Venice Homeless Cleanup Strategy Adapts to Cold Weather, Prioritizes Compassionate Approach

Venice Beach, Los Angeles - January 12, 2024: In response to the homelessness crisis at Venice Beach, the City of Los Angeles has adapted its operational strategy due to recent weather conditions, with temperatures falling below 50°. This change has led to the implementation of a bad weather protocol by the city's sanitation department, limiting activities to spot cleanups rather than full-scale operations typically conducted in the area.
The Housing Coordinator from Councilwoman Traci Park's office has been instrumental in this transition, playing a pivotal role in streamlining communication among the various city departments involved in overseeing homeless encampments. This enhanced coordination has been crucial in ensuring that the city's response to homelessness is both effective and sensitive, especially during inclement weather.
The city's standard operation, including the regular Friday cleanups along the Venice Beach Boardwalk and focused operations targeting restrooms used as shelter, has been adjusted in line with the weather protocol. Full cleanups, which require unhoused individuals to move their belongings, are not conducted when temperatures drop below the stipulated threshold or during rainfall.
Despite these weather-related limitations, the city's efforts continue with the participation of multiple departments. The Department of Public Works, in collaboration with Clean Harbors Environmental Inc., focuses on sorting debris and handling non-hazardous waste. Their activities are identifiable by the team members' yellow and orange safety vests, respectively.
The initiative's scope also extends to the Los Angeles Park Rangers, Recreation and Parks, and the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), which provides on-site outreach services. This multi-departmental approach underlines the city's commitment to a comprehensive strategy in addressing homelessness.
Through this concerted effort, the City of Los Angeles demonstrates its ongoing commitment to managing the complex issue of homelessness at Venice Beach. The involvement of Councilwoman Traci Park's office, particularly the Housing Coordinator, underscores the city's determination to provide long-term support and solutions for its most vulnerable citizens, balancing immediate needs with the broader goal of addressing the root causes of homelessness..
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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.

[@Khawrlo5993]

The guy creating the art work at the end, was in another vid, where he got arrested. He held up being taking away by police for what seemed like hours, by, not getting in the car. Another friend of his was begging him to get into the car and will ride with him if he got in the car and leave. WOW! The workers out there handling these people are truly remarklable. To think they do this type work on a daily, weekly basis! WOW

[@DavidStarr-eg2kv]

I like this guy, he doesn't tolerate their bs

[@matthewhibbard9807]

Venice used to be Rastas, hippies, musicians, artists and chill homeless people are hanging out together with good vibes. Now they’re just spun out and aggro. If Josh had access to good materials, he could make some good stuff. In his moments of clarity, he definitely knows what he’s talking about.

[@w.robertjohnson558]

Bravissimo, Fabian! I reiterate -- you possess the effortless COMPASSION of a Saint! Josh, the very frightened, raving madman, sweetly dissolved into a vulnerable, gushing schoolboy when you simply and quietly asked him to share his raison d'etre with you. Wow. Another didactic vehicle, Mon Frere.

[@RobHaslam-i4f]

The Female Park Ranger Officer I don't know her name but she is a Professional Officer she listen to people has tough skin keeps her cool 😎 but keeps her gaurd up and keeps her distance GREAT Officer 👍 WELL Done 👏 ✔️ 😉 Please 🙏 let her know cause I know good words help Thank You 👍 and Thank You for ALL these GREAT videos 🤞 wish we could get the rich people to let some money go for help WE ARE THE USA 🇺🇸 SHOULDN'T BE HUGURY HOMELESS AND NO FREE INSURANCE COME ON 😢 🙏

[@Meofcourse27]

Now you have a druggy telling the Park Ranger what he is and isn't going to do!

[@elliotmann9787]

Compassionate approach, meaning just let them stay in the toilets? Next the rangers will be bringing them coffee from Starbucks.

[@EdSeTcin]

That's what happens when Democrats are in charge.

[@nikolaidisme2072]

hello friend enjoy video

[@deedeedavidson8193]

Just take it and throw away..Don't ask, he doesn't own the spot or pay rent/..

[@jimo2665]

Way too much negotiating. I have compassion for people down on their luck. Watching these videos, I see a lot of able bodied people who have mental illnesses or have made bad decisions in life, and it becomes everyone's problem. We need more mental institutions.

[@kixigvak]

Exactly. In the name of compassion they reason with crazy people. Law down the law with no ifs ands or butts. Everybody would be better off.

[@sunsensational]

The open drug use is what most irritating. If we have the money for the cops, patrol cleanup, they could hang out and start enforcing the drug laws. Could you imagine a child stepping on those needles filled with meth or fentanyl?

