On Tuesday, October 14, 2024, Los Angeles Police Department officers responded to reports of an assault near the Venice Beach basketball courts. Upon arriving at the scene, officers quickly located and arrested the suspect in the area.
Witnesses stated that the suspect approached an elderly man who was drinking water from a fountain and struck him on the head with a metal pole without provocation. Los Angeles Fire Department personnel promptly arrived and administered first aid, bandaging the victim’s head. The man was later transported to a nearby hospital for further treatment.
The suspect, who had a tent near the basketball courts, had his belongings collected and processed by police after they dismantled his encampment. While the exact charges remain unconfirmed, it is suspected the individual will be charged with assault with a deadly weapon.
During the weekly large-scale cleanup at Venice Beach Skate Park, a homeless man was asked by sanitation workers to remove his encampment. He was given 15 minutes to pack his belongings so the cleanup could proceed.
Police officers and Los Angeles Park Rangers were on-site to oversee the process, ensuring compliance with Los Angeles Municipal Code 63.44, which prohibits tents in city parks to maintain safety and accessibility. No citations were issued.
After the area was cleared, sanitation workers moved on to other encampments in the area. The cleanup was part of a coordinated multi-agency effort involving LAPD, Department of Public Works, LA County Beaches and Harbors, Clean Harbors Environmental Inc., LAHSA, and a representative from Councilwoman Traci Park’s office.
This efficient operation, with workers in protective gear handling hazardous and non-hazardous waste, reflects the city’s commitment to public health and safety while addressing homelessness compassionately. LAHSA provided essential services, such as food, water, and hygiene kits, highlighting the city’s preference for supportive over punitive measures.
These weekly cleanups, part of a broader initiative, are key to addressing homelessness while maintaining public safety, with Councilwoman Traci Park’s office ensuring a humane and balanced approach.
Venice, Los Angeles – October 11, 2024* — As part of the ongoing weekly cleanup efforts targeting homeless encampments at Venice Beach, sanitation workers asked a homeless man to remove his belongings from his campsite. The man was given 15 minutes to pack his items so that the cleanup could proceed. When he did not gather his belongings within the allotted time, sanitation workers collected his items, placing some in storage for later retrieval while disposing of others.
Los Angeles Police officers and Park Rangers were present to ensure compliance with local regulations, as outlined by Los Angeles Municipal Code 63.44, which prohibits the erection of tents in city parks. This regulation is designed to keep public spaces safe and accessible for all. No citations were issued during the incident.
Once the encampment was cleared, sanitation workers continued their efforts, moving on to other encampments in the area as part of the broader cleanup operation.
This coordinated multi-agency effort was led by Los Angeles Park Rangers and included the LAPD, Department of Public Works, Recreation and Parks, LA County Beaches and Harbors, Clean Harbors Environmental Inc., LAHSA, and a representative from Councilwoman Traci Park’s office.
The operation was executed efficiently, with sanitation workers in protective gear sorting and removing hazardous and non-hazardous waste. This effort underscores the city’s ongoing commitment to improving public health and safety while addressing homelessness with compassion and support.
LAHSA provided essential services, including food, water, and hygiene kits, further emphasizing the city’s focus on support rather than punishment. No citations for public camping were issued during the cleanup, highlighting the city’s preference for non-punitive measures in addressing homelessness.
These weekly cleanups are part of a larger city initiative aimed at addressing homelessness while maintaining public safety. Councilwoman Traci Park’s office continues to play a key role in ensuring a balanced and humane approach to these ongoing challenges at Venice Beach.
Venice, Los Angeles – October 11, 2024 — As part of the weekly large-scale cleanup operation at Venice Beach, a homeless man camping in the area was asked by sanitation workers to remove his encampment. Los Angeles Police officers and Park Rangers were present to oversee the process, ensuring compliance with city regulations. No citations were issued during the incident, which was carried out in accordance with Los Angeles Municipal Code 63.44, prohibiting tents in city parks to maintain safety and accessibility for all.
