Venice Beach, Los Angeles - In a collaborative endeavor, the Department of Public Works, Recreation and Parks, and Clean Harbors Environmental Inc. joined forces to conduct a comprehensive cleanup operation at a homeless encampment adjacent to the Venice Beach Restrooms.
The Los Angeles Sanitation department initiated this operation, offering a 15-minute grace period for unhoused individuals camping near the restroom area to gather their belongings and relocate to an alternative site. Unattended items were slated for disposal by sanitation workers, with the support of Los Angeles County Park Rangers and the Los Angeles Police Department to ensure voluntary compliance. The unhoused individuals, albeit reluctantly, cooperated with the directive, leaving behind a discarded mattress, which was promptly removed by sanitation workers.
To emphasize their unwavering commitment to safety and adherence to established protocols, workers donned white hazardous materials attire for the operation.
As part of a proactive move to streamline coordination among various city departments responsible for managing homeless encampments, Councilwoman Traci Park's office appointed a dedicated Homelessness and Housing Coordinator, who was on-site during the cleanup.
The operation unfolded through the collaborative efforts of three specialized waste management teams. The City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works and Recreation and Parks teams, identifiable by their yellow safety vests, worked in tandem with the Clean Harbors Environmental Services Inc. team, distinguished by their orange vests. The Clean Harbors team meticulously sorted through refuse, identifying and segregating hazardous materials such as batteries and syringes, while Los Angeles Public Works and Recreation and Parks sanitation workers efficiently managed the collection of non-hazardous waste.
The cleanup received substantial support from the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), which played a pivotal role in providing essential outreach services to individuals experiencing homelessness. This support included distributing food, water, and hygiene kits to those without homes during the operation.
With the aim of ensuring the safety of all participants and securing voluntary cooperation from the homeless community, a Los Angeles Park Ranger and Los Angeles Police Officers maintained a vigilant presence throughout the cleanup. Their focus extended beyond cleanliness and hygiene standards, encompassing the enforcement of safety protocols.
Notably, despite the enforcement of Ordinance 41.18, which prohibits activities like sitting, lying, sleeping in public places, and storing personal property in the public right-of-way, no citations were issued during the cleanup operation at the Venice homeless encampments.
The cleanup at Venice Beach highlights the complexity of addressing homelessness, underlining the need for comprehensive solutions. While initiatives like these are integral to the City of Los Angeles' broader strategy to combat homelessness, they are just one component of the city's steadfast commitment to developing sustainable, long-term strategies that address the root causes of homelessness and provide essential resources to those in need.
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Fabian Lewkowicz is an award winning Santa Monica-based professional photojournalist and press photographer, and the creator of the photo blog, Santa Monica Close Up. With years of experience as a staff photographer for several media outlets including the Santa Monica Daily Press, Santa Monica Mirror, Santa Monica Observer, and the Santa Monica Corsair, Fabian has captured some of the most iconic moments of Santa Monica.
Fabian's photographs have been exhibited in a variety of settings, including museums, art galleries, hospitals, department stores, banks, fire stations, police stations, commercial buildings, amusement parks, offices, and homes. His photography captures the essence of Santa Monica, from its beautiful landscapes and stunning sunsets to its unique culture and diverse community.
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