Rain or Shine: Weathering the Storms to Address Homelessness

Venice, Los Angeles - February 1, 2024: In an atypical move, the City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works, in collaboration with Clean Harbors Environmental Inc., conducted a limited 'spot clean' operation today on Rose Avenue in Venice. This departure from the usual protocol was attributed to the rainy day protocol in effect, deviating from the comprehensive cleanup efforts typically witnessed.
Notably, the homeless community was exempt from the usual requirement to disassemble their tents or relocate their possessions, as is customary during standard cleanup days. This temporary strategy adjustment underscores the city's adaptability and consideration of the broader needs of its vulnerable populations. It strikes a balance between the imperative of maintaining public health and sanitation and the importance of supporting county-wide initiatives aimed at accurately assessing homelessness.
Despite the reduced scope of the operation, the focus remained on health and safety. Workers from the Department of Public Works and Clean Harbors Environmental Inc. diligently identified and separated hazardous materials from general waste. This precise approach ensures that crucial sanitation aspects are managed effectively, even on days when a complete cleanup may not be feasible.
Los Angeles Police Officers played a pivotal role by ensuring the smooth and orderly progress of the spot cleaning operation. Their presence provided security and contributed to maintaining a controlled environment during this modified undertaking.
The 'spot clean' operation reflects the city's ongoing commitment to pursuing a balanced and humane approach to addressing homelessness. As the Department of Public Works and its partners adapt to immediate requirements, they steadfastly uphold their long-term objective of addressing homelessness through sustainable and compassionate solutions.
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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.

[@travisinLA]

Thanks for braving the storms and reporting what’s up.

[@johnready630]

The amount of garbage and trash in a week......crazy !

[@nancysantamarialatica1141]

I know . Also people should toss their old furniture the right way to the dump or call the city.

[@sirphil13]

Just think, this is a weekly project and issue in this same area.

[@JustinDrew-ur1hr]

Some is mental illness. I've seen it in Everett WA. Helped out down there for about five to six years a lot I've met that collect stuff all around the city and the city would do clear and clean ups three times a week Monday Wednesday and Friday then most of the time they was aloud back in after cleaning up of all trash and items left over using a dump truck , high pressure spraying truck for sidewalks , street sweepers and would look brand new. So trash cans was placed around but would fill up quickly sometimes depending how many people was down there on 36th and Smith Ave in Everett WA. They cleared them all out. It took decades.but the city put a new law into effect. NO LAY OR SITTING OR HANGING OR , SLEEPING by the mission or under the bridge WITHIN TEN BLOCKS OF "THE BLOCK". 36th and Smith Ave. It was a huge hangout spot for the homeless and other stuff.

[@mrbigsausage6918]

I thought rat's were bad.

[@chrisragona3945]

It’s unreal what happens in 1 week.

[@donnalynnprior52]

It's a shame that it gets that bad after a week. I hope it doesn't get you down, Fabian, because I for one, appreciate you showing us the reality

[@texanheart]

Whoa again again it never ends

[@turnkeith]

Those guys are doing a great job with the cleanup🎉👍

[@ajett5081]

Somebody needs to make a yearly calendar of these hard-working guys & gals.

[@paulsuprono7225]

SIDEWALKS, R NOT CAMPGROUNDS !🔥

[@nancysantamarialatica1141]

KEEP IT UP !!! 💚

[@vinnygognitti8858]

Your beautiful 🤩😍💋🔥🌹 sweetheart

[@fatmonet]

Don't understand why patrolling isn't done nightly to stop this.

[@sunsensational]

I wish they would also arrest these drug users. Clearly they’re using dangerous drugs with the amount of needles in and around their tents. It’s such a hazard.

[@jimo2665]

The amount of trash accumulated in just a week is mind-boggling.

[@buckycool]

THIS IS INSANE !!!

[@nancysantamarialatica1141]

It’s mental alcohol, cherry on top plus drugs that’s what you see here, no families with kids.

[@ottoschultze5823]

Excellent videos by F.Lewkowicz!

[@ayeoooo]

Guy in the tent asking "is that legal" 😂😂😂 I love LA

[@dav06795]

the money and resources to do this is staggering, and it just keeps growing

[@jackwilson8051]

Why don't they post no camping signs & arrest anyone who does.

[@markchapa9989]

Because American citizens and they're not migrants. Your state would put the migrants first in a motel and not the American citizens.😢

[@phoenixman8569]

stupid legal hard drug laws and revolving door catch and release with no consequences....

[@anaghirdan6536]

​@@phoenixman8569cine le da droguri la acești oameni autoritățile???