[@Antartica77]

Thank you for filming. Great job. Keep safe 🙏🏼

[@Freedomforall1290]

Lock up the Venice Beach restrooms at night, problem solved.

[@ShaShaLuva414]

That’s what I say, Venice use to make everyone leave at 10pm, police use to ride up and down on their intercom making everyone leave.Lock the bathrooms up like they use to do. The homeless people are being Accommodate looks like to me. Come On this can be shut down especially this bathrooms issue. They use to Lock them after 10pm.

[@Once800-]

If it was a hard working taxpaying citizens in one of those locked toilets for 24 hours, the authorities would probably condescendingly talk/shout to kick ‘em out. Probably arrest the person. But not the public dwelling people featured in this vlog.

[@pmurT4202]

Companionate turns to entitlement wake the F up freakin America 😮

[@jackwilson8051]

These homeless people think 58 degrees is cold. I live in Iowa & it is going to be minus 15 tomorrow night.

[@kixigvak]

The number of government employees dealing with the homeless grows and grows. In this video there are more "homeless specialists" than there are homeless. How about that woman's $500 Burley bike trailer! Some single mom can't take her kids for a ride because it was stolen from her. The government should be on the side of the well-adjusted, law-abiding citizen, not the fringe elements like we see here.

[@tracyrhinehart8693]

That dude needs a straight jacket

[@gcrauwels941]

Mid to upper 40s isn't terribly cold. All the same players, just a different day. A Daisy sighting. Tom and Scatman at the Piss Penthouse. I see Josh's meds wore off, back to his belligerent self.

[@832738]

It’s almost like a reality show

[@stefanboster5728]

Using logic on the ‘lunatic fringe’ is a waste of time.. It seems that it’s the same 10 people every week.. That’s not a large number.. Remove them involuntarily & you’ll see the difference immediately..

[@ohnomrbill7984]

By day, a park, a beach, a filthy restroom and a mental health facility. By night, a filthy restroom, homeless housing and a shooting gallery.

[@iamcool-e9b]

i wish i was more able bodied and younger- i could save $1000 a month and have lifetime prime beach property to live on and room service each week!

[@Meofcourse27]

The Venice Ogre, with the black hat, tells the park ranger what he's gonna do and what he's not gonna do! This is one of the times he's been released from jail. Beware folks!!

[@jackwilson8051]

They need to throw the guy with the Santa Ana hat in jail

[@MinusEighty]

They need to ask him how much acid he did, so we can know how much is too much....

[@eldorajohnson1150]

California now spends more money on the salaries of the personnel that clean up after the homeless than actually housing the homeless. The social workers get good salaries to get the homeless to move their belongings off the beaches. Why are these people not housed or sectioned for mental health treatment or treatment for drug addiction?

[@Meofcourse27]

The term "social worker" has to be the biggest joke perpetrated on the public in this day and time! All it means today is someone that advocates for the drug users! That term should banished from the dictionary!

[@chriseverett6355]

How come someone isn't around to stop this before they settle in ❓️It would surely save alot of hassle in the end 🤔

[@tracyrhinehart8693]

Why do the homeless think that the restrooms are free motels😮

[@iamcool-e9b]

bcus the city officials let them use them as such. they actually acknowledge the repeat offenders every week- they are coddled with words like...'ok johnny, need to do our weekly cleanup-need to move it out for a while...' in other words-okay to come back

[@kvu1269]

Luckily California is lenient with homeless. I was worried about the ones i knew and left behind but i can see they are doing well and voluntarily outside. If they wanted they would get housing, its a lifestyle choice to refuse services. I dont have to worry anymore and i can see they are doing fine.

[@pmurT4202]

How you expect citizens to properly and safely use the restroom when you have these people lingering around specially when kids got to go very sad

[@its-all-good]

The City of Venice politicians wouldn't answer this question... and if they did, we could ask when was the last time they, or a family member used one of these bathroom stalls or this area of the beach 🤔 Likely silence. Something needs to be done but, advocates would put the addicts first. I do feel for Josh as he seems to have non-addiction issues. He seems like a good guy but needs services that hopefully have been offered.

[@iamcool-e9b]

imagine how many infected needles go into the LA water system?? I guarantee you they flush them down the toilet- YUCK

[@jackwilson8051]

What a life, using a restroom for a bedroom.

[@texanheart]

Whoa again and again with the homeless camping out at the restrooms the city should really tear down the building of the restrooms.

[@MinusEighty]

Wrong. They should patrol at night and enforce the law. Florida has beaches and restrooms at the beach. No problem. How? They enforce the law.

