Venice Beach Initiative: Multi-Agency Task Force Addresses Homeless Encampments in Restrooms & Beach

Venice, Los Angeles - June 21, 2024: On Friday, a significant cleanup operation was conducted at Venice Beach, targeting a local homeless encampment with the involvement of a multi-agency task force. This team comprised members from the Los Angeles Park Rangers, the Los Angeles Police Department, the City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works, Recreation and Parks, Clean Harbors Environmental Inc., the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), and the office of Councilwoman Traci Park.
The operation was safely and efficiently managed with the presence of Los Angeles Police Officers and Park Rangers. It marked a concerted effort among the Department of Public Works, Recreation and Parks, and Clean Harbors Environmental Inc. Team members donned protective gear to sort and appropriately dispose of both hazardous and non-hazardous waste.
This cleanup is part of the City of Los Angeles' broader strategy to address homelessness while improving public health and sanitation. It underscores the city’s commitment to addressing these pressing urban challenges.
LAHSA plays a crucial role during these operations by providing support services including food, water, and hygiene kits, reflecting a compassionate approach to the crisis.
Notably, no citations for public camping violations were issued during this cleanup, indicating the city's preference for supportive over punitive measures.
This cleanup is part of a series of ongoing actions, including regular Friday cleanups along the Venice Beach Boardwalk, all under the supervision of Los Angeles Park Rangers. These initiatives are essential components of the city’s comprehensive strategy to maintain cleanliness and safety while addressing the root causes of homelessness. Effective coordination by Councilwoman Traci Park continues to be crucial, highlighting a balanced and humane approach to these challenges.
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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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TAGS: Photojournalism, Photojournalist, Documentary, Cinema Verite, Fly-on-the-wall, Observational Photography, Press Photography
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(C) 2024 Fabian Lewkowicz/Santa Monica Closeup. All Rights Reserved.

[@alysun32]

Keeps on going with the homelessness never ends

[@luba7490]

I was waiting for this video and am going to enjoy watching it!

[@waltingram4198]

Thank you for your time and show.

[@dolliedoty8907]

I'm sorry but...they have to b some of the stupidest workers on the planet!

[@twila4426]

So sad - I visited here a number of years ago while on vacation and to see this now is heartbreaking

[@PauloHernandezXD]

The American drug crisis got worse around 2012 & has only gotten worse a decade later. We see the results all over.

[@nancysantamarialatica1141]

Thank you guys with all that you guys do to keep us safe and enjoy a clean area.

[@Meofcourse27]

You really think that beach looks clean to you? Those 2 park rangers are completely useless and a waste of taxpayers money. All they want to do is get out of their brand new vehicle and get back in as fast as they can! The druggies pay little to know attention to them.

[@nancysantamarialatica1141]

@@Meofcourse27 very clean . Take care u.

[@nancysantamarialatica1141]

@@Meofcourse27 u take u Me of course bc of course u matter .

[@jimo3393]

​@@Meofcourse27 Don't blame the park rangers, blame the liberal politicians that don't allow the police or park rangers to arrest people for camping anywhere they want and leaving trash and used needles everywhere. They can't even arrest people for public drug use. The government even supplies them with needles. Many of the homeless refuse to go to shelters because shelters have rules and don't allow illegal drug use. If they live on the streets,in parks,and on beaches there are no rules, they do whatever they want. Every week they make them move to clean up their mess and hours later they are back. They call letting people sleep on the street compassion.

[@LeeTheVet]

Thank you, Rangers, for all you do to keep this Beach beautiful. Keep up the good work! Thanks to you also Santa Monica Closeup!

[@sheilaarmistead7888]

Instead of having to break down a tent, why not just have a sleeping bag, and a few personal items, that’s it, so when these sweeps come through, you can quickly gather your things. Keep things minimal.

[@krelb]

Add a device that plays LOUD Yoko Ono music continously after someone has been in there for more than 15 minutes.

[@jushihj]

this is the way

[@RockNRoller66]

There's one where Yoko does a duet with Marianne Faithfull. It's hard to top unless you break out the big guns, The Bay City Rollers.

[@KevinBarry-n6i]

Shoot they would ALL commit suicide having to listen to that witch.😢

[@Idiot-lf4cj]

the smell is unbearable inside there, if someone stays in there noneless, also Yoko Ono will make not necessarly difference

[@jasonwaycott8829]

Yooooouuewweeeeuuueewwwwwweeeeuuu.... music 🎵🎵

[@elquixote6195]

It's time to exile ALL of the "HOMELESS".

[@PaulMcNamara-w9d]

job security for the clean up crews

[@FanOfFab4]

I enjoy watching your videos

[@jamesfra48]

What happened to restroom Ambassadors?

