From a South Brentwood Neighbor:

Coyotes are wild animals and should be treated as such.
• Never leave small children unattended.
• Do not throw food into an open compost pile.
DETERRENTS & SCARE TACTICS
• Spray a little ammonia in your trash can several times a week to cut the odor of food.
Place moth balls or moth ball cakes in areas where coyotes sleep or hang out to deter them from staying.
• Motion activated devices such as lights, strobe lights and sprinklers can be useful.
• Use radios that are set to talk or news stations to A Coyote was hiding in the landscaping in front of 825 Gretna Green this morning at about 6:10. This guy has obviously noticed that little dogs get brought out about that time and is looking to make a quick grab.
Be careful!
Do not feed wild animals. It is illegal to feed predatory wildlife in the City of Los Angeles. (L.A.M.C. Sec. 53.06.5)
• Do not leave pet food or water bowls outside if your pet is not kept outdoors. Local law requires that food and water be available to your pet when it is kept outside.
• However, bring in the dishes when your pet is inside.
• Do not allow pets to roam from home.
• Do not set your trash out for pick-up until the day of pick-up to reduce attracting predators in the middle of the night.
• Do not attempt to pet or otherwise make contact with them. help deter the coyotes.
• Use a Coyote Shaker: A can containing a few coins which can be shaken and thrown at the coyote.
• Throw balls or rocks. Bang two pans together, blow a whistle, use an air horn or use high pressure water sprayer.
• Alternate the deterrents to prevent the coyote from getting used to one method.
What should I do if a coyote approaches me?
Wave your arms. Shout in a low, loud tone. Throw objects at the coyote while maintaining eye contact. Make yourself look as big as possible; if you are wearing a jacket open it up like a cape. If possible go towards active or populated areas but do not turn your back on the coyote.
Coyote numbers have increased because we are directly and indirectly providing them with sufficient food.