Once the encampment was dismantled and the area cleaned, sanitation workers continued their efforts, moving on to other encampments along the beach.
The operation was part of a coordinated multi-agency effort led by Los Angeles Park Rangers, involving the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), Department of Public Works, Recreation and Parks, LA County Beaches and Harbors, Clean Harbors Environmental Inc., the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), and a representative from Councilwoman Traci Park’s office.
Workers in protective gear efficiently sorted and removed hazardous and non-hazardous waste, demonstrating the city’s ongoing commitment to public health and safety. LAHSA provided essential services to those affected, including food, water, and hygiene kits, reinforcing the city’s focus on supportive rather than punitive actions. No citations for public camping were issued, in line with the city's compassionate approach to addressing homelessness.
These weekly cleanups are a critical component of a broader initiative aimed at addressing the complexities of homelessness while maintaining public safety. With regular operations every Friday, Councilwoman Traci Park’s office continues to play a pivotal role in ensuring a humane and balanced response to the challenges at Venice Beach.
On the morning of Wednesday, October 9, 2024, Santa Monica Police officers from the Homeless Liaison Program (HLP) issued citations to two homeless individuals found camping in a tent at the Santa Monica Pier parking lot. The camping activity violated Santa Monica Municipal Code 4.08.095, which prohibits camping in public areas, including beaches, streets, parks, and government properties. The code strictly forbids such activities to maintain public safety and preserve these spaces for public use.
After receiving the citations, the campers asked if they could have some time to dismantle the tent and gather their belongings. The officers granted their request, allowing them additional time and indicating they would return in an hour to check on the situation.
This incident highlights the Santa Monica Police Department's ongoing efforts to address the complexities of homelessness in the city. The Homeless Liaison Program (HLP) plays a key role in supporting vulnerable individuals through outreach, relationship-building, and collaboration with various city and county agencies. HLP's focus is on prioritizing mental health services and offering alternatives to incarceration, ensuring that those in need receive appropriate care and resources.
The program works closely with the Santa Monica Fire Department, Human Services Division, and the City Attorney’s Office to provide a holistic approach to homelessness, aiming to improve community well-being while upholding city regulations designed to maintain public safety and shared spaces.
On the morning of Wednesday, October 9, 2024, Santa Monica Closeup's photojournalist Fabian Lewkowicz encountered Venice Beach local Chip Monk, a homeless resident known in the area. Monk, reflecting on his life and interactions with police, spoke candidly about his philosophy of "going with the flow." He explained how the police treat him amicably, respecting his non-confrontational approach.Monk elaborated on broader themes, including life’s authoritarian structures and the balance between good and bad, both in a spiritual and societal sense. He shared a deeply personal reflection, revealing that he has been clinically dead three times in the past seven years. According to Monk, these near-death experiences left him with the belief that in the end, “it’s just you and God," with each individual ultimately judging themselves.Chip also touched on topics ranging from his thoughts on societal expectations to homelessness and his struggles to maintain a positive mindset despite his circumstances. In a moment of humor and humility, he demonstrated his poor man’s didgeridoo, a vacuum hose, and mused about performing on the Venice Boardwalk.For Monk, life is about self-acceptance and understanding that everyone has their own journey. He emphasized the importance of creation, whether through art or personal growth, as a means of survival and fulfillment in a world that often feels overwhelming.
On Wednesday, October 9, 2024, Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers were at Venice Beach to enforce Los Angeles Municipal Code 63.44, which prohibits the erection of tents in city parks. Officers issued advisals to homeless individuals camping in tents along the beach, ensuring these public spaces remain safe and accessible to all visitors.
In addition to the advisals, LAPD officers facilitated support for the unhoused by contacting the CIRCLE (Crisis and Incident Response through Community-led Engagement) team. The team was expected to arrive within the hour to offer services and assistance to those camping at the beach.
