So what is happening on 3^rd Avenue again?  This is the street that has been  the subject of many Updates in the last few years.  It is a short street between Rose and Sunset, a few blocks east of Main.  It’s lined on both sides of the street with commercial.  Homeless call it home.  All photos were taken at 8 am Friday, 11 Oct and Monday, 14 October at 8 am.

Two years ago it was rampant with drugs and was in general filthy and unsanitary.  Finally, after a few instances, Councilman Bill Rosendahl said “No.”  He had spent much money and time establishing services for the homeless to utilize yet these wanted no part of it.  He sent in the cleaning crew.

Cleaning the street resulted in Carol Sobol, attorney for the homeless, getting involved regarding possessions.  Lavan injunction/decision regarding storing, not destroying property was designated for Skid Row only then.  David Busch, a homeless person, sued the city regarding a toilet he had made for the homeless on the street.  As of now there are no David Busch toilets and the Lavan decision is citywide.

Until the last few months, the place has been kept clean by a volunteer group associated with the commercial establishments.  Mark Ryavec of Venice Stakeholders Association got involved at one point contributing money.  Leon, the homeless man, touched many when he would clean the streets in the morning and then go looking for a job.  He would set debris in a pile for the cleaning group/person.  He disappeared from 3^rd soon after getting a cooking job on Windward.  It was during this era that 3^rd looked its best and yet still catered to the homeless.  It was truly a model for all to witness.

It is to this day a haven for the homeless.  It is a place where homeless can sleep unharrassed by residents, by police.  One would think they would appreciate such and keep it clean and presentable. Leon appreciated it and couldn’t understand why others couldn’t appreciate it and take care of it too.

Now it is on its way to being an example of why people don’t want the homeless around.

One Monday morning street residents were asked why there were piles of debris in the street.  Residents said it was for street cleaning.  It was doubtful a sweeper could dispose of the piles.  The street remained a mess for several weeks.

Wednesday evening Kristan Delatori, senior lead officer for area, mentioned that she noticed area had deteriorated also and said she was going to call Bureau of Street Services.  Someone did call or ignite someone because Thursday morning by 8 am, the east side was cleaner than it had been in months.  West side was unchanged.