𝗕𝗘𝗔𝗖𝗛 𝗦𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗣: Rangers and LAPD Remove Encampments Along Venice Beach Bike Path

VENICE, CA — Friday, August 15, 2025 — A coordinated multi-agency cleanup took place Friday morning at Venice Beach, focused on the area along the Venice Beach Bike Path, as part of an ongoing effort to improve sanitation, safety, and accessibility at one of Los Angeles’ most visited coastal destinations.

The operation involved personnel from the Los Angeles Park Rangers, LAPD, Department of Public Works, LA County Beaches and Harbors, and Clean Harbors Environmental Services. Crews removed debris and enforced camping restrictions under Los Angeles Municipal Code Section 63.44(b), which prohibits unauthorized lodging in city parks and on beaches.

During the operation, sanitation workers approached individuals camping in tents near the Venice Beach Bike Path and informed them they needed to vacate the area to allow cleaning. Advance notices had been posted, and individuals were given 15 minutes to gather their belongings. Items left behind were collected and disposed of by sanitation teams in accordance with city protocol.

No arrests or citations were reported during the operation.

Park Rangers led the response, with LAPD providing additional security and maintaining order throughout. Outreach teams from the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) were also on-site, distributing food, water, clothing, and hygiene kits to individuals affected by the sweep.

A representative from Councilwoman Traci Park’s office was present to help coordinate the operation and observe its execution, reinforcing the city’s strategy of combining enforcement with service-based outreach.

City officials emphasized that these efforts are part of a broader push to restore public facilities while offering unhoused residents access to housing programs and long-term care services.

Santa Monica Closeup continues to document the evolving balance between enforcement, outreach, and public safety efforts across Los Angeles’ Westside.

#VeniceBeach #Homeless #Cops #LawEnforcement #HomelessSweep
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𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗼 𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝗼𝗹𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝘂𝘀𝗲. 𝗔𝗻𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗼𝗽𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗿𝗲-𝘂𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘂𝗻𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗱 𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗵𝗶𝗯𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱.

© 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝗙𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗟𝗲𝘄𝗸𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗰𝘇 / 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮 𝗖𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲𝘂𝗽. 𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲𝗱.
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𝗔𝗕𝗢𝗨𝗧 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗖𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗢𝗥
Fabian Lewkowicz is an award-winning photojournalist based in Santa Monica and the creator of 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮 𝗖𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲𝘂𝗽. Known for his compelling imagery and neutral reporting, his work captures the pulse of the city—from civic affairs and emergency response to cultural moments and beach life. His photography has been showcased in galleries, museums, and public installations.
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𝗦𝗨𝗣𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧 𝗦𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗔 𝗠𝗢𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗔 𝗖𝗟𝗢𝗦𝗘𝗨𝗣
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𝗟𝗜𝗖𝗘𝗡𝗦𝗜𝗡𝗚 & 𝗠𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗔 𝗜𝗡𝗤𝗨𝗜𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗦
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𝗧𝗔𝗚𝗦: Photojournalism, Visual Journalism, Street Reporting, Documentary, Observational Photography, Press Photography, Independent Media, Southern California News, SMCU, SM©U