CIRCLE is a 24/7 alternative response program designed to handle non-urgent 9-1-1 calls related to unhoused individuals. The program deploys trained crisis response teams, including licensed mental health clinicians and outreach workers with lived experience, to engage with individuals in need and provide access to essential services. The goal of CIRCLE is to improve interactions with unhoused Angelenos and allow LAPD to focus on traditional law enforcement efforts.
Since its pilot launch in January 2022, the CIRCLE program has expanded beyond Hollywood and Venice to other parts of Los Angeles, with teams conducting proactive outreach and responding to calls for assistance. Their work is supplemented by outreach teams operating in areas of high need, offering resources such as water, snacks, and Narcan to reverse opioid overdoses.
A homeless outreach team from The People Concern was spotted at Santa Monica Beach on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, engaging with individuals camping along the shoreline. The team, equipped with an all-terrain vehicle, approached the encampments offering services and assistance to those in need. The People's Concern, a trusted service provider in Los Angeles, has been working for over 60 years to provide comprehensive care to homeless individuals, offering solutions like interim housing, mental and medical health care, and substance abuse services. The team continues to support the homeless population with the goal of helping them rebuild their lives.
On Tuesday, October 8, 2024, Santa Monica Police Officers from the Homeless Liaison Program (HLP) responded to reports of a homeless man behaving erratically at Palisades Park. Joined by a Public Health Clinician from the Los Angeles Department of Mental Health, officers observed the individual before engaging him. After an initial assessment, the man was handcuffed and taken for a clinical evaluation. No criminal charges are expected to be filed.This incident highlights the ongoing efforts of the Santa Monica Police Department to address the complexities of homelessness in the city. The Homeless Liaison Program (HLP) plays a key role in supporting vulnerable individuals through relationship building, outreach, and collaboration with various city and county agencies. The goal of the HLP is to prioritize mental health services and alternatives to incarceration, ensuring that those in need receive appropriate care and resources while maintaining public safety.The HLP works closely with the Santa Monica Fire Department, Human Services Division, and City Attorney’s Office to offer a holistic approach to homelessness, aiming to improve community well-being by addressing both individual needs and city regulations.
On Sunday, October 6, 2024, a Restroom Ambassador was assaulted by an unhoused man near the Venice Beach restrooms on Rose Avenue. The incident occurred when the ambassador was opening a restroom door, and the man unexpectedly punched her in the head. After the assault, the man fled, prompting the ambassador to call the police and follow him as he walked east on Rose Avenue toward Main Street.
During the pursuit, the man yelled and threatened the ambassador. The confrontation escalated when the man turned back toward her on Main Street, leading the ambassador to use pepper spray in self-defense. Los Angeles Police Department officers arrived shortly afterward and interviewed the ambassador, witnesses, and the assailant. The man was arrested for battery and transported to jail for booking.
The Restroom Ambassador is part of the "Vibrant Venice Initiative," a program introduced by Los Angeles City Councilwoman Traci Park to enhance public amenities at Venice Beach. As part of this initiative, restroom ambassadors are stationed at public restrooms to ensure they are safe, accessible, and clean. They monitor entry, prevent large items like shopping carts and luggage from entering, and help maintain the restrooms’ intended use.
Councilwoman Park launched the program to address issues of vandalism and misuse of public restrooms by unhoused individuals, with ambassadors playing a key role in keeping these facilities welcoming and functional for all beachgoers.
Venice, Los Angeles – October 4, 2024 — In the early hours of Friday morning, members of the Venice Safe Team patrolled the Venice Beach Boardwalk, requesting homeless individuals camping along the walkway to rise and dismantle their tents. The Venice Safe Team, operating daily from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. during the winter months, plays a crucial role in maintaining safety and order in the Venice Beach area.
Working in collaboration with local law enforcement and emergency services, the Venice Safe Team focuses on addressing a variety of community concerns, including public disturbances, vandalism, and ensuring compliance with city regulations. This morning's efforts underscore the team's ongoing mission to safeguard peace and security for both residents and visitors in this iconic beachside community.
