LA County Supervisors Vote to Create Buffer Zone Against Solicitors

Los Angeles County’s Board of Supervisors has taken decisive action against predatory solicitors targeting vulnerable residents outside county aid offices. On November 4, 2023, the board voted 3-0 to pursue an ordinance aimed at creating a designated “buffer zone” around county office buildings. This initiative seeks to protect individuals receiving assistance from being coerced into sharing personal information or filing lawsuits against the county.

The proposed ordinance would establish a “predatory solicitation zone” that mandates a specified distance between solicitors and county office entrances. It also allows for the posting of “No Solicitors” signs and imposes penalties for violations. Fourth District Supervisor Janice Hahn emphasized the need for this measure, stating, “We are painfully aware of ongoing allegations of fraud and pay-to-sue tactics to file lawsuits against the county. This would be a safe buffer zone to stop them from targeting our residents.”

Concerns about solicitation have been particularly pronounced outside the county’s Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) offices, where recipients often wait in long lines stretching onto sidewalks. Fifth District Supervisor Kathryn Barger noted the discomfort and risks faced by clients. “I’ve seen individuals set up on the sidewalks. Our clients have to go through that maze,” she said, highlighting the need for immediate action.

The motion, co-authored by Hahn and Second District Supervisor Holly Mitchell, reflects a growing urgency to address these predatory practices. It states that establishing a Prohibited Predatory or Aggressive Solicitation Ordinance is crucial for ensuring safe access to county buildings and deterring solicitation that undermines service delivery.

One of the primary motivations for the ordinance is to prevent solicitors from requesting sensitive information from clients, including Social Security numbers and EBT card details. Such practices could lead to identity theft, allowing ineligible individuals to misuse a recipient’s EBT card for food purchases. The county has reported ongoing issues with fraudulent use of EBT cards, as outlined in the motion by Hahn and Mitchell.

L.A. County acts as a critical safety net for thousands of residents seeking essential services like food, cash assistance, healthcare, and job opportunities. “It’s our job to protect them, and that has to include keeping them safe from bad actors out to prey on them,” Hahn remarked.

The county’s actions come in response to alarming reports, including those from the Los Angeles Times, indicating that the Downtown LA Law Group has allegedly targeted vulnerable individuals in line for county benefits. Reports suggest that the firm offered cash payments, sometimes as much as $200, to individuals in exchange for filing fraudulent lawsuits against the county.

These concerns are compounded by the recent surge in sexual abuse claims against the county, with a significant portion attributable to Assembly Bill 218. This legislation increased the statute of limitations for filing such claims by 14 years. The county has already disbursed $4 billion to settle claims involving approximately 6,800 individuals and has recently agreed to pay an additional $828 million to settle 414 more claims.

Legal representatives from the firm Manly, Stewart, and Finaldi, which has been involved in sexual abuse cases against the county, have publicly criticized the county’s handling of fraudulent claims. John Manly, an attorney with the firm, stated, “I raised the fraud issue repeatedly in front of the court,” asserting that the county had been aware of the fraudulent practices but failed to take appropriate action.

In light of these challenges, the supervisors are seeking amendments to AB218 in Sacramento to address perceived flaws in the law. Barger described the situation as highlighting systemic issues within the litigation process, advocating for reforms to protect taxpayers and ensure that individuals are not exploited.

The motion directs several county departments to report back to the Board of Supervisors within 60 days on the feasibility of the buffer zone ordinance, including enforcement mechanisms. Additionally, it calls for collaboration with local cities to ban predatory solicitation around public-serving county facilities, particularly the DPSS offices.

In the short term, Hahn has urged DPSS Chief Jackie Contreras to expedite the movement of waiting lines indoors to minimize clients’ exposure to solicitors. “Clearly, what you are doing now is not enough,” she stated, emphasizing the need for prompt measures to safeguard vulnerable residents.

As Los Angeles County moves forward with this initiative, it aims to enhance the safety and well-being of its residents, ensuring that those seeking assistance can do so without the threat of predatory solicitation.