Bags of debris stacked on Abbot Kinney at Washington Blvd.
An enterprising young man named Todd Olin stopped in the Venice area to do his thing this week. And his thing is to clean an area of all kinds of debris from the street to the fence. The bags above were from one days work in the Abbot Kinney – Presidents’ Row areas.
He is homeless but works. He created his job.
He has been all over. His web site says he was in Anaheim, Buena Park and Fullerton for the last 14 months. He calls himself “Todd the Volunteer” and his web site says he has made a little over $14,000 in the last 27 months with gofundme. He wrote that he worried about people stopping and giving him money. He thought they might have an accident or cause one, so he started the fund raiser web site. To contribute it is Todd@gofundme.com
Update tried to find him Thursday to get information from him but he couldn’t be found.
He has been homeless for two years and has always done manual labor according to the Orange County Register. They wrote: He picks up trash, trims bushes, scrubs sidewalks, removes graffiti, clears gutters. Public works crews or residents haul away the dozens of trash bags he fills. People give him food, cleaning supplies, clothing and small amounts of cash. He even received an award from the Garden Grove community for his services.
Before on Venice Way at Post Office.
After
A group of neighbors got together after “repeated late night and very early morning noise, frequent loud profanities, threats of firebombing of residents’ homes, frequent attempted break-ins and frequent thefts of items from residents’ yards,” according to the group. So they decided to beautify the area. They installed a couple planter boxes and then a brick was thrown thru one neighbor’s front window. The resolve doubled and more boxes were installed.
Standing room only for the Homeless Committee June meet.
By Angela McGregor
The most recent Venice Neighborhood Council (VNC) Homeless Committee Meeting drew a packed house of opinionated citizens to hear four motions set to change the streets of Venice.
The meeting opened with Chairman Will Hawkins delivering the Chairman’s Report, announcing that the committee’s Reunification Program had, as of last week, gotten 40 homeless persons off the streets of Venice.
Motion 1 — Assigned Places on Sidewalk
Motion #1 was a proposal to create a “safe camping” program in Venice, wherein individual blocks could choose to sponsor a specific reserved spot for individuals currently enrolled in the Coordinated Entry System (CES) program in need of a place to reside while awaiting services. The space would only be available from 6am to 9pm, and would require a vote of 2/3 of all of the residents on that block.
Public commentary on this motion was universally opposed to motion. Among the concerns: There is currently no enforcement of any laws when it comes to the homeless (several Venetians cited incidents wherein they had called police to no avail about encampments in their neighborhoods) and so the assumption that the curfew would be enforced was unrealistic; the motion would spread “Rose Avenue conditions” to all parts of Venice; any sort of sidewalk “housing” is unsanitary, unsafe and inhumane; liability for these “adopted” encampments (which could be substantial) would likely fall on the property owners on the block.
Both Venice Stakeholders Association (VSA) President Mark Ryavec and former Homeless Committee member Heidi Roberts opposed the measure on the grounds that Venice needs solutions that discourage street camping instead of codifying it. Will Hawkins spoke in favor of the motion by stating that the committee was looking for ways, in light of the current out-of-control conditions on the sidewalks, to regulate the situation and encourage enrollment into the CES. The motion was ultimately tabled for 30-60 days in order to retool it.
Motions 2 and 3 — Adopt a Tent and Residential Safe Parking
Motions #2 and #3 — the creation of an “Adopt a Tent” program and a “Residential Safe Parking” program — were tabled to make time to discuss Motion #4, the Motion to Support Bridge Housing at the MTA Bus Yard, which, as presented in the agenda, contained several “TBD” clauses designed to incorporate suggestions made by those at the meeting.
Motion 4 — Proposed Use of Metro Lot
The facility as proposed would service 100 CES-enrolled individuals at a time — roughly half of those living on Venice’s streets who are currently enrolled, and only about 10 percent of the total population (per the latest LAHSA numbers).
According to Hawkins, these individuals would reside at the Yard for no more than 3-4 months at a time, until other services or housing could be found for them. Details of the plan — which will be discussed at a Community Meet with Mike Bonin on June 13th at 6pm at Westminster Elementary School — have yet to be fully revealed, and so several residents objected to the motion on the grounds that it was premature and did not give the residents enough time or information with which to weigh in.