Their proactive approach is part of broader efforts to manage homelessness and public safety along Venice Beach, ensuring that public spaces remain accessible and secure for everyone.
Venice, Los Angeles – October 4, 2024 — During the weekly large-scale cleanup operation targeting homeless encampments, a homeless man camping near the Venice Beach Skateboard Park was asked by sanitation workers to remove his tent. The man complied, dismantling his tent as part of the city’s ongoing effort to maintain public spaces. Police officers and Los Angeles Park Rangers were present to oversee the process, ensuring compliance. No citations were issued during the incident.
After the tent was removed, sanitation workers continued their cleanup efforts, moving on to address other encampments in the area.
This operation was part of a coordinated multi-agency effort led by Los Angeles Park Rangers. The task force included the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), Department of Public Works, Recreation and Parks, LA County Beaches and Harbors, Clean Harbors Environmental Inc., the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), and a representative from Councilwoman Traci Park’s office.
The operation was conducted efficiently, with workers in protective gear sorting and removing both hazardous and non-hazardous waste. This ongoing cleanup highlights the city’s commitment to improving public health and safety while addressing homelessness in a compassionate and supportive manner.
LAHSA provided essential services, including food, water, and hygiene kits to those affected by the cleanup, underscoring the city's focus on support over punishment. No citations for public camping were issued during the cleanup, reinforcing the city’s preference for compassionate, non-punitive measures.
These weekly cleanups are part of a broader initiative aimed at addressing the complexities of homelessness while maintaining public safety. With regular operations every Friday, Councilwoman Traci Park’s office plays a vital role in ensuring a balanced and humane approach to these ongoing challenges at Venice Beach.
Venice, Los Angeles – October 4, 2024 — During the weekly large-scale cleanup targeting homeless encampments at Venice Beach, a homeless man found camping near the handball courts was asked by sanitation workers to remove his tent. The man complied, dismantling the tent as part of the cleanup process. Los Angeles Police Officers and Park Rangers were on hand to ensure the operation proceeded smoothly and safely.
After the man's tent was removed, sanitation workers continued their efforts, moving on to address other encampments in the area.
This operation was part of a broader initiative coordinated by a multi-agency task force, led by Los Angeles Park Rangers and involving the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), Department of Public Works, Recreation and Parks, LA County Beaches and Harbors, Clean Harbors Environmental Inc., the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), and a representative from Councilwoman Traci Park’s office.
Personnel in protective gear worked diligently to sort and remove hazardous and non-hazardous waste, demonstrating the city’s commitment to improving public health and safety while addressing homelessness with compassion.
LAHSA was present to offer essential services, such as food, water, and hygiene kits, further emphasizing the city’s focus on support rather than punishment. No citations for public camping were issued, reinforcing the city’s preference for non-punitive measures in dealing with homelessness.
These weekly cleanups are an essential part of the city's strategy to maintain public safety and sanitation while addressing the root causes of homelessness. With Councilwoman Traci Park’s office ensuring a humane and balanced approach, the regular Friday operations continue to play a vital role in keeping Venice Beach safe and clean.
Venice, Los Angeles – October 4, 2024— A large-scale cleanup operation targeting homeless encampments took place on Friday along the Venice Beach Boardwalk. As part of the effort, a homeless man with a significant amount of belongings near the Boardwalk was asked by sanitation workers to move his items to allow for the cleanup. The man complied, relocating his belongings to a nearby alley in multiple trips, ensuring the area was cleared for the ongoing operation.
The cleanup was part of a weekly effort coordinated by a multi-agency task force led by Los Angeles Park Rangers. The operation involved the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), Department of Public Works, Recreation and Parks, LA County Beaches and Harbors, Clean Harbors Environmental Inc., and the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), with a representative from Councilwoman Traci Park’s office also in attendance.
