𝗧𝗘𝗡𝗦𝗘 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗙𝗥𝗢𝗡𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡: Police Enforce 60-Gallon Rule During Venice Beach Cleanup

Video Description

VENICE, CA — Wednesday, May 7, 2025 — A tense confrontation unfolded Wednesday morning at the Venice Handball Courts during a multi-agency homeless encampment cleanup, part of the City of Los Angeles’ ongoing initiative to enhance public safety, sanitation, and accessibility at Venice Beach ahead of the summer season. In a scene captured near the handball courts a homeless man clashed with Los Angeles Police Department officers after being told he could not retain all of his belongings. The officers, citing Los Angeles Municipal Code Section 56.11, informed the man that personal property stored in public spaces must be limited to what can fit within a 60-gallon container. The man, visibly upset, argued with officers and gestured toward his overloaded cart, which held tarps, bedding, and miscellaneous possessions. LAPD officers, maintaining a calm but firm stance, enforced the regulation while sanitation crews and Clean Harbors environmental workers stood by in protective gear. Yellow caution tape cordoned off the area as other unhoused individuals and beachgoers looked on. Despite the man’s vocal resistance, officers permitted him to retain essential items within the legal limit. The remaining belongings were discarded by sanitation workers under the city’s cleanup protocols. No citations or arrests were reported, though the incident underscored the emotional toll such enforcements can carry. The cleanup was part of a coordinated operation involving LAPD, the Department of Public Works, LA County Beaches and Harbors, and Clean Harbors Environmental Services. Councilwoman Traci Park was present earlier in the day to observe the launch of the midweek sweep, signaling a more aggressive effort to prepare the beach for summer and reduce entrenched encampments along the boardwalk. Juan Fregoso, District Director for Councilwoman Park’s Office, also observed the cleanup and emphasized the city’s dual approach of enforcement and outreach. “We're switching it up a little—we’re here on a Wednesday,” Fregoso said. “As we've increased some of the resources here on the Westside, we're trying to get our beach ready for the summer. Earlier, outreach teams helped transition at least one individual into housing.” Outreach workers from the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) were on site, distributing bottled water, hygiene kits, and food to those impacted by the operation. City officials reiterated that cleanups like this are part of a broader strategy to uphold public health standards while providing unhoused individuals with access to essential services and long-term housing support. — Santa Monica Closeup continues to document the intersection of enforcement, outreach, and public safety efforts across the Westside’s most visible public spaces. '''''''''''''''''''''' 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗼 𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝗼𝗹𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝘂𝘀𝗲. 𝗔𝗻𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗼𝗽𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗿𝗲-𝘂𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘂𝗻𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗱 𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗵𝗶𝗯𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱. © 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝗙𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗟𝗲𝘄𝗸𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗰𝘇/𝗦𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮 𝗖𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲𝘂𝗽. 𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲𝗱. ------------------------ Fabian Lewkowicz, an award-winning photojournalist based in Santa Monica, is the creator of Santa Monica Closeup. With experience across various news outlets, he captures the city's vibrant life through compelling imagery and storytelling. His work, showcased in museums, galleries, and public spaces, highlights Santa Monica’s landscapes, culture, and diverse community Support Santa Monica Closeup by making a One Time Donation via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/fabianlewkowicz Make a One Time Donation via Venmo: https://venmo.com/u/santamonicacloseup Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/santamonicacloseup Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SantaMonicaCloseup Follow us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/smcloseup Join this channel to gain access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqrlnKSQlVU42TEn_-PAtWw/join For licensing this video email: [email protected] TAGS: Photojournalism, Photojournalist, Documentary, Cinema Verite, Fly-on-the-wall, Observational Photography, Press Photography, SMCU, SM©U