Park Rangers Arrest Homeless Woman During Venice Beach Cleanup

Venice, Los Angeles - June 16, 2024: During a weekly multi-department homeless encampment cleanup operation at Venice Beach, Los Angeles Park Rangers arrested a homeless woman for assault. The woman, well-known to the Park Rangers from previous operations, has a history of being aggressive, loud, and uncooperative. As the rangers asked her to move her belongings to facilitate the cleanup, the situation escalated when she began shouting and punched one of the rangers in the torso. The rangers quickly handcuffed her and took her into custody.
Following her arrest, the woman requested medical attention, stating that she needed an ambulance. Los Angeles firefighters were promptly called to the scene, and after evaluating her condition, they placed her in an ambulance for transport to the hospital. A Park Ranger accompanied her in the ambulance for later booking.
Meanwhile, sanitation workers gathered the belongings she left behind, which were taken to a storage facility where she can retrieve them at a future date. Clinicians from the Department of Mental Health, who were familiar with the woman, also responded to the incident.
This event occurred during a significant cleanup operation targeting a local homeless encampment at Venice Beach. The operation involved a multi-agency task force that included the Los Angeles Park Rangers, the Los Angeles Police Department, the City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works, Recreation and Parks, Clean Harbors Environmental Inc., the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), and representatives from Councilwoman Traci Park's office.
The operation was managed safely and efficiently, with Los Angeles Police Officers and Park Rangers providing security. Team members, equipped with protective gear, sorted and appropriately disposed of both hazardous and non-hazardous waste. LAHSA played a crucial role by providing support services, including food, water, and hygiene kits, reflecting the city’s compassionate approach to the crisis.
This cleanup is part of the City of Los Angeles' broader strategy to address homelessness while improving public health and sanitation. It underscores the city’s commitment to addressing these pressing urban challenges. Notably, no citations for public camping violations were issued during this cleanup, highlighting the city’s preference for supportive measures over punitive actions.
Regular Friday cleanups along the Venice Beach Boardwalk, supervised by Los Angeles Park Rangers, are a key component of the city’s comprehensive strategy to maintain cleanliness and safety while addressing the root causes of homelessness. The continued coordination by Councilwoman Traci Park plays a vital role in ensuring a balanced and humane approach to these complex issues.
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Fabian Lewkowicz is an award-winning Santa Monica-based professional photojournalist and press photographer, and the creator of the photo blog, Santa Monica Close Up. With years of experience as a staff photographer for several media outlets including the Santa Monica Daily Press, Santa Monica Mirror, Santa Monica Observer, and the Santa Monica Corsair, Fabian has captured some of the most iconic moments of Santa Monica.
Fabian's photographs have been exhibited in a variety of settings, including museums, art galleries, hospitals, department stores, banks, fire stations, police stations, commercial buildings, amusement parks, offices, and homes. His photography captures the essence of Santa Monica, from its beautiful landscapes and stunning sunsets to its unique culture and diverse community.
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