On Thursday, September 14, 2023, a collaborative effort unfolded in Venice as the City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works and Clean Harbors Environmental Inc. joined forces to address the challenge of homeless encampments.

Demonstrating their commitment to the well-being of both residents and the homeless population, a section of the sidewalk on Rose Avenue, 7th Street, 4th Street, and Lincoln Avenue was temporarily closed for a thorough cleanup operation. To ensure the safety of all participants, workers wore protective white hazardous materials suits in adherence to established safety protocols.

Los Angeles Sanitation provides a 15-minute window for unhoused individuals camping on the sidewalk to collect and relocate their belongings. Any items left behind will be disposed of by sanitation workers, with Police Officers assisting in escorting the unhoused individuals out of the designated cleaning area.

The cleanup proceeded seamlessly through the collaborative efforts of two distinct waste management teams, each assigned specific responsibilities. The City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works crew, clad in yellow safety vests, worked diligently alongside the Clean Harbors Environmental Inc. team, easily identifiable by their orange vests. Methodically, the Clean Harbors Environmental Inc. team began by sorting through refuse, meticulously identifying and segregating hazardous materials such as batteries, syringes, and other harmful substances. Following this crucial step, Los Angeles Public Works sanitation workers managed the collection of non-hazardous waste, contributing to the overall success of the operation.

The commendable support for this cleanup initiative was significantly enhanced by the active participation of the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA). Their pivotal role in providing essential outreach services, catering to the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness, was indispensable.

Safeguarding the well-being of all participants and ensuring compliance from the homeless community was the diligent presence of Los Angeles Police Officers. Their vigilant watch wasn't solely to uphold cleanliness and hygiene standards; it also aimed to ensure adherence to safety protocols, making the operation as secure as possible and ensuring compliance.

Notably, despite the enforcement of Ordinance 41.18, which prohibits sitting, lying, or sleeping in public places, as well as storing, using, maintaining, or placing personal property in the public right-of-way, no citations were issued during the cleanup operation at the Venice homeless encampments.

However, it's crucial to understand that while these cleanup initiatives, like the one in Venice, undoubtedly contribute to the City of Los Angeles' broader efforts to address homelessness, they constitute just a fraction of the comprehensive strategy. Recognizing the limitations of such actions, the city's commitment to formulating sustainable, long-term solutions remains steadfast. The focus is on addressing the root causes of homelessness while providing essential resources to those in need—a multifaceted approach that underscores the city's dedication to creating lasting change.

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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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