The operation proceeded smoothly, with personnel in protective gear working to safely sort and remove hazardous and non-hazardous waste. This ongoing effort demonstrates the city's dedication to improving public health and safety while addressing homelessness in a compassionate manner.
LAHSA was present, offering essential services such as food, water, and hygiene kits to those affected, highlighting the city's emphasis on providing support rather than issuing punitive measures. No citations for public camping were issued during the cleanup, reinforcing the city’s focus on humane, non-punitive actions.
These weekly cleanups are a vital part of the city’s strategy to address homelessness while maintaining public safety. The regular Friday operations are central to keeping Venice Beach clean and safe, with Councilwoman Traci Park’s office ensuring a balanced and compassionate approach to these challenges.
Venice, Los Angeles – October 4, 2024 — During a large-scale cleanup operation on Friday targeting homeless encampments along Venice Beach, a homeless woman artist with a significant amount of belongings stationed on the sidewalk at Rose Avenue was asked by sanitation workers to relocate her items. Complying with the request, the woman moved her belongings to a nearby alley, making several trips to clear the area as part of the ongoing cleanup efforts.
This operation was part of the weekly citywide effort to address homelessness, coordinated by a multi-agency task force led by Los Angeles Park Rangers. The task force included the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), Department of Public Works, Recreation and Parks, LA County Beaches and Harbors, Clean Harbors Environmental Inc., the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), and a representative from Councilwoman Traci Park’s office.
The cleanup was carried out efficiently, with personnel in protective gear sorting and removing both hazardous and non-hazardous waste. The city remains committed to improving public health and safety while addressing homelessness in a compassionate and supportive manner.
LAHSA was on-site, offering essential services such as food, water, and hygiene kits to those affected by the cleanup, further underscoring the city’s focus on support over punishment. No citations for public camping were issued, reflecting the city’s ongoing preference for compassionate, non-punitive measures.
These weekly cleanups are part of a broader initiative to address homelessness while maintaining public safety in Venice Beach. The regular Friday operations are a key component of the city’s strategy to ensure the area remains safe and clean, with the active involvement of Councilwoman Traci Park’s office ensuring a humane and balanced approach to these ongoing challenges.
Venice, Los Angeles – October 4, 2024 — During a large-scale cleanup operation at Venice Beach on Friday, a homeless woman camping near the Venice Beach pergola was asked by Los Angeles Police Officers and Park Rangers to gather her belongings and vacate the area so the cleanup could proceed. Given 15 minutes to comply, the woman was initially uncooperative, resulting in officers and Park Rangers escorting her out of the area. Following her removal, the sanitation crew disposed of trash and cleaned the site. No citations were issued.
This cleanup was part of a broader operation coordinated by a multi-agency task force. Led by Los Angeles Park Rangers, the effort involved the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), Department of Public Works, Recreation and Parks, LA County Beaches and Harbors, Clean Harbors Environmental Inc., the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), and a representative from Councilwoman Traci Park’s office.
Personnel in protective gear worked efficiently to sort and remove hazardous and non-hazardous waste, highlighting the city’s commitment to improving public health and safety while addressing homelessness with compassion. LAHSA provided essential services, including food, water, and hygiene kits, to those affected by the cleanup, reinforcing the city’s focus on supportive measures rather than punitive actions.
These weekly cleanups, held every Friday, are a key part of the city’s initiative to address the complexities of homelessness while maintaining public safety. The regular operations are a crucial component of the city’s strategy to keep Venice Beach safe and clean, with Councilwoman Traci Park’s office ensuring a balanced and humane approach to these challenges.
Venice, Los Angeles – October 4, 2024 — During the weekly homeless encampment cleanup at Venice Beach, a brief standoff occurred between "Daisy the Venice Healer" and Los Angeles Park Rangers, as they requested her to dismantle her "Goddess Temple," a 10x10 pop-up tent she had set up on the beach. Daisy initially refused, standing her ground when asked to take it down.
