Circle Program.
Rather than holding the police accountable for their treatment of homeless individuals, Hernandez’s focus on reshaping the city budget has led to a tense atmosphere among her constituents.
The disparity between the demand for trained outreach workers and the availability of qualified personnel to implement the Circle Program has also been a pressing concern.
The combination of bureaucratic challenges and fiscal limitations complicates efforts to effectively deploy services that would genuinely assist the homeless.
While the Circle Program is lauded for its aims, the reality of finding and training the necessary workforce presents an uphill battle for Hernandez and her team.
Given the city’s financial plight, optimism about implementing these initiatives remains tempered with skepticism.
During a recent visit to Glassell Park, Hernandez discussed the upcoming city budget and the glaring need for a larger pool of certified professionals for the Circle Program, illustrating the gap in services available.
As the city seems to vacillate between attempts at resolution and the perpetuation of homelessness, some local residents and business owners are left feeling that the solution lies in tolerating encampments rather than eradicating them.
Looking ahead to the 2026 elections, Hernandez is not without challengers, with at least three candidates already emerging to contest her seat.
Candidates Elaine Alaniz, Raul Claros, Sylvia Robledo, and Jesus Jesse Rosas are gearing up for what promises to be a competitive race.
With the primary scheduled for June 3, 2026, we can anticipate a dynamic political landscape evolving as candidates present their visions for addressing the complex issues of homelessness and public safety in the district.
In related news, Pasadena State Senator (D-25) has introduced SB634, seeking to prevent local and state authorities from penalizing homeless individuals for essential survival actions while also protecting those who assist them.
This signal from the state level mirrors the frustrations at the city level and illustrates the ongoing debate surrounding the treatment and support of the homeless population.
As the streets of North Figueroa resemble a revitalized neighborhood today, we must consider what sustainable solutions will be put in place to ensure progress doesn’t falter amid ongoing financial and social challenges.
Tony Butka, an Eastside community activist and contributor to CityWatch, sheds light on these dynamics, drawing attention to the necessity for actionable change that aligns with the community’s needs.
image source from：citywatchla
