RVs Nearly Towed in Homeless Encampment Cleanup on Rose Avenue; One Car Impounded

Venice, Los Angeles - February 28, 2024: A comprehensive cleanup operation focusing on a homeless encampment was conducted in the Penmar neighborhood of Venice, Los Angeles. The City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works, in collaboration with Clean Harbors Environmental Inc., targeted several Motor Homes (RVs) parked along Rose Avenue. Ahead of the operation, temporary "No Parking" signs were erected, prohibiting parking from 6 am to 6 pm on Wednesday. The police offered the RV occupants the chance to leave, but two RVs couldn't start due to weak batteries. With assistance from a tow truck, which was on standby, the RVs received jump starts and were subsequently able to depart. Additionally, two cars parked in the tow-away zone faced towing actions; one was released after the owner paid a service fee to the tow truck driver, while the other was towed away.

Los Angeles Police Officers were on-site to ensure the operation proceeded smoothly and safely, playing a vital role in maintaining security and order. The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) provided outreach services to the homeless population during and before the cleanup, offering support and resources to those affected.

The successful coordination of the cleanup effort was significantly aided by the collaboration among various city departments, a process facilitated by Councilwoman Traci Park's Housing Coordinator and the dedicated involvement of the homeless encampment task force. This teamwork emphasized compliance, safety for all involved, and adherence to cleanliness and hygiene standards.

Simultaneously, the local community expressed strong support for the cleanup initiative. Danny Slant, ‪@DannySlant‬ a resident of the Penmar Park neighborhood, voiced his appreciation for the effort, highlighting the community's desire to reclaim the park for recreational use. He extended thanks to Council Member Tracy Park, Venice Deputy Sean Silva, and the teams from various city departments and services involved in the operation.

Despite the immediate positive impact of the cleanup, Slant emphasized the need for a more comprehensive, city-wide strategy to address homelessness, critiquing the temporary nature of such cleanups and their potential to simply displace the problem. He advocated for the creation of safe parking lots with services for the homeless, a proposal yet to be fully realized.

This operation is part of Los Angeles' ongoing strategy to address homelessness, focusing on immediate cleanups while also seeking long-term solutions to promote public health and sanitation. The effort underscores the city's commitment to safety, cleanliness, and the well-being of both the housed and unhoused populations, aiming for a balanced approach that includes both support services and necessary enforcement measures.
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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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