[@terrisantiago9128]

You have to keep Strict rules with these homeless people. Because if you don't, they're going to walk all over you and they're not going to want to leave at all. They have to leave when they're told otherwise tell him they will be arrested. I seen a couple of that refuses. If you let one go, they're all gonna be like that. And then you're gonna have a mess on your hands. So will you clean up they have to leave no excuse. Those bathrooms should be cleaned at night and locked all night and not open till seven in the morning is is a terrible messenger , it's ridiculous

[@KalCana]

10 to 15 degrees is not cold ,definately not dangerous..thats still swimming weather up here

[@chezemms]

I wish we had weather like this look’s lovely

[@catherinerumfield4945]

What part of YOU CAN NOT LIVE AT THE BEACH does he not understand?!

[@EdSeTcin]

Dude's in another world. Completely.

[@catherinerumfield4945]

The clean up crew need to wear masks

[@MinusEighty]

That beach is open space for tens of millions of LA residents, most of whom don't have money for fancy vacations or Disneyland. It is wrong for a few homeless loons to take away this much needed open space.

[@Nigelrathbone1]

Only so many bathrooms. Homeless must be fighting over dibbs for them. Better than any cardboard box shelter.

[@tomr9661]

The foul mouth tough talking guy wearing the baseball hat needs to go to jail, he is a danger to the community. No tough love, just jail time.

[@pamlovett7335]

They should ticket the people that do this constantly. Same people another day. They need to use the services offered to them.

[@gilc7626]

Tow companies that are contracted by cities usually wont tow RVs from homeless. Reasons are they don’t have the storage place and they need semi tow trucks which cost a ton. Cities won’t pay. That’s why you see burnt or destroyed RVs left on the street.

[@Igotstaknowit]

Code it in law. Start charging people $25 a night, just like other "campgrounds" in the state. No payment, no camping, get off the sidewalk. They will move to Oregon.

[@iamcool-e9b]

would be nice if they all moved to one of hawaii's islands. they can live in huts and eat coconuts. gilligans island

[@waltoneames7948]

Why the la county dont just bulldoze the restrooms .so silly

[@saraanderson6615]

That same old man they should lock the bathrooms at night so no one can sleep in them.

[@MinusEighty]

No. They should patrol them at night and let everyone know that max enforcement is in effect for anyone camping there.

[@MrMachineHead]

Great idea! Rather have people doing their pee pee and poo poo out on the beach in the sand at night and have sanitation squad clean that up in the morning instead!

[@GabrielGiron-g5o]

Daisy is fine as wine 🌹😘🇺🇲

[@groomer537]

same dude everyday🥴

[@iamcool-e9b]

they can go to shelters- doesn't the state have shelters?

[@CaliforniaArchitect]

Won't solve anything because these are not "homeless" people; they're drug addicts. If you give them a shelter or an apartment, they'll store their stuff there and go back to the streets to do drugs with their street buddies.

[@ceciliastepaniak9759]

They don’t want to go into the shelters because the shelters have rules like no drugs or alcohol. After living in California for 52 yrs. I had to leave.

[@jodigos9851]

Shelters are not safe they put a lot of bad people in there and they steal your stuff or worse harm you it's like a open air prison.. people just decide to take their chances on the streets..

[@tracyrhinehart8693]

I DONT THINK THAT ITS SOMEBODY ELSES FOUGHT THAT A PERSON IS HOMELESS

[@bulldog11881]

I only watch these vids to see what crazy daisy is doing. Lmfao!!!

[@jwaterous224]

I agree with the feeling that the largese of this Mega City hepls create the semi permanant homeless structure problem. An extra focussed effort to collect everything as waste or recycling is overdue especially to avoid putting anything in the hands of the homeless that might be used to recreate so many times over the personalized trash impediments in the names of manic depression.

[@The_No_Victim_Zone]

This is just pathetic. Enabling these people; allowing them to bully and make demands, saying what the will and won’t do. Absolutely ridiculous.

[@chezemms]

What is the temperature in Santa Monica today?

[@jackwilson8051]

I just looked on my phone & it is 58 degrees.

[@chezemms]

@@jackwilson8051 I didn’t even think about that 😮

[@WCoast_]

It was probably 45 when the video was shot.

[@KalCana]

Its warm enough for a swim

[@chezemms]

It looks fabulous

[@marthaharris8722]

That Josh guy full of it for real. He’s playing them with his hoarding mentality. That other black man is on there all the time he’s playing a game too. Getting video fame it’s a shame. Take the help being offered.

[@alanweber675]

Damn... They need to put up signs that say these are bathrooms, not tiny rent free apartments...

[@RichTowsley]

Evicted!,,,

[@stevenjanssen8182]

I think josh is an alright dude.!

