Venice Beach Restrooms Reclaimed: Multi-Departmental Initiative Clears Homeless Encampment

On August 11, 2023, the collaborative efforts of the City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works, Recreation and Parks, and Clean Harbors Environmental Inc. converged to address homeless encampments at the Venice Beach Restrooms. In adherence to established protocols, workers donned white hazardous materials suits to ensure safety during the operation.

Recognizing the vital need for efficient coordination among multiple departments in managing homeless encampments, Councilwoman Traci Park's office took a proactive step by appointing a dedicated Homelessness and Housing Coordinator.

The cleanup operation unfolded through the coordinated efforts of three distinct waste management teams, each assigned specific responsibilities. While the City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works and Recreation and Parks teams donned yellow safety vests, the Clean Harbors Environmental Services Inc. team stood out in orange vests. The Clean Harbors team initiated the process by meticulously sorting through refuse to identify and segregate hazardous materials like batteries, syringes, and urine. Subsequently, Los Angeles Public Works sanitation workers managed the collection of non-hazardous waste.

The support for the cleanup initiative was significantly bolstered by the active involvement of the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) and St. Joseph's Center. These organizations played a critical role in providing essential outreach services to assist individuals experiencing homelessness and meet their fundamental needs. As part of their efforts, the homeless outreach team distributed food and water to those without homes throughout the cleanup operation.

To ensure the safety of all participants and secure cooperation from the homeless community, Los Angeles Park Rangers maintained a vigilant presence throughout the cleanup operation. The objective was not only to uphold cleanliness and hygiene standards but also to ensure safety protocols.

Notably, despite the enforcement of Ordinance 41.18, which prohibits sitting, lying, or sleeping in public places, as well as storing, using, maintaining, or placing personal property in the public right-of-way, no citations were issued during the cleanup operation at the Venice homeless encampment.

It's imperative to understand that while these cleanup initiatives, exemplified by the one at Venice Beach, are integral to the City of Los Angeles' larger efforts to address homelessness, they form just a part of the comprehensive strategy. Acknowledging that these actions do not represent a comprehensive solution, the city remains deeply committed to devising sustainable, long-term strategies that address the underlying causes of homelessness and provide vital 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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