Sustained Efforts: Various Locations See Continued Weekly Homeless Encampment Cleanups

On Thursday, November 30, 2023, a collaborative effort unfolded on Main Street, Sunset Avenue and Ozone Avenue in Venice, where the City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works and Clean Harbors Environmental Inc. converged to address a homeless encampment with an cleanup operation. Prioritizing safety, the workers wore white hazardous materials suits, in compliance with established safety standards.

Los Angeles Sanitation allotted a 15-minute timeframe for the unhoused individual residing in the alley 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.

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.

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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