𝗛𝗢𝗠𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗦𝗦 𝗦𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗣: Dragon Carries His Belongings as LAPD and City Crews Conduct Cleanup in Venice

VENICE, CA — Tuesday, December 30, 2025 — A coordinated multi-agency cleanup operation moved through the public parking lot at 301 S. Main Street near Rose Avenue on Tuesday morning as the City of Los Angeles continued efforts to maintain sanitation, safety, and accessibility in public spaces.

The operation was led by the Department of Public Works in coordination with the Los Angeles Police Department, Clean Harbors Environmental Services, Environmental Compliance Inspectors (ECI), and a homeless coordinator from Councilwoman Traci Park’s office. Sanitation crews, outreach workers, hazardous-materials specialists, and law-enforcement officers worked together to address accumulated debris throughout the parking-lot area.

Advance cleanup notices had been posted in accordance with Los Angeles Municipal Code §56.11, advising individuals camping in the area to temporarily vacate so cleanup activities could proceed. Inspectors provided 60-gallon bags and explained the regulations to those on scene. Several individuals gathered their belongings and complied with the notices, allowing crews to begin clearing the site.

Environmental Compliance Inspectors and Clean Harbors personnel identified and removed hazardous materials, including batteries and aerosols, while Department of Public Works crews collected trash, bulky items, and other debris from the lot.

Shortly before the cleanup began, a longtime Venice resident who goes by “Dragon” spoke with Santa Monica Closeup while actively sorting and removing trash from the area himself. Dragon emphasized that he supports keeping the boardwalk and surrounding areas clean, including within unhoused encampments, and said he believes trash and hazardous waste should be removed while people’s essential personal belongings should be respected and preserved.

Dragon also stressed that maintaining cleanliness is a shared responsibility, regardless of housing status, and said that sanitation helps protect health, safety, and dignity for everyone using the space. He called on both residents and visitors to dispose of trash properly and to treat the area with respect.

Staff from Councilwoman Traci Park’s office assisted with inter-agency coordination, while LAHSA outreach workers engaged with individuals in the area, offering information on supportive housing options, mental-health services, and other assistance.

No arrests or citations were reported.

Santa Monica Closeup continues to document public events of local significance across the Westside, including homelessness outreach efforts, law-enforcement activity, and sanitation and cleanup operations.

#VeniceBeach #Homelessness #PublicSafety #LAPD #LawEnforcement #CopWatch
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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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