Fog Engulfs Venice Fishing Pier: A Morning Cloaked in Mystery

On a foggy Friday morning, October 25, 2024, at 7:33 AM, Santa Monica Closeup takes viewers on a tour of the Venice Fishing Pier. Shrouded in a thick marine layer, visibility along the iconic pier was limited, creating a mysterious yet serene atmosphere. The Venice Fishing Pier, a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike, stretches 1,310 feet into the Pacific, offering a panoramic view of the coastline—though on mornings like today, the view was nothing but a blanket of fog. Despite the limited visibility, the pier remains a popular destination for fishing and peaceful walks by the water.

 

Navigating the Streets: 14-Year-Old Runaway Billy Challenges Authority and Misrepresentation at Venice Beach

During a cleanup operation at the Venice Beach Skateboarding Park on Friday, October 25, 2024, Billy, the 14-year-old runaway, was found navigating his precarious situation. Billy shared his recent ordeal, detailing a hostile encounter and discussing his efforts to find stability while avoiding police custody. Billy recounted a recent threatening incident, explaining, "They tried to run me off a road a couple of nights ago... and I was talking to a police officer over here, he said no, they were just trying to take me into custody." His tone reflected a mix of resignation and frustration with how authorities handled his case. The young runaway also expressed dissatisfaction with Safe Place for Youth (SPY), a local service program that has repeatedly turned him away due to age restrictions. "It's kind of annoying when they keep on telling me I can come over, and when I show up, they're saying they can't help me," Billy commented, revealing the cyclic disappointments he faces. Billy's narrative took a personal turn as he spoke about Daisy, the Venice Healer, who he feels has misrepresented him to others. "She's starting to act a fool, bro... she's saying things about me that aren't really true," Billy stated, indicating a growing rift between him and Daisy over her public comments concerning his actions. Despite the challenges, Billy remains focused on his future, outlining his plans to gain independence and criticizing those who question his maturity due to his age. "I'm getting my stuff done, and I'm starting to get pissed off by the way people are telling me, 'Oh, you're a kid this and this and that.' It doesn't matter. I'm getting my reality check and my stuff straight," he declared firmly. Billy's day ended on a note of resilience as he prepared for the upcoming community Halloween event at the skate park. His story underscores the complex layers of youth homelessness, police interaction, and community support in Venice Beach.

Park Rangers Remove Homeless Woman Camping in Graffiti-Covered Clothing Donation Bin in Venice

Venice, Los Angeles – Friday, October 25, 2024 — During the ongoing weekly cleanup operation at Venice Beach, a homeless woman was found camping inside an abandoned clothing donation bin covered in graffiti near the Venice Art Walls. Los Angeles Park Rangers approached her and requested that she vacate the area so sanitation workers could clean. Although upset and yelling at the crew, she gathered her belongings and left. 

Sanitation workers then proceeded to clear the area, removing trash and discarded items left behind. This incident was part of a coordinated effort led by Los Angeles Park Rangers, LAPD officers, the City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works, LA County Beaches and Harbors, and Clean Harbors Environmental Inc. The operation, which focused on clearing homeless encampments, was aimed at maintaining public safety and cleanliness in the area.

The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) was also present to provide essential services such as food, water, and hygiene kits, reinforcing the city's commitment to supporting those experiencing homelessness through compassionate measures rather than punitive actions.

Although no citations were issued, the cleanup adhered to Los Angeles Municipal Code 63.44, which prohibits tents and unauthorized structures in public spaces like city parks. The multi-agency task force, which included representatives from LAHSA and Councilwoman Traci Park’s office, worked efficiently to remove hazardous and non-hazardous waste.

This initiative is part of a broader citywide effort to maintain public spaces while offering support to those in need. These regular cleanups, held every week, are a critical element of Los Angeles’s strategy to balance public health and safety with a compassionate approach to homelessness.

