Plymouth party house cited; neighbors anxious for its closure
PLYMOUTH PARTY HOUSE after it had been cited.
Neighbors of the home at 300 N. Plymouth Blvd. finally feel some relief. After neighbors’ efforts, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officially cited the house as a party house. This is the first step to close the house down for all future events.
For months, nearby residents have been terrorized on a weekly basis by the activities occurring illegally at the home that sits on the northeast corner of Beverly and Plymouth boulevards.
Stopping the parties
Starting in the spring of this year, eight residents organized themselves as the North Plymouth Coalition (NPC). Over the last few months, as the seriousness of the party house problems increased, so did the activity of their group. There are now more than 50 members who communicate regularly via What’sApp.
NPC has assigned tasks to members, coordinated calls to LAPD about disturbances and compiled pictures of the events and the aftermaths. Members have even solicited help from someone who successfully stopped a party house in his neighborhood.
In the week leading up to the Sept. 15 bust, members of NPC trolled social media and notified LAPD of a party scheduled to take place.
KIDS LINING UP to enter the Plymouth party house.
As evening descended, about 350 underage kids arrived at the location. The street was jammed with cars. Neighbors flooded LAPD’s non-emergency phone line to report the loud and disruptive party. Los Angeles’ finest’s black and whites arrived, and officers walked down the block with blazing flashlights telling the kids to leave, while a helicopter flew overhead. Neighbors were ecstatic.
Senior Lead Officer Joseph Pelayo spoke with the home’s resident manager, Errol Webber, outside of the property and cited the home for loud and unruly gatherings, under Los Angeles Municipal Code Section 41.58.1. He then affixed a citation to the front of the house.
While Pelayo was talking with Webber, a 911 call came through stating there was a stabbing at the location. With some protest from Webber, LAPD went into the home to investigate. It turned out to be a fight and no weapons were found. Officers cleared the house and the street. All was quiet once again.
The following evening, Sept. 16, neighbors noticed trucks arriving with cases of alcohol and a DJ set up. Again, NPC went into action with calls to LAPD’s non-emergency line alerting them of the party prep. This time, since the house is on record as a party house, the police came and shut it down as guests were just beginning to arrive.
As Pelayo explained, “Once a home is in the system and identified as a party house, LAPD prioritizes the complaints. These citations also allow the city attorney’s office to build a case against the home owner.”
City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto is aware of the situation at 300 N. Plymouth Blvd. When asked about the home, her office responded, “We are unable to discuss potential enforcement actions against specific properties, however, party houses and their serious impacts to residents nearby and overall neighborhood quality of life are a top priority for this office.”
A representative from Council District 13 relayed a similar sentiment toward illegal party houses. “This office is against party houses. It is a clear violation of loud noise ordinances. The citing of this home is a good step, but not the end of the saga.”
The resident coalition realizes this is not the end, but is thankful for the swift actions of LAPD. They are hopeful that Feldstein Soto’s office will take further action against the home.
Although it’s a horrific situation, NPC’s excellent communication and tenacious efforts seem to be paying off. They look forward to once again being able to enjoy their serene and peaceful neighborhood.
How do party houses operate?
The homeowner rents the empty home for the evening to a party organizer. Then, the event organizer hires a DJ for the night and usually brings alcohol to the location. One party at this location advertised poolside bottle service for $1500.
The organizers advertise the party through social media channels. Hundreds of kids, normally underage according to the police, flock to the advertised location and pay admission ranging from $5 to $45. The events are loud, unsafe and illegal.
The residential streets are overtaken by teens needing to park. Then, they drive recklessly and intoxicated throughout the neighborhood and often urinate and puke on public and private property. They also litter and have rude and crude interaction with residents.
Category: News