Lopez: For mayoral candidates and all of L.A., here's the homelessness conversation we must have
Key takeaways
- Ron, a West L.A. resident, thinks he knows why former reality TV star and political newcomer Spencer Pratt won so much support in his run for mayor.
- People are frustrated, frightened and angry about homelessness “and the crime associated with it,” Ron said in an email.
- Bob, “a left-leaning Palisades resident,” said the issue is not Pratt’s lack of credentials, but the failures of incumbents.
LAPD and DEA agents converge near Mac Arthur Park targeting an open-air drug market. Authorities arrested 18 people, including two people believed to be the main sources of fentanyl and methamphetamine in the park. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) By Steve Lopez Columnist Follow June 6, 2026 5 AM PT 7 min Click here to listen to this article Share via Close extra sharing options Email Facebook X Linked In Threads Reddit Whats App Copy Link URL Copied! Print 0:00 0:00 1x This is read by an automated voice. Please report any issues or inconsistencies here.
Ron, a West L.A. resident, thinks he knows why former reality TV star and political newcomer Spencer Pratt won so much support in his run for mayor.
People are frustrated, frightened and angry about homelessness “and the crime associated with it,” Ron said in an email. He added that he voted for Mayor Karen Bass, but “almost everything Pratt said about the homeless resonated with me. … The homeless run wild here, without consequence.”