[@SantaMonicaCloseup]

They do not start until 9:30am

[@jamesfra48]

Thanks Fabian. Bankers hours.

[@ItsNathansHotDogs]

16:51 seriously enough with the seeds ladies...clean up time!!!

[@lovesmimiv6583]

She needs a good breakfast b4 work.

[@gcrauwels941]

DJ Shameka Sandbox be bustin' a rhyme on the syringe peppered dunes of Venice Beach. You go, girl.

[@Mushymush1]

"Housekeeping!" "You need towels?"

[@ItsNathansHotDogs]

They need housekeeping for the outreach team and their nasty seed spitting 😭

[@jamesfra48]

no kidding thats disgusting.

[@OGPAPERBOY77]

Remember when this man set up tiny homes for the homeless and the city tore em down

[@Philk81]

Wow - what a day in the life. Another great job by the clean up team. Full bed frame on the beach. Self rightious foul mouth dude at the end demanding his sh*t back. Yeah, they are trying to sell it. Sure we'll get it out of the garbage truck for you, especially since you're so respectful and understanding...

[@larrycopenhaver]

what do you have to do to go to jail?

[@dudewheresmycar908]

Nice to see Thomas moved out of the restrooms!

[@RockNRoller66]

John Thomas? He's still in there with Thomas Crapper.

[@menjivarevelyn13]

Me alegro la verdad del trabajo que an dan aciendo 👏👏👏🙏🏼

[@tysa1999]

what to you not understand? No camping, period.

[@laurajones4045]

Making room for illeagals

[@chrisandyoli]

xxx great film how much time ya need the place looks greatxxx❤

[@bigbob16]

Big teal trash truck ✅️ Public restrooms ✅️ Daisy - MIA

[@Jack-vt6cw]

The home on top of that redline sign is for sale for more than 14 millon bucks. Can you imagine having to look at that trash? And the way they're treating so nice and polite as if they would cook them breakfast. They should be saying don't come back or you'll be arrested. Get rid of that idiot mayor and that creep governor.

[@howiefaust2966]

Have no empathy. What about the needles in the sand my Kid may Hurt bye 😡

[@MarRojas55]

Why will you bring your kids to a dumpster?

[@despertandoenlosangares]

Fabián tu que siempre ves a la Ranger puedes decirle que es muy linda 😊 y que tiene mí corazón enamorado 💚. Gracias 🙏

[@jdavis4034]

Love the vids!! Now that being said, as other have mentioned, this people are leaving needles all over the place and I'm sure a lot are in the sand! Next, like that couple at 22:25 or so, they moved them off the beach, but they were allowed to pile up ALL that crap of theirs on a boardwalk bench and I know, as soon as everyone leaves, they will be right back on the sand! Same with the restroom dwellers, and yess, as somone else asked, what happened to the Restroom Ambassadors?? Anywho, keep up the great vids, I do love following along and more of the train vids please!

[@jimo3393]

It's nice to see the outreach workers actually reaching out. Looks like new locks on the bathroom doors. If they are going to have bathroom ambassadors, they should start early and unlock the bathrooms and lock them up at night.

[@darinwills9372]

wow what a scam.. all the PPE cost more than getting them a motel for a week.... Stupid waste thousands upon thousands in a few hours..coulda spent it correctly.. One person may have made it.. Now they ALL lose... Im sickened.... paying labor for this...

[@almabustamante9585]

It’s about time Venice has been on the decline for decades! It’s not a beach I would go to much less take some to! It’s depressing seeing what should be an excursion look and feel , like it’s time to turn around and leave…

[@amechealle5918]

Can’t they just start an encampment outside the mayor and governors homes? A big one that seems impossible to clear up…

[@wernerhaase2632]

Der Strand soll tüchtig sein!!😊

[@jamesfra48]

Tom the Mayor is there as usual.

[@reza_dc2]

send them all to slab city.

[@Meofcourse27]

POST GEORGE FLOYD law enforcement. Scared to death.

[@CharlesWessel]

Wooo what a beautiful place to pitch a tent

[@alimcally279]

It cracks me up watching these guys taking pictures of trash 😂

[@jimo3393]

They will pick the 12 best pictures for the 2025 trash of the Venice homeless calendar.

[@BrianMiner-jl9ce]

I can't believe that I wasted 11 minutes of my time. Watching 3 dudes with 3 buckets dismantle a homeless encampment on a beach.

[@jackwilson3121]

Where are the restroom ambassadors?

[@davidreed3165]

I first thought that crazy lady was in a blue bird costume. Hat looks like a beak and a head and she has a tail.