[@timb7775]

No Loitering signs.

[@skiph507]

Oh great, 3 hots and a cot. Bet jail smells better than the public toilets.

[@MicheleRobinson-k5e]

Poor stuffed dog at 5:30. It's always the animals that suffer the most.

[@sheryljeanne]

😂😂😂😂

[@hangnguyenthi5742]

Làm đúng làm qua tuyệt vời cảm ơn

[@sunsensational]

They need to do daily cleanings. That way it doesn’t get to this stage. It’s hard to believe this is just a week. That will also prevent these hoarders from overtaking every inch of the sidewalk. I couldn’t imagine if I was a disabled person I’d be pissed off.

[@timb7775]

It's the same people, they just move across the street.

[@lola-m9t]

Keep your dwelling clean. As MLK stated: if you gonna be a scrub, be the best scrub. I say if you are Homeless. Be the best Homeless.(Clean Up)

[@lorrie5881]

STOP HOARDING JUNK!!! So disgusting

[@yeeluvspizza]

"I can't...I care only my crack cocaine."

[@anaghirdan6536]

​@@yeeluvspizzadeunde au cocaina cine le sa autoritățile??

[@tsoldrin-TF]

Exactly. There’s a homeless man living one block from my home for four years now. Sets up his tent in the evening, brings it down in the morning, and keeps his place spotless. A very nice man and no one has any problem with him living there.

[@gcrauwels941]

Landfill Lane, a weekly adventure.

[@donnaosuch5210]

THEY ARE UPSTRUCTING THE RENTAL OF THESE BIKES. THEY ARE ONLY CONSERED ABOUT DRUGS 😮

[@jasonmoore8057]

Why can we give hundreds of thousands of dollars two people from other countries but not the ones find our own country this is sad. Our people needs that money

[@michaelzuelke9663]

I do like your videos.....It shows the reality of voting

[@Meofcourse27]

Throw a kleenex out the window and it's a $500 to a $1000 fine! Not for these special citizens!

[@timb7775]

That's not litter, it's treasure.

[@timb7775]

Someone just made a good point about all the needles. Why in earth are these workers even allowed to be touching any of the stuff with there hands? Looks like they have them going thru everything just to take photos and document what they find. The workers shouldnt be made to touch anything. Just sweep it off the sidewalk into the street then scoop it up with a front end loader into a dump truck. Cant imagine getting a used needle thru a glove.

[@archangelvvv]

Just imagine how the customers and employees of Whole Food's Market feel about this situation. I used to go there many times over a decade ago, and I will never return here.

[@trisha8452]

Bad enough these workers have to pick up after the homeless trash hoarders, but having to watch for old used needles too I feel bad for them .having to worry if they will get pricked or not by any of them. Bless you for wanting to work to keep the streets cleaned. I know I wouldn't

[@lorrie5881]

You can't even go onto Venice Beach anymore bc of this... 😢

[@timb7775]

It is crazy how they want these workers picking thru everything just to document and take photos of all the stuff they find. They shouldn't even be allowed to touch any of thay stuff with there hands. Just sweep it all in the street then scoop it up with a front end loader into a dump truck.

[@stefanboster5728]

‘Hoarders - Street Edition’..

[@dannyyarbrough915]

Normally I'm against harassing citizens especially when they're low-income and on the streets but I agree with you about the hoarding that's a little outrageous and unnecessary

[@jimo2665]

I do have sympathy for them, but I don't think being low income is the root cause in most cases. There is a lot of drug addiction and mental illness that creates this problem. I also have sympathy for the citizens, including children who have to see this and avoid needles and can't use the sidewalks. I don't have the answer, but this isn't working for the homeless or the area residents.

[@sunsensational]

😅😅

[@Tammy121111]

😮 THEY NEEDS A TRUCK TO CARRY THE METALS OUT & TAKES IT TO THE SCRAP YARD

[@dannyyarbrough915]

SHAME on you for worrying mor about recycling scrap then caring about what can be done to help the people in this bad situation nobody wa wants to be in

[@HalKindsvater]

Good God they clean it up. It looks beautiful and they destroy it again. In 1 week, this is crazy. 4:48

[@richardrtracy]

That's the problem with stuff like this. All these people getting paid to wear new suits ,vests, jackets to walk around and do nothing. Really, look at the guy carrying the 2 buckets, he's done nothing. I've seen 1 person that could work for me. This money that funds this operation isn't being spent well.

[@elleg3651]

Maybe if they made it illegal to have things on the ground, outside of the tents, it wouldnt be so trashy.

