Iconic 76 Year Old California Deli May Be Forced to Close Over Out of Control Crime, Drug Use in Area

The potential closure of Langer’s Deli after 76 years in business perfectly illustrates how progressive policies are hurting California businesses and residents.

This iconic eatery, famous for its pastrami sandwiches, is struggling with rising crime and homelessness right outside its doors.

Owner Norm Langer didn’t mince words when describing the situation to FOX 11: “It’s not safe. It’s too many needles. Too much fentanyl. Too much drugs.”

The nearby MacArthur Park has turned into a hotspot for drug use and homelessness, creating a dangerous environment for customers and staff alike.

Langer painted a vivid picture of the daily challenges. “People walking around here taking their clothes off, walking around naked. It’s nuts,” he told FOX 11. He added, “You’ve got a problem with defecation on sidewalks, for somebody was strung out on drugs.”

TRENDING: Another Fast Casual Restaurant Chain Files For Bankruptcy

This isn’t just about one deli.

Other local business owners report similar issues.

Some have seen people overdose and die near their shops.

Theft has become a constant headache, with criminals stuck in a loop of stealing, selling stolen goods, and buying drugs.

The numbers back up these street-level observations.

The Public Policy Institute of California reports that the state’s violent crime rate has jumped 13.5% compared to 2019, before COVID.

Gun-related crimes have soared even higher, with homicides up 37.7% and aggravated assaults increasing by 61.1%.

Langer’s frustration with city officials is clear. He’s given them a week to start fixing these problems or he might close shop.

His requests aren’t complicated: better lighting, more police patrols, and regular trash pickup. “Let them get their act together,” he told the LA Times, “and I won’t go anywhere.”

If Langer’s Deli closes, it’s more than just losing a sandwich shop.

It means 40 people out of work and another blow to the community’s economy and history.

It’s a warning sign of what happens when policies favor leniency over law and order.

The change in MacArthur Park is striking.

Locals say it looks like a “third world country” now. “You never even see a kid playing in the park anymore,” one resident told FOX 11.

Langer says he’s “tired of pushing the cart up the hill.” His ultimatum reflects what many in Los Angeles are feeling – frustrated and ready for change.

City leaders need to act fast, not just for Langer’s Deli, but for all of Los Angeles.

READ NEXT: Russell Brand: ‘The More I Pray, The More Coincidences Happen’

The city’s future depends on restoring safety and supporting its businesses, not continuing down this seemingly intentional path of decay.