Venice Takes Action: Homeless Encampment Cleanup Underway on Lake Street

On Wednesday, December 13, 2023, a united endeavor took place in Venice with the City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works and Clean Harbors Environmental Inc. coming together to tackle the issue of homeless encampments. A segment of the Lake Street between Lincoln Boulevard and Frederick Street was briefly shut down to carry out an extensive cleaning operation. Safety was prioritized as workers adorned white hazardous materials suits, aligning with established safety guidelines. For the impending cleanup operation, the city had prominently posted signs 48 hours prior, informing residents of the significant cleaning effort about to take place. The notices urged individuals to clear out personal belongings from the designated areas. They clearly stated that any property left behind after 6:00 AM would be subject to removal by municipal workers. Los Angeles Sanitation allotted a 15-minute timeframe for the unhoused individuals residing on the sidewalk to gather and relocate their posse