[@flanagamer]

Even if they did, homeless don’t care about tickets or even getting arrested. They’d be out of jail within 24 hours.

[@Magic-Wrench]

I don't think I would like to be homeless and I know I don't like living in or around a large city so I would find me some woods to be homeless in if I were in their situation.

[@deetorrance3659]

The amount of crap that appears every week is amazing!! Give them 15 minutes and at 16 minutes start throwing the mess away. If the rains come all of this crap will either go down or block drains and cause worse flooding.

[@evildivachap8048]

Endless cycle

[@nancysantamarialatica1141]

I hav faith we will get our clean decent street back.

[@vinnygognitti8858]

What a joke how much money time and effort is wasted week after week day after day and absolutely nothing gets accomplished

[@MinusEighty]

Why do they wait a week and allow the bums to drag new trash in? Every other city just enforces the law around the clock.

[@flanagamer]

Ridiculous! If you’re homeless you need a tent & clean clothes. None of that other crap! These hoarders are disgusting.

[@spoilrotten2833]

I have a Roof over my head house 🏘️🏠 and I am still depressed I wonder there state of mind the homeless people Lord God 🙏 bless them and prayers for the citizens and everyday people in these trying Times Amen God bless All

[@Madelmont]

Occupez vous des autres c'est le seul moyen d'avancer et oublier sa déprime . Quant aux envahisseurs , c'est un choix qu'ils ont fait avec l'argent de la drogue ils peuvent s'assurer un logement.Les temps sont difficiles mais beaucoup ont le courage d'aller de l'avant avec dignité , respect pour soi et aussi pour les autres . Quant à Dieu en ce moment il a beaucoup de chats à fouetter et les drogués ne sont pas une priorité" !

[@williamwoolcock]

Cops should wear rmasks and gloves. Shame to spend so much money moving these people out.

[@evildivachap8048]

Land of the free

[@PorscheCaymanB]

Didn't they just clean this up!!

[@jackwilson8051]

They clean this sidewalk every week

[@jamesstuart3346]

Border Patrol should show this to Mexicans

[@sirphil13]

That poor shopping cart, don't they have an address on them to return back to the store that bought it?

[@jackwilson8051]

What a waste. Those shopping carts are not cheap.

[@sheryljeanne]

What an absolute mess. They just drag all the trash they find and litter the whole block. #ReopenTheAsylums and give the others community service. Cleaning up this kind of trash

[@pumpupjam9648]

Homeless and no toilets other than the makeshift tents, diseasegrowing by leaps and bounds! The government cleans out and the next day the tents and pestilence are back. This is so out of human hands!

[@jd2996]

Glad to see you’re cleaning them up! Why didn’t you guys remove the rest of the shelters?

[@tamaraperchiano7207]

these garbage men better be getting paid Hazardous Pay double time!!

[@kimberlyenglefield3977]

I understand that they’re homeless, but I do not understand why they collect all that garbage and trash and litter so much. Trash cans are three steps away from them and they litter.

[@localenterprisebroadcastin5971]

Wow ….where the hell do they get all that garbage

[@Coffee240]

Government gives them social security disability checks, or and SSI like candy, plus ebt card. They buy, they have mental issues, hoarding things. 😂 crazy cycle. They throw away a new tent they go buy another one.😢

[@MicheleRobinson-k5e]

poor pup has to be put through all that nasty crap at 32:22,

[@roaddawg831]

Another reason retail prices keep rising - stolen shopping cart goes into the crusher: 34:30.

[@adrianalibulski5028]

😮me darían trabajo a mí esa gente se mueve tan despacio dios mio 🙈no entiendo tanta gente y agarran de una cosa por favor😢 no tengo paciencia me enferma esa gente trabajando así

[@dannyyarbrough915]

Shame on anybody who's commenting about the trash when the real issue is the people who need help

[@toddrife8375]

These people do not want help they want money from you to buy drugs. They need to start giving jail time again for drug possession.

[@dirkpotzeba7034]

Why is a garbage can destroyed? She was completely fine! 41:29

[@DougieFresh13]

Isn't this the same spot they keep cleaning and you keep filming?! It looks like a tornado hit?! However is renting those bikes is getting fucked!

[@briansaunders6800]

The cops are doing a great job

[@Robrot]

This crew needs to go down to the border

[@deponca3143]

That will never happen.Dont even think about it!!

[@cicco2156]

Great job from you the cleaning team 👷‍♀👷‍♂👷🚛🛻🚧🦺and to the LAPD Police officer👮‍♀👮‍♂👮 Santa Monica

[@brucecobb2349]

Yeah one week they must be waiting til they get done cleaning up. And start bringing that sht right back. If they can do all that. somebody can work. The parties are over.