Still others voiced concerns that the facility might actually attract more homeless to Venice in search of services. The proposed shelter is close to a couple of local schools, and residents suggested a “no encampment zone” around it, for perhaps as many as 10 blocks in all directions. While the City has stated that building the facility would allow for more sanitation dollars to go to Venice to clear out encampments, in light of the current conditions many speakers insisted on increased law enforcement as well.
One attendant who said he was representing dozens of residents living at 700 Main Street stated that his entire building is opposed to the idea, and convinced that it will wind up being a permanent structure (the announcement stated it would only be opened for about 3 years, until the development for the site is initiated).
VNC Board member Jim Murez (who was in the audience) pointed out that the use of the Yard for this purpose is a “violation of land use”, and as such Venice is within its rights to ask for a a sunset clause which would close the facility within a certain number of months if the desired result is not obtaind or conditions are not enforced, as well as another such clause to make sure the facility is closed within the stated 3-year period.
Both Heidi Roberts and Committee member Brian Ulf spoke in favor of the facility. Ms. Roberts — who has opposed other City-sponsored homeless projects in Venice in the past — said that this was the first one that made sense to her and has the potential to actually alleviate the situation. Nevertheless, in light of the lack of public trust in Mike Bonin, she felt that this will be a very “hard sell” for the City. Ulf stated that he feels strongly this facility and the increased outreach that will come with it have the potential to “actually break up encampments” by removing CES-willing occupants from the streets, and encouraging the service-resistant to enroll in CES.
The motion was tabled to the next meeting. Will Hawkins closed the meeting by pointing out that “Bridge Housing at the Bus Yard” is coming, and that the community must work to put together a series of “asks” to ensure that it is successful.
Mark Ryavec, president of the Venice Stakeholders Association, announced today (4 June) that his organization will be filling a letter requesting that the City obtain a Coastal Development Permit (CDP) for the City’s proposed use of the Metro lot as a “Bridge Housing” shelter.
In addition to the CDP, Ryavec says the City will have to obtain zoning approval for a change of use to permit the shelter use, and the property will have to meet the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requirements for “temporary” use, according to Ryavec.
Councilman Mike Bonin announced this weekend that he wanted to use the 3.5 acre site for Mayor Eric Garcetti’s “Bridge Housing” that he plans for his CD11. Second spot on the map is the VA Campus in Brentwood for the “Bridge Housing.”
The specific details for a “Bridge” are not known to community members. There is a Community Open House planned for 13 June, 6 to 8 pm at Westminster Elementary School, 1010 Abbot Kinney Blvd.
The Metro lot, also known as Metro 6 and MTA for Metropolitan Transit Authority, is in the process of being demolished in preparation for an undisclosed project.
“The temporary use of the bus yard as a stop-gap shelter for the homeless may be appropriate if it moves homeless from existing Venice encampments and prevents the re-use of these sites as encampments in the future,” wrote Ryavec.
“We will propose to the city means to accomplish the closure of existing encampment sites at the same time as the Metro site is brought on-line — after the city meets coastal, zoning and CEQA requirements.”
(Photo courtesy of Rick Swinger.)
Rick Swinger got his E.coli testing kit in order, with the ice this time, and did his testing of the Rose Ave water drain water at the beach. It is a pond near the kiddies playground.
Yes. The test showed 17.5 times what it should be.
“Drinking this contaminated water would certainly be a way of contacting E.coli according to the laboratory technician,” said Rick Swinger. Less than 1 is normal. This is 17.5 times what it should be. Wading in the pond with an open sore would be another way.” Mayo Clinic says Seniors and children are most susceptible.
“Santa Monica has 12 signs warning people about the dangers of their water drains at the beach,” said Swinger. ” We have none. I have called the county health department several times and they don’t seem to care, but now I am going to send them the report.”
An encampment has grown at the Firestone Brewery across from Walgreens Drug Store on Carter. Police have tried to keep people from camping at Walgreens because they block the sidewalk. It is also against the law to beg at a corner of a state or federal highway, but one gets removed, another appears.
