Laws are laws, and whether or not you personally agree with them, they are the laws which govern our society until they are changed.
There is existing law that prevents vehicle dwelling on the streets of Los Angeles, which include Venice Beach. It is LAMC Sec. 85.02.
When frustrated Venice residents ask the LAPD why this law is not being enforced, “beat cops” have informed multiple residents that they have been told not to enforce this law by “the powers that be”. Maybe the cops are shirking their responsibility, but we highly doubt that.
All speculation aside, this is a very easy thing for Antonio Villaraigosa, Bill Rosendahl and Carmen Trutanich to put to rest. These three can officially and publicly support the LAPD Pacific Division in their enforcement of the existent LAMC Sec. 85.02., or they can refuse to officially support the LAPD Pacific Division in their enforcement of LAMC Sec. 85.02.
Action groups may not want you to do this, but once again … the law is the law … and until you politicos change the laws, you either support the LAPD Pacific Division in their duty to enforce the law, or you don’t. So what is it going to be Villaraigosa, Rosendahl and Trutanich? Will you officially support the LAPD Pacific Division in their enforcement of the law, as written and applicable to all residents of Los Angeles no matter their race, religion or economic status? This is not an issue for the ACLU: The law, once again, is the law. The law applies to all: regardless of their race, religion or economic status.
Trust us, we will hear back if it is genuine support or grandstanding. Yo! Venice! officially supports the LAPD Pacific Division on this issue.
LAMC SEC. 85.02. USE OF STREETS AND PUBLIC PARKING LOTS FOR HABITATION.
No person shall use a vehicle parked or standing upon any City street.
or upon any parking lot owned by the City of Los Angeles and under the
control of the City of Los Angeles or under control of the Los Angeles
County Department of Beaches and Harbors. as living quarters either
overnight, day-by-day, or otherwise. (Title and Section Amended by Ord.
No. 158,219, Eff. 9/19/83.)
Yo! Venice! has had a long day of surfing, cycling, dining, shopping and enjoying Venice. Time for bed.
