On Wednesday, October 25, 2023, a homeless encampment cleanup operation was carried out by the City of Los Angeles on Horizon Avenue in Venice, where a motorhome and a van were towed away. This action comes as part of the city's ongoing efforts to address the homeless crisis while ensuring the safety and well-being of both the housed and unhoused residents.

The Los Angeles Police Department maintained a vigilant presence throughout the cleanup operation to ensure the safety of all involved and to garner cooperation from the unhoused individuals residing there. Their presence was not only essential for smooth operations but also to prevent any potential conflicts or disruptions during the cleanup process.

A resident of Horizon Avenue shed light on the background of the situation, explaining that the motorhome had been stationed on the street for over a year and a half without being moved. A recent incident escalated when the individual residing in the motorhome allegedly brandished a firearm and assaulted someone in broad daylight. Although arrested, the individual was released shortly after. This marks the third time the neighborhood has had to call upon the task force to address concerns related to the homeless encampment, and the first time the individual was unable to maneuver around the system to avoid action being taken.

The resident further added that the signage warning of the impending cleanup had been removed by the individual the night before the operation. However, the neighborhood promptly replaced it the following morning, demonstrating the community's collective effort and resolve to restore safety and order in their locality.

Authorities provided the R.V. owners with an additional chance to move their vehicles before the towing commenced. One of the R.V. owners headed to an auto store, purchased a battery, returned, and installed it. However, lacking a valid driver's license, he enlisted a friend to start up the motorhome and drive it away, which was successfully done. Conversely, the other owner sought assistance from the tow truck driver for a jump start in a bid to get her RV running. Despite the efforts, the attempt was unsuccessful, leading authorities to proceed with the towing.

The cleanup received substantial support from the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) outreach team, which played a pivotal role in delivering essential outreach services to individuals experiencing homelessness.

The city's cleanup operation on Horizon Avenue signifies a step forward in tackling the growing homeless issue, with a focus on ensuring safety and establishing a conducive environment for all residents.

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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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