[@johnnyc.holmes4251]

I can smell that raw shit! Next time vote for Wallace!

[@rambojambone4586]

She wore blue vinyl…….. And I still can see blue vinyl; through my tears!

[@Skattie]

Enough to make a person feel sick

[@samuelvera9449]

Surrounding businesses should also do weekly or daily sidewalk clean ups. There is only so much the city can clean up at a time.

[@maryocholik5589]

They need 24 hr patrol

[@alimcally279]

Newsome's California

[@jackwilson8051]

Hard to believe they could accumulate that much trash in a week.

[@waltoneames7948]

Please no whinning, gripeing ,no bitching at police zone .just get up move and you got 15 minutes grab your stuff and go not just across the street. but out of this neighborhood completly. Bye bye bye

[@htomc42]

I'd go one step further. They should be escorted to the municipal boundary and told that if they return, they will be arrested.

[@Mpp31provo]

This mess is disgusting. From the parking lot the stench is gagging.

[@nhbentneedle]

Stay safe out there SMCU ❤

[@juliepippin8710]

It doesn't cost a penny to keep your area clean. They are so fing lazy that they know the city will clean, so why bother. It makes me sick.

[@Thomass7586]

Learning to be a cop only to become a trash man. That's sad. Do your part and support your local P.D. everyone.👍

[@garymay42]

I think that the worst I’ve seen it

[@sheryljeanne]

It's a real mess

[@MrGbutter]

What good are the cops doing to help clean up the mess? Standing around shooting the breeze withe homeless rather telling them to get off their ass and clear out.[

[@irina_novozhil]

Is this situation NORMAL?! 😮

[@samuelvera9449]

yes on Proportion 1

[@stephaniearreola4600]

Where do they get this stuff from!? Crazy!

[@InflatableConan]

Dumpsters and or from hobo sympathizers.

[@Magic-Wrench]

Seems they always camp out at the bicycle rentals.

[@MicheleRobinson-k5e]

towards the end, the drug users are asking about their stuff however they just let it sat out there and rot before they pick it up and what was worth anything? I did not see one thing that was worth anything out there.

[@AStanton1966]

The city needs to put sand on those sidewalks and start breeding fire ants!

[@woodslisa4529]

Why..do they allow this? the filth is disgusting and no one makes the people who make the mess clean it up!

[@tcm4891]

There must be an empty unused factory where these guys can occupy. This could be us, but for the Grace of GOD!! Local Authorities have a responsibility to cater for them. Its not easy to get back up again without help.

[@judyb503]

The guy operating the crane is so precise, I feel sure he could pick up a penny and put it back in your pocket. 😉

[@patboggio3193]

My question is this Is there any effort being undertaken to catch the Low life drug deslers

[@aquatecpoolservice4547]

Wow, looks like the human dung beetles are doubling down.

[@V8-friendly]

Just don’t clean anything up for like three months or so, and see what happens. Would be an interesting experiment.

[@jimo2665]

I think they did, it's called skid row except its been a lot longer than 3 months.

[@deb6828]

If anyone remembers the aids crisis this should tell us how dangerous it is to have these used needles on public sidewalks. AIDS was spread not only by body fluids but also by used needles. It’s criminal to allow this.

[@GabrielGiron-g5o]

Didnt any of these parents teach them to keep their room clean 🇺🇲

[@Seminolerick]

Just m-f sling jelley on the tents to attract annoying bugs ... to get them to leave !

[@sherryturner974]

You thank the democrats for turning the beacs into seis pool.

[@iamcool-e9b]

that white man with blue baseball cap -who looks very able bodied and has a white bull dog -needs to quit hoarding and he should not be able to have that poor dog -dog needs to be adopted out to a responsible person who can care for it properly!

[@2bd-bes]

Is it really in US?? Looks like seeing in the 3rd world country. ..😢

[@rambojambone4586]

If you happen to to be “taking a nap” on the sidewalk at the time of the cleanup, they don’t wake you up, do they? That would be cruel.

[@timlabell]

I'm worried about that beautiful dog, where is that dog gonna go? a homeless person can't take care of a dog. that dog needs to be adopted.🤦😳

[@davidrankine747]

I cannot believe what I am seeing they are that disrespectful they can't put thier own needles in a plastic bin or bottle they are sitting watching the workers clean up thier shit unbelievable what happened to getting fined for litter

[@Lower985]

They left the worst part! Total waste.

[@zenoslayer9618]

They should've blocked the ebike rental stations make them at least clear those areas