December 11, 2023 #1 Local News, Forum, Information and Event Source for Venice Beach, California.

Sheriff Villanueva to Hold Protecting Parks and Beaches Town Hall Monday

Virtual town hall Monday 1-2 p.m.

By Sam Catanzaro

Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva is set to hold a town hall titled “Protecting Parks and Beaches”, his latest move aimed at tackling homelessness.

The event will take place Monday from 1-2 p.m.. Those wishing to participate can CLICK HERE.

The event seems in part a reaction to a proposal by Councilmember Mike Bonin to study the possibility of bringing homeless shelters to a collection of Westside public spaces.

On May 26, Los Angeles City Council voted 13-1 with one abstention to approve Councilmember Mike Bonin’s proposal to look into bringing more housing for homeless individuals to the Westside. The motion, introduced to Council at the end of March, calls on various agencies to study the feasibility of bringing a variety of projects to combat homelessness to locations across the Westside.

Among the locations is the Los Angeles County-owned parking lot at Will Rogers State Beach at 17000 Pacific Coast Highway in Pacific Palisades. According to Bonin, this location would serve as a temporary site for single-occupancy tiny-homes or safe camping.

The motion also calls for looking into the feasibility of bringing similar housing options to the following locations across the Westside: Mar Vista (Mar Vista Park), Marina Del Rey (Fisherman’s Village), Playa del Rey (Dockweiler Beach), Del Rey (private building at 5000 Beethoven Avenue), Westchester (Westchester Park) and West LA (West LA Municipal Building).

Villanueva has been taking a different approach addressing the homelessness crisis, being critical of Bonin’s efforts. On June 23, Villanueva sent the letter–titled “Local State of Emergency Regarding the Homelessness Crisis”– to the County of Los Angeles Board of Supervisors. 

“Since taking office, I have watched the state, county, and local government fail to address the homelessness crisis affecting the residents of Los Angeles County (County). Despite spending in excess of $6.5 billion over the last ten years to address the issue, and the creation and efforts of the Los Angeles Services Authority (LAHSA), nothing has changed,” began the letter. “Residents and business owners should not be subjected to walking around piles of trash and human feces in their neighborhoods, businesses, parks, and communities.” 

Villanueva argued that the state of homelessness in the county is not only causing residents to leave, but also impacting tourism. 

“Venice Beach, Olvera Street, and Hollywood are currently under siege. The homeless situation and lawlessness citizens are experiencing is keeping tourists from coming to Los Angeles County. Venice was once the number two tourist destination in Southern California, second only to Disneyland. The economic hardships our local business owners and residents are facing is unacceptable,” Villanueva wrote.

In addition, the Sheriff stated that homelessness endangers residents living in Los Angeles County’s mountainous communities. 

“Fires from homeless encampments are threatening our local residents who live within mountainous areas. On a daily basis, fires are started by the transient population taking refuge in the wilderness. With the current doubt California is experiencing, resources are desperately needed to prevent a catastrophic event in these communities,” Villanueva wrote. 

In asking the Board of Supervisors to declare a state of local emergency, Villanueva advised tapping into all available state and federal funding to address the crisis, including assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. In addition, he requested emergency funding to the LASD Homeless Outreach Service Team (HOST), whose officers are currently engaging with the homeless population on the Venice Boardwalk. 

“The Board needs to provide emergency funding to HOST so I can expand their efforts across the County to properly address a crisis that has been allowed to metastasize on multiple fronts,” Villanueva wrote. 

in News
Related Posts

Renowned Architect’s “Swan Song” on Market for Under $5M

December 10, 2023

December 10, 2023

Realtor.com Describes the Four-Bedroom Home as a Crowning Achievement of Pierre Koenig (1925 to 2004) The Schwartz House, a celebrated...

Boxing Legend Selling Eight-Bedroom Palisades Mansion for Nearly $40M

December 10, 2023

December 10, 2023

The Property Recently Reduced in Price by 9% Boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard persists in his quest to sell his...

Under-Construction Mar Vista Home with Spa, Theater Lists for Nearly $7M

December 10, 2023

December 10, 2023

Rooftop Deck Presents Views of the Santa Monica Mountains and the Marina Nestled on a highly sought-after Mar Vista street,...

Rare Penthouse in Marina Arts District Goes for $1.5M

December 10, 2023

December 10, 2023

The Unit Incorporates 100-Year-Old Reclaimed Brick An exceptional penthouse unit in the Marina Arts District showcases a distinctive opportunity for...

(Video) Civic Auditorium Could Become Historic Property

December 8, 2023

December 8, 2023

The Santa Monica Conservancy Submitted an Application to Make it Happen @yovenicenews The Civic could become a historic landmark. #santamonica...

Venice Shorts: Main & Market RV Mess Lingers for Two Years!

December 8, 2023

December 8, 2023

While Other Vehicles Are Ticketed for Parking Violations, This Van Remains Immune From Such Consequences! By Nick Antonicello The above...

(Video) Menorah Lighting Recap from Palisades Village

December 7, 2023

December 7, 2023

The annual menorah lighting at Palisades Village was a celebration. @yovenicenews The annual menorah lighting of Palisades Village was a...

(Video) Get in the Holiday Spirit at Santa Monica Place

December 7, 2023

December 7, 2023

With Free photos with Santa and a Giant Christmas Tree, Santa Monica Place is must visit this season! @yovenicenews With...

California Brunch Destination to Open on Ocean Ave

December 7, 2023

December 7, 2023

Santa Monica Debuts the Iconic San Francisco Brunch Eatery to Southern California Food Enthusiasts Renowned California restaurateur Hoyul Steven Choi...

Milonga Tango Cafe to Host Holiday Sunday Brunch

December 7, 2023

December 7, 2023

As the Festive Season Approaches, Unique, Handcrafted Dance Shoe Bags Are Available. Milonga Tango Café will present the Holiday Sunday...

Shakespeare Theatre Workshop Coming to Venice

December 6, 2023

December 6, 2023

Participants are Asked to Come Prepared with a Monologue of Their Choice The Shakespeare Theatre Company Academy of Washington DC...

Yo! Venice Interviews Candidate for L.A. District Attorney Jonathan Hatami

December 5, 2023

December 5, 2023

Campaign 2024: The Race for Los Angeles District Attorney By Nick Antonicello In 2024 there will be several critical races...

(Video) Multiple International Retailers Now Open at Palisades Village

December 5, 2023

December 5, 2023

Check out the new international brands now with an open shop in Palisades. @yovenicenews Check out the new retailers at...

Highlights from PRIDE Night at ICE at Santa Monica!

December 5, 2023

December 5, 2023

Last week, ICE at Santa Monica dazzled the community with its highly successful annual PRIDE night. The event, filled with...