Only one restroom downtown remains open 24/7 – and it’s at a homeless shelter.

Megan Welsh Carroll, Anna Mewkill and Yashvi Sanam

As funding for L.A.'s dwindling public bathrooms runs out this month, Metro has rolled out semi-permanent free “Throne” bathroom trailers at Metro stations, including in North Hollywood. (Maylin Tu/AfroLA)

Health & Health Care by Maylin Tu

Following years of deficiencies, Mayor Gloria’s budget aims to cut $1.6 million by closing dozens of bathrooms

By Calista Stocker

If passed, approximately 26 restrooms will close citywide, resulting in an even more insufficient number of restrooms than researchers had found in 2022.

(CBS 8, May 7, 2025)

The city is continuing its work to place restrooms within five minutes of any location downtown – and to grapple with challenges at two existing East Village bathrooms.

(Los Angeles Public Press, December 2, 2023)

SDSU faculty members are engaged in research regarding the health needs and community access issues of individuals experiencing homelessness. In this episode, we talk with Dr. Jerel Calzo and Dr. Jennifer Felner, and discuss the stigmatization of individuals experiencing homelessness. Additionally, we talk about the issue to access of public restrooms. 

(No Jargon podcast, June 6, 2023)

People queue up to use a public restroom in downtown San Diego in 2019.

By Megan Welsh Carroll

Hepatitis A outbreak sickened nearly 600 San Diegans in 2016-17 and was blamed for 20 deaths

(NBC 7 San Diego, December, 2021)

On a daily basis, unsheltered San Diegans wake up not knowing where they will be able to use a bathroom.

(San Diego Union-Tribune Editorial Board, June 8, 2021)

Woodson, M., Felner, J., & Welsh, M.

(San Diego Union Tribune, 2021, June 7)