UNDER THE CLOAK OF DARKNESS: Homeless Encampments Cleared in Overnight Cleanup Under Police Watch

Venice, Los Angeles – Tuesday, October 18, 2024 — A coordinated, multi-agency task force conducted a routine overnight cleanup operation at Venice Beach as part of the city’s ongoing efforts to maintain public safety and cleanliness. The task force included the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, Clean Harbors Environmental Inc., the Los Angeles Police Department, and St. Joseph’s Center Homeless Outreach Team. The operation began at 2 a.m. at Windward Plaza, with crews heading north to the Rose Street Parking Lot, where they cleaned around the lot and in the restrooms. The team then moved south along the Venice Beach Boardwalk, stopping at restroom facilities along the way. Inside the restrooms, workers asked individuals experiencing homelessness to exit so the areas could be cleaned. The team also removed unattended items, including tents, as part of the cleanup. One notable find was an abandoned grand piano missing its legs, believed to belong to “Nathan the Piano Man,“ a well-known Venice Beach figure. It required the entire crew to lift the piano onto a truck for disposal. The cleanup continued with the removal of homeless encampments around the Venice Beach handball courts before the team headed south to the Venice Beach Fishing Pier, where they cleared the pier area. The operation concluded at 5 a.m. Throughout the operation, St. Joseph’s Center Homeless Outreach Team provided food, water, and clothing to those experiencing homelessness. Los Angeles Police officers were present to ensure compliance with Municipal Code , which prohibits tents in city parks. No citations were issued during the cleanup, reflecting the city’s focus on compassionate, non-punitive measures to address homelessness. Workers in protective gear carefully sorted hazardous and non-hazardous waste, emphasizing the city’s commitment to public health and sanitation. These bi-weekly, overnight cleanups are part of Los Angeles’s broader strategy to address homelessness while maintaining safe and accessible public spaces. The absence of citations highlights the city’s preference for supportive solutions over enforcement. ’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’ Fabian Lewkowicz, an award-winning accredited photojournalist and press photographer based in Santa Monica, is renowned for his captivating imagery and storytelling. As the creator of Santa Monica Closeup, he draws on years of experience with local media outlets like the Santa Monica Daily Press and The Corsair to capture iconic moments in the city’s history. Santa Monica Closeup is a visual chronicle of the vibrant and diverse community of Santa Monica, brought to life through Fabian’s seasoned lens. With deep roots in the city, he offers an authentic and intimate glimpse into everyday life, crafting compelling videos that resonate with both locals and visitors alike. Fabian’s photographs have been showcased in a wide range of venues, from museums and art galleries to hospitals, department stores, banks, and public institutions like fire and police stations. His photography captures the essence of Santa Monica, portraying everything from its breathtaking landscapes and stunning sunsets to its unique culture and diverse community. Support Santa Monica Closeup by making a One Time Donation via PayPal: Make a One Time Donation via Venmo: Follow us on Instagram: Follow us on Facebook: Follow us on Twitter: Join this channel to gain access to perks: For licensing this video email: press@ TAGS: Photojournalism, Photojournalist, Documentary, Cinema Verite, Fly-on-the-wall, Observational Photography, Press Photography The video is intended solely for personal use. Any form of copying, re-uploading, sampling or other unauthorized use is strictly prohibited. (C) 2024 Fabian Lewkowicz/Santa Monica Closeup. All Rights Reserved.