Venice Takes Action: Homeless Encampment Cleanup Underway on Lake Street

On Wednesday, December 13, 2023, a united endeavor took place in Venice with the City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works and Clean Harbors Environmental Inc. coming together to tackle the issue of homeless encampments.

A segment of the Lake Street between Lincoln Boulevard and Frederick Street was briefly shut down to carry out an extensive cleaning operation. Safety was prioritized as workers adorned white hazardous materials suits, aligning with established safety guidelines.

For the impending cleanup operation, the city had prominently posted signs 48 hours prior, informing residents of the significant cleaning effort about to take place. The notices urged individuals to clear out personal belongings from the designated areas. They clearly stated that any property left behind after 6:00 AM would be subject to removal by municipal workers.

Los Angeles Sanitation allotted a 15-minute timeframe for the unhoused individuals residing on the sidewalk to gather and relocate their possessions. Any unclaimed items were cleared away by sanitation personnel, with the aid of Police Officers in moving the unhoused individuals from the cleaning zone.

The operation was driven by the cooperative efforts of two separate waste management units, each tasked with specific roles. The crew from the City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works, donning yellow safety vests, collaborated with the Clean Harbors Environmental Inc. team, distinguishable by their orange vests. The Clean Harbors Environmental Inc. team took the initial step of meticulously sorting through debris, isolating hazardous materials like batteries and syringes. Following this essential step, the sanitation personnel from Los Angeles Public Works handled the collection of non-hazardous waste, aiding in the successful completion of the operation.

The endeavor garnered significant backing from the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) homeless outreach team, which delivered vital outreach services to those facing homelessness. The Housing Coordinator from Councilwoman Traci Park's office played a pivotal role, streamlining communication among the involved city departments, which are tasked with overseeing homeless encampments.

Ensuring the safety and compliance of all involved, especially the homeless community, was made possible by the vigilant presence of Los Angeles Police Officers. Their monitoring extended beyond maintaining cleanliness and hygiene standards, to ensuring adherence to safety guidelines, securing the operation and ensuring compliance.

Interestingly, even with the enforcement of Ordinance 41.18, which restricts sitting, lying, or sleeping in public spaces, as well as the storage or placement of personal belongings in public rights of way, no citations were handed out during the cleanup at the Venice homeless encampments.

These cleanup actions, like the one in Venice, are part of the City of Los Angeles' wider initiative to address homelessness, although they represent only a small part of a broader strategy. Acknowledging the limitations of such measures, the city's dedication to devising sustainable, long-term solutions remains unwavering. The emphasis is on tackling the root causes of homelessness while offering essential resources to those in need—a well-rounded approach that highlights the city's commitment to effecting lasting change.
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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.

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