Downtown LA Building Stops Blasting ‘Baby Shark’ as Effort to Deter Homeless

Introduction to the Issue

A downtown Los Angeles business that played “Baby Shark” on loop to deter homeless encampments has cut the music. The unusual tactic was employed by a business on the corner of Main and West 11th Streets, which had previously played the song through an outside speaker pointed toward an encampment on the sidewalk.

Background on the Tactic

Just days after NBC4’s coverage of the unusual tactic, the music was stopped. The building had been playing the earworm by Pinkfrog on repeat in an effort to keep unhoused residents from setting up camp outside the business.

According to Shalom Styles, CEO and founder of Styles Barber Lounge, “It’s brought a lot of attention.” Last week, Styles said his landlord decided to blast the tune in an effort to keep unhoused residents from setting up camp outside the business.

Reaction from City Officials

The landlord has now stopped playing the song until they can speak with city officials on how to combat encampments outside their property. LA Councilmember Ysabel Jurado’s office said homeless outreach workers have been in touch with people staying at that encampment, offering resources that include housing and mental health help. Those who live in homeless tents near the building that’s blasting the music say the song is not cute.

Community Impact and Response

“Our housing and homelessness crises impact everyone in this city—as we navigate this I implore everyone to lead with care and compassion,” Jurado said in a statement. “My team and I are focused on looking at tackling these issues holistically and plan to create long-lasting solutions to support our unhoused population but it’s important that as we move through this, we don’t lose sight of each other’s humanity.” Nearby businesses say the tents are driving away customers and added that they don’t feel supported by the city.

Ongoing Challenges

“It’s always the same, man,” said Julio Gomez, who works nearby. “They’re gone one week, they’re back the next week. I know there are programs and all that, and government getting programs and all that, but where’s it going?” It’s unclear when the landlord will get to speak with city representatives.

Conclusion

The decision to stop playing "Baby Shark" as a deterrent for homeless encampments marks a shift in approach for the downtown LA business. As the city continues to grapple with homelessness, it’s clear that more comprehensive and compassionate solutions are needed. By working together and leading with care and compassion, the community can create long-lasting solutions to support the unhoused population.

FAQs

• Q: Why was "Baby Shark" being played outside a downtown LA business?
• A: The song was being played on loop in an effort to deter homeless encampments from setting up outside the business.
• Q: Has the tactic been successful?
• A: The music has been stopped, and it’s unclear how effective it was in deterring encampments.
• Q: What support is being offered to the homeless population in the area?
• A: Homeless outreach workers have been in touch with people staying at the encampment, offering resources that include housing and mental health help.
• Q: What is the city’s approach to addressing homelessness?
• A: The city is focused on tackling the issue holistically and creating long-lasting solutions to support the unhoused population.