LOS ANGELES - In an effort to tackle the persistent homeless encampment issues along the Ocean Front Walk and Venice Beach, Councilwoman Traci Park's office has announced the establishment of a dedicated multi-department task force. Councilwoman Traci Park herself made a special appearance at a recent cleanup operation to extend a warm welcome and express gratitude to the task force members. The occasion was marked by the provision of donuts and coffee as a special thank you gesture by Park's office. Notably, Los Angeles Park Ranger Chief Joe Losorelli was also present at the event.
Taking charge of the situation, the City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works, in collaboration with Clean Harbors Environmental Inc. and Recreation and Parks, conducted a thorough cleanup operation at Venice Beach on Friday, May 26, 2023. The sanitation workers, adhering to strict safety protocols, were seen donning white hazardous materials suits during the operation. To ensure comprehensive support, the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) was on-site, offering homeless outreach services to those affected by the cleanup.
Recognizing the need for efficient coordination among the multiple departments involved in addressing the homeless encampments, Councilwoman Traci Park's office has enlisted a dedicated Homelessness and Housing Coordinator to facilitate a streamlined approach.
The cleanup operation was prompted by significant health and safety concerns for both the unhoused individuals and the general public. The encampments had led to the improper use of restrooms as living quarters, exacerbating the risks to public health.
During the cleanup, two separate waste management teams, distinguishable by their safety vest colors, worked collaboratively. The City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works, identifiable by their yellow safety vests, partnered with Clean Harbors Environmental Services Inc., easily identifiable in their orange safety vests. The Clean Harbors team took the lead in sorting through the debris, identifying and collecting hazardous waste items such as batteries, syringes, and urine. Once the hazardous waste collection was complete, sanitation workers from Los Angeles Public Works took over, collecting the remaining garbage.
To ensure the safety of all personnel involved, Los Angeles Park Rangers and Los Angeles Police Officers were present throughout the cleanup operation. This weekly cleanup activity, held every Friday in Venice, aims to maintain cleanliness and hygiene in the area.
It is essential to emphasize that these cleanups are not a comprehensive solution to the larger issue of homelessness. The City of Los Angeles continues to work diligently to implement long-term strategies addressing the root causes of homelessness and providing necessary resources to those in need.
The cleanup of homeless encampments at Venice Beach serves as a significant step towards improving public health and safety, as well as offering much-needed resources and support to unhoused individuals in the area. The City of Los Angeles remains committed to confronting the issue of homelessness head-on, actively pursuing long-term solutions.
Santa Monica Close Up is a photo blog by Santa Monica based Photojournalist/Press photographer Fabian Lewkowicz. Fabian is the former staff photographer for the Santa Monica Daily Observer Press, Santa Monica Mirror, Santa Monica and the Santa Monica Corsair.
Fabian's photographs have been displayed in museums, art galleries, hospitals, department stores, banks, fire stations, police stations, commercial buildings, amusement parks, offices and homes.
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27 авг 2024