After discussions with both the Park Rangers and LAPD officers, a peaceful agreement was reached. Daisy agreed to take down her temple voluntarily, allowing the cleanup task force to continue its operation. She dismantled the pop-up tent that serves as her temple, and the task force moved on to address other homeless encampments along Venice Beach.
This encounter occurred as part of a broader large-scale cleanup operation targeting homeless encampments. The operation, coordinated by a multi-agency task force, included the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), Department of Public Works, Recreation and Parks, LA County Beaches and Harbors, Clean Harbors Environmental Inc., and the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), with a representative from Councilwoman Traci Park’s office also present.
Earlier in the day, a local homeless artist was given 15 minutes to gather her belongings before sanitation workers cleared her encampment. While she was able to save her art and some personal items, the remaining belongings were discarded.
The operation proceeded smoothly, with workers clad in protective gear carefully sorting and removing hazardous and non-hazardous waste. LAHSA provided essential services to those affected, including food, water, and hygiene kits, emphasizing the city's focus on support rather than punishment. No citations for public camping were issued, reflecting the city's compassionate approach to addressing homelessness.
These weekly cleanups are a critical part of the city’s strategy to maintain safety and sanitation at Venice Beach while addressing the complex issue of homelessness. The efforts are overseen by Councilwoman Traci Park’s office, ensuring a balanced and humane approach to these ongoing challenges.
Venice, Los Angeles – October 4, 2024 — A large-scale cleanup operation targeting a homeless encampment, including that of a local homeless artist, took place at Venice Beach on Friday, coordinated by a multi-agency task force. The operation, led by Los Angeles Park Rangers, involved the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), Department of Public Works, Recreation and Parks, LA County Beaches and Harbors, Clean Harbors Environmental Inc., the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), and a representative from Councilwoman Traci Park’s office.
During the cleanup, a homeless artist was given 15 minutes by sanitation workers to gather her belongings and relocate. She managed to save her art paintings and some personal items, but the rest of her belongings were discarded as part of the cleanup process.
The operation was executed efficiently, with personnel in protective gear carefully sorting and removing hazardous and non-hazardous waste. This cleanup effort highlights the city’s ongoing commitment to improving public health and safety while addressing homelessness in a compassionate manner.
LAHSA provided essential services such as food, water, and hygiene kits to those affected by the operation, emphasizing the city's focus on support over punishment. No citations for public camping were issued during the cleanup, underscoring the city’s preference for compassionate, non-punitive measures.
This weekly cleanup is part of a broader city initiative to address the complexities of homelessness while maintaining public safety. The regular Friday operations are a critical component of the city’s strategy to keep Venice Beach safe and clean, with Councilwoman Traci Park’s office ensuring a humane and balanced approach to these ongoing challenges.
Venice, Los Angeles – September 4, 2024 — A coordinated cleanup operation was conducted on Main Street and Speedway in Venice by the City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works and Clean Harbors Environmental Inc., focusing on the removal of a homeless encampment. Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers were on-site to ensure the operation proceeded smoothly and safely.
The effort, which involved workers in protective gear, focused on separating hazardous from non-hazardous waste to ensure a comprehensive and safe cleanup. This initiative is part of the city's ongoing commitment to addressing homelessness while improving public health and sanitation in high-traffic areas. The operation underscores the city’s focus on maintaining cleanliness and public safety while balancing compassionate responses to homelessness.
On Tuesday, October 1, 2024, Santa Monica Police officers responded to an altercation at Santa Monica Beach involving two men. According to witnesses, a homeless man allegedly confronted a person hosting an event at the beach. The event host defended himself, and officers quickly arrived on the scene.
Police conducted an investigation and identified the homeless man, whom they were familiar with due to prior incidents in the area. Officers issued a warning to the man, instructing him to leave the vicinity. They informed him that if a similar situation occurs in the future, he will face arrest.
No arrests were made at the time, and the event proceeded without further disruption.