Police Officers and Park Rangers Oversee Homeless Encampment Cleanup Operation in Venice Beach

Venice, Los Angeles – Friday, October 25, 2024 — As part of the ongoing weekly cleanup initiatives in Venice, a coordinated operation was conducted at the Venice Beach restrooms and surrounding areas. The effort, led by Los Angeles Park Rangers, LAPD officers, the City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works, LA County Beaches and Harbors, and Clean Harbors Environmental Inc., focused on removing a homeless encampment to maintain public safety and cleanliness.

Police officers and Park Rangers were on-site to ensure the cleanup ran smoothly. Although no citations were issued to individuals camping on the beach, the operation adhered to Los Angeles Municipal Code 63.44, which prohibits tents in public spaces such as city parks.

The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) was also present, providing essential services such as food, water, and hygiene kits to individuals experiencing homelessness. This further emphasized the city's commitment to a supportive approach, prioritizing assistance over punitive measures.

After clearing the restrooms, the cleanup team moved on to other encampments along the beach. The multi-agency task force, which included representatives from LAHSA and Councilwoman Traci Park’s office, worked to address public health concerns by carefully sorting and removing both hazardous and non-hazardous waste.

This initiative is part of a broader city effort to balance public space maintenance with a compassionate response to homelessness. The absence of citations during the operation reflects the city's preference for supportive measures over punitive actions.

These weekly cleanups are a key component of Los Angeles’s strategy to address homelessness while ensuring safety and sanitation in public areas, with a focus on supportive solutions over enforcement.

Police Seek Assistance in Fatal DUI Incident on Santa Monica Beach

The Santa Monica Police Department is continuing its investigation into a tragic DUI-related vehicular manslaughter that occurred on Thursday, October 17, 2024, at approximately 11:30 PM. The incident took place near the 1400 block of the beach, where a female victim was fatally struck by a vehicle driven on the sand. The suspect, identified as 21-year-old Yuyang Sun, was arrested at the scene for driving under the influence.

Authorities are requesting assistance from any individuals who were present at the scene and may have helped during the incident. The department is seeking witnesses to provide information that could be crucial to the ongoing investigation.

Anyone with details about the incident is encouraged to contact Investigator Evan Raleigh at evan.raleigh@santamonica.gov or Sergeant Krueger at nick.krueger@santamonica.gov.

Police Officers Keep Watch During Venice Beach Cleanup

Los Angeles, CA – October 24, 2024 – A significant cleanup operation was underway at Venice Beach on Thursday, overseen by Los Angeles Police officers. In collaboration with LA County Beaches and Harbors, crews worked to address the accumulation of debris and restore the beach to its pristine condition. Police presence served as a deterrent to any potential disruptions, ensuring a safe and efficient environment for the cleanup crews to work. The operation focused on removing trash, debris, and other unsightly materials from the beach and surrounding areas. This concerted effort is part of an ongoing commitment to maintain the cleanliness and attractiveness of Venice Beach, a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

LAPD Officers Oversee Homeless Cleanup on Pacific Avenue in Venice

Venice, Los Angeles – October 24, 2024 — A coordinated cleanup operation took place on Pacific Avenue in Venice, focusing on the removal of a homeless encampment from sidewalks in front of businesses. The City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works, alongside Clean Harbors Environmental Inc., led the cleanup effort, ensuring the area was cleared in a safe and efficient manner.

Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers were present on-site to ensure the operation proceeded smoothly. Although no citations were issued to individuals camping on the sidewalk, the action was conducted in line with Los Angeles Municipal Code 63.44, which prohibits tents in public spaces such as city parks.

Workers in protective gear carefully separated hazardous from non-hazardous waste, underscoring the city's focus on public health and sanitation in high-traffic areas. This operation is part of a larger weekly initiative aimed at addressing homelessness, while improving public safety and cleanliness.

The city remains committed to compassionate responses to homelessness, balancing the need for clean public spaces with support for vulnerable populations. The multi-agency task force, which includes the LAPD and Department of Public Works, continues to address these challenges with a focus on maintaining safe and accessible public spaces for all.