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VENICE - It's a "two-step forward, one step backward" battle in this struggle to remove RV's, OVs and tent encampments from the streets of Venice.
Marr Street has been "ground zero" of sorts for RV's as it borders Washington Boulevard, where the greatest number of RV's remain encamped, as locals try desperately to have these vehicles permanently removed and relocated to a more desirable location that can offer the services these individuals require.
At the Tuesday meeting of the Venice Neighborhood Council, the LAPD reported a spike in crime where Pacific Division representatives cited a year over year increase in violent crimes and a 39% increase in aggravated assaults, of which much of this activity was "homeless related."
While no homicides have been reported, a continued uptick in thefts at the beach such as pick-pocketing were again noted.
The correlation between crime and homelessness and the lack of action to solve this ongoing crisis on the streets does not bode well for Los Angeles, especially in wake of hosting huge international events such as the FIFA World Cup this June and the 2028 Summer Olympics.
For the question remains, is Los Angeles ready to ensure safety for those traveling to participate, watch or cover these international extravaganzas?
The good news offered by LAPD was that 26 additional officers and two supervisors will be deployed shortly in anticipation of the World Cup and summer season.
As some seek ways to remove at least dilapidated and permanent RVs from the streets of Venice, especially Washington Boulevard, which serves as a corridor gateway to the beach, how best to solve the problem continues to be toxic, wrought with division versus consensus.
Retired attorney and Venice Community Officer Clark Brown, resilient in his efforts to be an advocate for Washington Boulevard residents seeking action in wake of the crime, open drug use and allegations of prostitution on this stretch from Lincoln Boulevard east and the Venice Pier west.
Brown was able to navigate a motion through the Parking Committee to the full board calling for support of California Assembly Bill 647, seeking immediate removal of "broken down and unsafe recreational vehicles parked on many streets, including Washington and Venice Boulevards, as well as Main Street."
Those recreational vehicles valued under $4,000 would be removed from the streets should it make its way through the state senate and on the desk of Governor Gavin Newsom. Due process would be provided to owners, as the goal of bringing individuals indoors is the ultimate objective versus enabling and continuing unsafe and unsanitary conditions on the streets of Venice and Los Angeles.
But despite these conditions, the motion failed by a vote of 7-6-2, as Washington Boulevard residents continue to be held hostage by a failed status quo that does not address the core issue of placing the unhoused indoors. Several of the VNC's current membership is populated by homeless apologists who consistently vote against any recommendations or actions that would reduce street occupation in Venice without offering relief to tenants and homeowners suffering from a lack of action and accusations of NIMBY (not in my backyard) by these so-called advocates.
For the power and influence of the "homeless industrial complex" continues at the expense of those victims they claim to represent.
With friends such as these, who needs enemies?
State senate candidate Mike Newhouse (24-LD), a former neighborhood council president and member of the Los Angeles Planning Commission, is a resident of Venice and has offered an agenda that addresses the issue of RV occupation by seeking solutions that end this crisis on our streets not just in Venice, but all over Los Angeles.
Los Angeles Councilwoman Traci Park (CD-11) remains diligent in enforcement of 41.18, the ordinance that prevents encampments in front of sensitive locales like churches and schools. Park played a significant role in the initial cleanup of Washington Boulevard.
The issue in Venice is so controversial that a VNC sponsored "Town Hall" is tentatively scheduled for June 9th, and local officials such as Park have been apparently invited to participate.
After billions spent on a problem that remains out-of-control at the street level, the issue of enforcement of existing laws and punishing the unhoused through a failed bureaucracy continues to be a point with little consensus or resolution.
(Nick Antonicello is a thirty-three-year resident of the Venice and covers the issue of unhoused encampments and RV living, and serves as a contributing writer to LA City Watch. He can be reached via email at [email protected] )