[@michaelsteel8927]

What a Dump Venice is becoming and the Guy doesn't own the spot so why you not Moving him on dose he have special rights and others don't

[@chris323]

Damn same thing over and over again somebody is $$$$ getting richer Karen Bass , no consequences for these people

[@Coffee240]

Who wants to rent to people on drug's, and with mental health, NO ONE.

[@MinusEighty]

And yet Florida has clean beaches.

[@Coffee240]

@@MinusEighty yuck 🤮 nope.

[@MinusEighty]

@@Coffee240 You don't like clean beaches? Oh you are better than Florida? And yet they have clean beaches and you don't....

[@Coffee240]

@@MinusEighty that toxic foam was wonderful in Florida, and the toxic Karnia brevity that killed thousands of fish, sunk for months from dead fish yuck 🤮 toxic algae even killed some birds, algae bloom , can't even go near the water, beaches , human waste , from broken sawage pipes. I bet you love swimming in all this nasty Florida beaches, floods ,tornadoes, drainage right into the ocean on the beach, 🤣🤣🤣 know what you swim in

[@craigshupe]

Law abiding citizens and role models for my children have to deal with

[@alicesegundinamagadia8603]

So sad to see this legal citizens situation ,your goverment must address this problem than intertaining tge migrants! It’s funny Americans in general considered themselves in a powerful nation and Philippines’ a third world🤣When our goverment provide housing for our less fortunate citizens!

[@nemesisut8793]

It's been a mess for years now... unfortunately, the city won't see any significant changes for another 3 to 4 decades.

[@craigshupe]

I can’t take my family there wonder why?

[@Mushymush1]

Excuse me officers. Can I recommend using your tasers and nightsticks?

[@Mike-fk8xr]

Gotta look through the dirt for the dope he dropped

[@iamcool-e9b]

oh so that is why they look thru their trash and dirt- i always wondered what they were looking for-digging crap out of trash bag

[@deedeedavidson8193]

Did Thomas get rid of his MI girlfriend?

[@lt6209]

Now I see why people would rather crap on the sidewalks in CA. The restrooms are gross. I wouldn’t let my children use them. Poop on the side walk kids!

[@MissUnderstood_Mom]

@58:21 mentally ill with full on weapons just hanging out at the beach with people exercising, walking their dogs...

[@TrekCompsport]

this is the most unorganized mismanaged operation I have ever seen

[@waltoneames7948]

You got 15 minutes get your stuff get out .dont come back .enough is enough bye disorderly conduct lottering is going to be enforced so shut up no cussing no whinning no bitching at the police park officrrs or outreachworkers or sanitation workers

[@yurita3987]

MEREKA TIDAK ADA RUMAH TAPI BARANGNYA SEPERTI PUNYA RUMAH BANYAK SEKALI DAN SUDAH PASTI KOTOR

[@eldorajohnson1150]

I would not take my family to this beach with these people around. unsanitary and not safe for children.

[@MrMachineHead]

But You can probably afford to vacate on some other safe ground?

[@susanmcclellan1773]

Oh my goodness build a shelter there bathrooms are doing nobody any good drug den normal people going to the beach don't use them.

[@Thepoetjewel]

Why cant they just give them their own apartments. This is a repeated a tireless cycle and sad.

[@CaliforniaArchitect]

Oh, they're already doing that at taxpayer's expense. Housing programs funded by the city, place these "homeless" people in motels and apartments. Once they move in all "their" stuff, they go back to the streets to do drugs with their buddies. Then when they return to the apartment, they sleep during the day and stay up all night bothering the neighboring tenants. If the building has a pool, they'll jump into it from the 2nd floor balcony. If the building has a laundry facility, they'll bring one of their drug buddies to sleep there.

[@dons3073]

Put hippie in jail

[@essi2324]

So sad, kindness and compassion is out the door in our world. These people have nothing, regardless of their situation, showing just a little kindness will avoid half of the tension. 😮‍💨

[@chris323]

Take them with you i bet you wont

[@iamcool-e9b]

i use to have compassion -still do- but not for the beligerent, trashy, hoardy ones- these people dont care if you show them kindness; the only thing they care about is their DRUG

[@EdSeTcin]

Ahh...California. The land of fruits and nuts.

[@aquatecpoolservice4547]

They seem more agitated today, maybe a big earthquake is coming. 😮

[@GabrielGiron-g5o]

She looks ridiculous 🤡

[@Meofcourse27]

Really?

[@Robert-mt8ee]

Cursed to waLk the earth once again.

[@miagamesluz2655]

Gov has to have more mental services and address head on at a younger age