𝗣𝗢𝗟𝗜𝗖𝗘 𝗔𝗥𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗧: LAPD Arrests Homeless Man After Search During Venice Sweep

VENICE, CA — Wednesday, August 27, 2025 — Los Angeles Police officers arrested an unhoused man during a routine homeless sweep on the Venice Beach Boardwalk.

The man was initially detained for violating Los Angeles Municipal Code Section 41.18, which prohibits sitting, lying, or sleeping in designated public areas such as sidewalks, parks, and near sensitive-use zones. While he was in custody, officers conducted a search and discovered what appeared to be a controlled substance. He was arrested and transported for processing. His belongings were later discarded by sanitation crews.

The arrest occurred without further incident.

The cleanup was part of a coordinated multi-agency operation involving LAPD, the Department of Public Works, and Clean Harbors Environmental Services. Crews removed debris and addressed unauthorized encampments in line with city code.

Signage posted along the Venice Boardwalk designates the area as a Special Enforcement Zone under L.A.M.C. Sections 41.18 and 56.11. These rules prohibit sitting, lying, or sleeping within 500 feet of Ocean Front Walk and Ozone Avenue and authorize the city to remove and store items for up to 90 days before disposal.

Representatives from Councilmember Traci Park’s office were present to monitor the operation, underscoring the city’s dual approach of enforcement alongside service-based outreach. Individuals were provided 15 minutes to collect their belongings before sanitation workers cleared remaining items.

Outreach teams from the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) were also on-site, distributing hygiene kits, food, clothing, and bottled water to unhoused residents.

These coordinated sweeps remain part of Los Angeles’ broader effort to balance public safety and sanitation with the provision of resources and potential housing connections to those experiencing homelessness.

Santa Monica Closeup continues to document how enforcement, outreach, and policy play out on the streets of Venice and across the Westside.

#VeniceBeach #Homelessness #LAPD #CopWatch #santamonicacloseup
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© 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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𝗧𝗔𝗚𝗦: Photojournalism, Visual Journalism, Street Reporting, Documentary, Observational Photography, Press Photography, Independent Media, Southern California News, SMCU, SM©U