𝗖𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗪𝗔𝗬: LAPD Assists in Removing Encampment Gear During Homeless Sweep in Venice

VENICE, CA — Thursday, July 31, 2025 — A coordinated multi-agency cleanup operation was conducted Thursday morning at Venice Way Alley in Venice, as part of the City of Los Angeles’ ongoing efforts to restore sanitation, safety, and accessibility in public spaces impacted by homeless encampments.

Crews from the Los Angeles Department of Public Works, supported by Clean Harbors Environmental Services and officers from the Los Angeles Police Department, began clearing the site at 9:51 a.m. The operation followed the required 48-hour Notice of Major Cleaning, which advised individuals to remove personal property or risk confiscation in accordance with Los Angeles Municipal Code §56.11.

During the operation, sanitation workers informed unhoused individuals that they had 15 minutes to gather their belongings and vacate the alley. The individuals complied without incident. Remaining property was collected and discarded by the cleanup team.

One of the primary enforcement actions focused on LAMC §41.45, which governs the unauthorized removal and possession of shopping carts from private businesses. Officers confiscated several carts being used by unhoused individuals. Many bore identifiable business markings and were deemed in violation. The carts were either destroyed on-site or disposed of in sanitation trucks.

Outreach workers with the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) were also present, distributing water, food, clothing, and hygiene kits to individuals affected by the sweep, as part of the city’s effort to pair enforcement with access to services.

LAMC §56.11 prohibits sitting, lying, sleeping, or storing personal property in public rights-of-way that obstruct access or create health and safety risks. No arrests or citations were issued during Thursday’s operation.

The sweep is part of a broader citywide strategy that combines municipal code enforcement with service-based outreach, aiming to maintain public health standards while connecting unhoused individuals with available support resources.

Santa Monica Closeup continues to document the evolving intersection of enforcement, policy, and lived experience across the Westside.

#VeniceBeach #HomelessSweep #VeniceWayAlley #LAMC5611 #LAMC4145 #PublicSafety #Homelessness #EncampmentCleanup #LosAngeles #LAPD #Sanitation #LAHSA #Outreach
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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
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