[@thenotoriousgryyn342]

Surfer Dude needs to learn not to have so much garbage, travel light Dude! 😂

[@Meofcourse27]

For those just using the toilet the park ranger ubruptly opens the door. For the druggy living in the toilet she knocks and politely says "Park ranger. Please finish up your IV and come out if you can? I have to get out of here. Thank you."

[@Helen-s4l]

They have. A right to be. There

[@CharlesWessel]

Why are the campers sleeping during the daylight hours?

[@violetgutierrez5315]

Get newsom out!!! After more than 20 in California leadership positions , the problem has only gotten worse!yet he has gotten richer.

[@Jack-vt6cw]

The taxes on 14 million sre probably 250 to 300k per year. I would be screaming vmy head off

[@Meofcourse27]

The first thing these park rangers do when they show up is check their watches, and then want to get out of there as fast as possible. They are scared to death! Especially these 2. The State needs to cut the budget for these 2. Just send the police every morning. NOBODY listens to these 2. RECALL NEWSOM!!!

[@johnmcque4813]

😭😭😭😭😭

[@nataliechild9163]

So I can come to Venice beach and camp for FREE for two months and then a group of 40 people will come clean up after me for FREE? 🤯 Caution tape?? 🙄Seriously?

[@marygreen8775]

IN 3 YEARS WATCHING AND I HAVE NEVER SEEN SUCH USELESS COPS,RANGERS,SHERIFF,CHP IN ALL MY LIFE ,,IF THEY GOT A JOB THIS EASY,,SIGN ME UP,,,,EARN A CHECK FOR DOING NOTHING,,BET LIFEGUARDS MAKE MORE THEN THEM..

[@IonaCastle]

@26:26 Is that TP? 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@nataliechild9163]

How effing many people does it take to do this job? You’ve got 20 people standing around doing nothing. No winder California has gone to 💩!!! Disgusting waste office payer dollars!!

[@nancysantamarialatica1141]

Shit keep it up. I appreciate you .

[@deebojones2777]

It’s just for the tourist season. Don’t get your hopes up.

[@sugarmama8747]

Hi Fabian 👋🏻

[@JamesCrisp-iq4cs]

Lazy Daisy is getting behind on her job😂

[@waynewallace2061]

What happened to that $26 BILLION California? Keep reelecting the same incompetent folks for the same results.

[@pf8988]

No one that is the target of a hobnail boot of authority understands nor complies but policy prevails and contempt for it builds...will a reconning and paradigm shift ever burst the burgeoning kerfuffle? Unlikely😮

[@AV-sw7bj]

Where are all the sunbathers that beach is completely empty

[@rizipt]

It's like 9am

[@almabustamante9585]

O one wants to go to a homeless encampment to sunbathe….

[@Gfysimpletons]

@@riziptthat beach used to be packed at 9am. Think BAYWATCH…

[@Gfysimpletons]

@@almabustamante9585😂

[@martinlanigan803]

Should try and sort out housing for people all money spending on wars people ruffing on streets

[@paddy9449]

POOR beach.....LOADED with used needles in the sand...... Wear YOUR shoes....

[@darinwills9372]

They all just move help em

[@willess7312]

Waste of human life..

[@shirleywong9156]

I live in Boyle Heights and they don’t even give a shit. There was a homeless that went through my front driveway to my backyard. If that isn’t concerning I don’t know what is in the city is not doing anything.

[@MarRojas55]

Too nice to the drug addicts! They need discipline

[@laurajones4045]

Must be making room for illeagles

[@Suzanne-f4x]

Where are the cops weapons? Don't see their guns.

[@AV-sw7bj]

Both Rangers have Glocks on the right sides

[@AV-sw7bj]

Decades ago bums used to be in their 60s nowadays they're in their twenties

[@MarRojas55]

Venice use to be a fun place to go to, until the drug addicts took over

[@AV-sw7bj]

A male Karen

[@nathaliewade752]

where's daisy lol!

[@ItsNathansHotDogs]

Recovering from elective surgery....

[@jamesfra48]

Replaced by female Park Ranger. Alot better to look at.

[@almabustamante9585]

She probably got a super to take her in , men feed into her she most often has a man….

[@justinmarten3224]

people would be more mobile if they didnt have to drag around all that stuff

[@scottprebys9692]

Should have stopped this nonsense on day 1….Choice spot for the homeless…🤬🤬

[@scottprebys9692]

Billions of $ spent on this…and nothing gets better🤬🤬. Where did the $ go? Ask Newsom….😡😡😣☹️

[@ЛюдмилаИльченко-ы3м]

интересно что эти люди говорят нечего не понимаю

[@theodoregunter]

THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA MY ASS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Mike_Davidson]

Where's my ship at? 🤷‍♂😂😂😂😂⛴