Venice, Los Angeles - January 11, 2024. A significant joint operation was conducted by the City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works and Clean Harbors Environmental Inc. in Venice to address the homeless encampment issue. The initiative is part of the city's ongoing efforts to manage homelessness and maintain public sanitation.

During the operation, a challenging situation arose with a distressed homeless individual resisting the cleanup. Despite initial uncooperativeness and aggressive behavior, the situation was de-escalated by the police without the need for arrest. The officers, prepared to use non-lethal force, managed to persuade the individual to vacate the encampment, allowing the cleanup to proceed.

The officers were equipped with a 40mm less-lethal projectile launcher, which fires foam or sponge projectiles effectively from a distance, ensuring safety and minimizing harm.

Concurrently, a section of Rose Avenue was closed for the cleanup, stretching from Lincoln Boulevard to 7th Street. Workers in white hazardous materials suits conducted the operation, adhering to strict safety protocols.

In preparation for the cleanup, the city had earlier posted notices, alerting residents of the upcoming activity and requesting the removal of personal belongings from the area. These notices stipulated that any items left behind would be removed by city workers.

The unhoused individuals were given a 15-minute window by Los Angeles Sanitation to relocate their possessions before the cleanup. Police officers assisted in moving people away from the cleaning zones, and unclaimed items were cleared by sanitation workers.

The cleanup operation saw coordinated efforts between two waste management units: the Department of Public Works and Clean Harbors Environmental Inc. The teams, identifiable by their yellow and orange vests respectively, focused on segregating hazardous materials from non-hazardous waste, ensuring a thorough cleaning process.

The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) provided crucial outreach services to the homeless during the operation.

Los Angeles Police Officers ensured the safety and compliance of all parties, particularly the homeless community. They focused on maintaining cleanliness and hygiene standards and ensuring adherence to safety guidelines.

Despite the implementation of Ordinance 41.18, which restricts certain activities in public spaces, no citations were issued during the cleanup. This operation is a part of Los Angeles' larger strategy to address homelessness, highlighting the city's commitment to both immediate and long-term solutions, focusing on the root causes of homelessness and providing essential resources to those in need

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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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