LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 28: A person walks past an encampment of unhoused people in the Skid Row community on June 28, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled today that cities can ban people, including those who are homeless, from camping and sleeping outdoors in public places, overturning lower court rulings. Skid Row is home to thousands of people who are either experiencing homelessness on the streets or living in shelters. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
Los Angeles, California – A commercial property at the corner of 11th and Main in downtown Los Angeles became the center of controversy last week after its landlord blasted the children’s song “Baby Shark” on repeat—an apparent attempt to drive away a nearby homeless encampment. The tactic was halted only after police received complaints and warned it could constitute disturbing the peace.
Shalom Styles, owner of Styles Barber Lounge and a tenant in the commercial building, said the music began Thursday, echoing from outdoor speakers just feet from where several unhoused individuals have lived for over a year. Styles defended the landlord’s actions, saying the encampment hurt nearby businesses. “These are thriving businesses, we don’t need to have that stuff over here,” he said.
But critics say the stunt crossed a moral line.
“This kind of dehumanizing tactic does nothing to solve homelessness and only deepens divisions,” said a spokesperson for Councilwoman Ysabel Jurado, who urged residents to lead with “care and compassion.” Jurado confirmed that her office met with the landlord and LAPD, though the force did not release session details.
While Styles initially supported the music, he has since attempted to recast the situation as a catalyst for positive action. On Monday, he announced a partnership with the Los Angeles Mission to host a free grooming and outreach event for unhoused people downtown. “This is our way of helping, not just talking,” Styles said.
Dennis Oleesky, CEO of the L.A. Mission, praised the move: “We commend Shalom for turning a moment of frustration into an opportunity to serve.”
Still, tensions remain high. Around the corner, Kenneth Moore, 68, who lives in the encampment, said he was frustrated by being unfairly blamed. “If it’s about the break-ins, that’s not us. We fix bikes to survive.”
The number of unhoused individuals in Los Angeles has slightly declined—from 32,680 in 2023 to 29,275 in 2024—but distrust between the city, property owners, and the unhoused remains.
Despite city efforts and scattered outreach, many residents continue to wait, some for years, for permanent housing.
