Turning the Tide: Venice Beach Boardwalk Sees Major Cleanup of Homeless Encampments

Los Angeles, January 19, 2024 - The City of Los Angeles carried out a major cleanup operation on the Venice Beach Boardwalk, a location often utilized by the homeless as a makeshift shelter. This cleanup is a key component of the city’s extensive plan to enhance public facilities and tackle homelessness. The operation was a joint effort by the Department of Public Works and Recreation and Parks, excluding Clean Harbors Environmental Inc., typically responsible for handling hazardous materials. During the cleanup, the team was equipped with protective gear, underscoring the city’s commitment to ensuring worker safety. Councilwoman Traci Park’s Housing Coordinator was instrumental in facilitating communication between various city departments, including those involved in the homeless encampment task force. Support also came from the LA Homeless Services Authority, which provided outreach services. Notably, the unhoused population at the Venice Beach Boardwalk cooperated with the efforts, moving out as requested by the Los Angeles Park Rangers, who played a crucial role in maintaining safety and ensuring compliance during the operation. This initiative is part of the city’s broader strategy to address homelessness, which includes regular cleanups along the boardwalk, supervised by the Park Rangers. This cleanup operation highlights Los Angeles’ commitment to a comprehensive approach in dealing with homelessness, focusing not only on immediate cleanups but also on long-term solutions and resources, aiming for lasting change within the community. ’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’ 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. Support Santa Monica Closeup by making a One Time Donation via PayPal: Make a One Time Donation via Venmo: Follow us on Instagram: Follow us on Facebook: Join this channel to gain access to perks: For licensing this video email FabianLewkowicz@ TAGS: Photojournalism, Photojournalist, Documentary, Cinema Verite, Fly-on-the-wall, Observational Photography, Press Photography The video is intended solely for personal use. Any form of copying, re-uploading, sampling or other unauthorized use is strictly prohibited. (C) 2024 Fabian Lewkowicz/Santa Monica Closeup. All Rights Reserved.