Van Nuys a Beggars' Capital - Los Angeles Times
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Van Nuys a Beggars’ Capital

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The articles concerning the area name changes from Van Nuys to Sherman Oaks are factual, but fail to note that Van Nuys has become the beggars’ capital west of New York City.

Doorways near bus stops along Van Nuys Boulevard have the disgusting smell of urine. Doughnut shops, markets, street corners, any place a person might stop is habited by panhandlers: ‘Will you buy me a cheeseburger?†“I’m trying to get my van outta impound.†“Got any spare change?†“I need a couple bucks to feed my child.†But then again, Van Nuys was always a dump.

PHIL MARSIK

Van Nuys

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