The “Inside Safe” program led to “rampant drug use” outside the Westlake hotel, the lawsuit says

LOS ANGELES – A Los Angeles man is suing the city for damages related to what he calls “rampant public drug use” outside a makeshift housing building for homeless people.

“Politicians are so desperate to clean up the camps that they are willing to turn a blind eye to this type of activity,” said Christopher Stone.

Stone shared with FOX 11 several videos of incidents he recorded outside the Stuart Hotel on Union Avenue in the Westlake District. He claims the videos show illegal drug deals on public sidewalks, overdoses and a fight between a person and Los Angeles police officers.

“Why should residents tolerate this?” Stone said.

The Stuart Hotel is now part of LA's Inside Safe program. Outside the building Thursday afternoon, FOX 11 noticed several people slumped over, a large encampment and possible human waste.

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“They relieve themselves on the sidewalk because they are too high to walk the 50 feet to their private bathroom,” Stone said.

Across the block from the Stuart Hotel are John Liechty Middle School and Esperanza Elementary School.

“Poor kids, you know, they have to see something like that,” said Julio Escobar, a worker nearby. “I see people out here showering with fire hydrants and people doing drugs on the streets. I think we need more people to talk to and connect with.” [the homeless].”

Stone is using his video as evidence in a new civil lawsuit he has filed against the city. He is seeking up to $10 million in damages caused by what he calls an “open-air drug market” outside his home.

“Treat it away from the public sidewalk,” Stone said. “Treat it on the private property the program is dedicated to.”

In a statement to FOX 11, Los Angeles Deputy Mayor Zach Seidl said, “The mayor's office works closely to ensure temporary housing units are safe for the surrounding community and the people living in them. Encampments near schools and businesses everywhere. “The city’s problems have been addressed through Inside Safe and we will continue to ensure all Angelenos have access to safe communities and clean sidewalks.”

FOX 11 also reached out to Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez's office for comment but has not yet received a response.