The Efforts, Announced by Traci Park, Involve Cleaning up Debris and Restrooms Along With Addressing Mental Health Gaps
L.A. Councilwoman Traci Park announced a series of initiatives on Tuesday aimed at beautifying Venice Beach along with addressing mental health needs of the area.
In an effort to avert hazardous materials from flowing into and poisoning waterways, Park announced the launch of a Coastal Care Plus team dedicated to “high priority” areas in beach communities. The team will consist of environmental compliance inspectors who focus on identifying and removing health hazards in the public right of way, along with truck operators and maintenance laborers who will work to remove litter, trash and debris. The team’s deployment is effective immediately.
“Having our coastal care team focus on the beach and surrounding neighborhoods will help protect this ecosystem and our waterways to ensure that we protect our precious resources that we have here,” said Barbara Romero, general manager at L.A. Sanitation, who spoke at a press conference alongside Park. “The coastal team will allow us to have more flexibility in ensuring that we address the highest needs in this area.”
“Hard working families come here from all over L.A. County and visitors come here from all over the world to enjoy this special place and when they get here they deserve a clean, safe and welcoming experience,” said Connie Brooks, president of the Venice Beach Business Improvement District. “The services announced today are game changing … they fill critical gaps.”
Aura Garcia, President of the Board of Public Works for the City of L.A., stated in the press conference that the new care team will supplement services in place for Venice through “Operation Healthy Streets”; a program of L.A. Sanitation dedicated to street cleaning.
Additionally, Park announced she would introduce motions as part of a “Vibrant Venice Initiative.” One of these motions calls for funding of restroom ambassadors and beautification services “so that restrooms are safe, accessible and welcoming.” The other called for an increase in mental health beds.
“One doesn’t have to walk far before they find someone suffering from a mental health crisis that often makes them a risk to themselves or to others. That’s a system failure,” said Park. “For these individuals, the challenges and needs are never going to be solved by dropping them into a motel room. Rather they need structural care.”
