Police Oversee Removal of Homeless Belongings, Shopping Cart Destroyed During Cleanup Operation

Venice, Los Angeles – November 7, 2024 — A coordinated cleanup operation was conducted on Mildred Avenue in Venice, spearheaded by the City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works in collaboration with Clean Harbors Environmental Inc. During the operation, Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers encountered a homeless man camping on the sidewalk with two shopping carts full of belongings and a bicycle. The officers informed the man that he could only retain one shopping cart and up to 60 gallons of personal property. The second shopping cart was surrendered and discarded by sanitation workers, who threw it into the garbage truck. The sanitation crew provided the man with a 60-gallon bag to help store his items.

This action was in line with Los Angeles Municipal Code Section 56.11, which regulates the storage of personal property in public spaces. The ordinance allows individuals experiencing homelessness to keep belongings in public areas if they fit within a 60-gallon container and do not create obstructions or hazards. Items exceeding this limit, classified as "bulky items"—including furniture and appliances—are not permitted on public property, with exceptions for essential mobility aids like bicycles, walkers, crutches, and wheelchairs.

Section 56.11, amended in 2016, was enacted to strike a balance between the public's right to access clean, safe spaces and the needs of those without stable housing to retain essential personal property. While the city may impound unattended or excess property, a 24-hour notice is usually provided. The ordinance limits the seizure of bulky items to cases where they pose a safety or health risk or block public access, following a federal court decision that ruled against blanket size-based seizures as unconstitutional.

The operation aimed to clear public areas efficiently, prioritizing public health and sanitation. LAPD officers were present to oversee a smooth and incident-free process. Workers in protective gear carefully sorted hazardous and non-hazardous waste, underscoring the city's commitment to maintaining safe and clean spaces in high-traffic areas.

The cleanup adhered to Los Angeles Municipal Code 63.44, which prohibits camping and unauthorized use of public spaces. This initiative is part of an ongoing weekly effort to address homelessness while promoting public safety and cleanliness. The multi-agency task force, which includes the LAPD and the Department of Public Works, remains dedicated to ensuring accessible and safe public spaces for all residents.