Members of the Venice C3 team in talking with individual in Venice. (Photo courtesy of St. Joseph Center.)
By Paul Rubenstein, VP, Development & Communications, St. Joseph Center
The Los Angeles Homeless Service Authority has released the results of its 2018 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count. Overall, the Count shows a reduction in homelessness of 3% across the County compared to last year. This year is the first time in four years that the number of people experiencing homelessness across Los Angeles did not rise. Upon hearing the Count results, St. Joseph Center President & CEO Dr. Va Lecia Adams Kellum said, “These numbers give me hope. They’re an important reminder that homelessness responds when we increase resources to address it. St. Joseph Center is doing seven times more outreach than we did two years ago, so it’s encouraging to see results like this.”
The numbers this year show promising trends in how strategic efforts and collaboration across the City and the County are paying off, but challenges remain. Housing affordability in LA County is a major concern, with median rents increasing by 32% since 2000 even as the median income has decreased by 3% over the same time period. Perhaps related to that decreasing affordability, more than 9,000 new people become homeless for the first time last year, which represents a 25% increase from the year before. Meanwhile, in LA Council District 11 (which contains Venice, Westchester, Mar Vista, and other nearby neighborhoods) 94% of homeless people remain completely unsheltered, compared with 73% across the County. Kenny Clipper, an outreach Case Manager at St. Joseph Center, said “I’ve worked with people on the Westside who have been on the street for years and are doing great now. This work takes time, but I’ve seen that the results are lasting and worth it. This year’s Count results tell me that we need to keep doing whatever it takes and not slow down one bit.”
When they passed Measure H last year, Angelinos responded strongly to the region’s humanitarian crisis. That funding is starting to show results, but we know much work remains. Motique Alston, a St. Joseph Center Outreach Worker who is formerly homeless herself, responded to the new numbers with resolve, saying, “To me the homeless count is a reminder of our 4,670 Westside neighbors we still need to bring home. For those of us who are dedicating our lives to ending homelessness—especially those of us who have experienced homelessness personally—this year’s count reinforces why we do what we do every day.”
About St. Joseph Center
St. Joseph Center encourages everyone to support policies that aim to increase construction of affordable housing in our neighborhoods and to back elected leaders who are advocating for those policies. State and federal partners need to follow the lead of LA voters and devote more resources toward services and affordable housing. It is critically important to have conversations in our neighborhoods and communities about bringing our everyone who is living on the streets into housing in our local neighborhoods. St. Joseph Center supports the EVERYONE IN campaign; visit the website everyoneinla.org to get involved and get more information.
St. Joseph Center is an independent, non-profit 501 (c)(3), community-based organization whose mission is “to provide working poor families, as well as homeless men, women, and children of all ages, with the inner resources and tools to become productive, stable and self-supporting members of the community.” The Center does not provide religious services or instruction and assists people regardless of their religious affiliation or lack thereof. The Center assists more than 7,000 individuals annually across the Westside and in South Los Angeles through a variety of integrated programs. To learn more about St. Joseph Center’s comprehensive services, please visit www.stjosephctr.org.
Councilman Mike Bonin has announced the use of the MTA (Metropolitan Transit Authority) Bus lot on Sunset between Pacific and Main to be used for the “Bridge Housing” program for CD 11. According to David Graham-Caso, chief of staff, the announcement is official.
May 21, Update printed a survey as asked by the Council office to what appeared to be a forthcoming announcement that MTA was the spot for “Bridge Housing.” Today a youtube arrived as well as a few questions and answers from Mike Bonin. Who or what establishment posed the questions in unknown if there was such. It was also stated that the VA would be used for the second “Bridge Housing.” Update asked that Venice be second, VA first in its reply.
Update responded with the following questions that as of publication of this article have not been answered.
Is this the announcement that the MTA lot has been selected for the homeless shelter?
Does this mean that the homeless will be removed from the beach, 3rd and all the rest of the current encampments in Venice?
Will the homeless be told they can no longer stay any place but the MTA lot? Will this be enforced?
Does this mean that there will be no more allowed to enter Venice to fill up the areas vacated as a result of the MTA homeless shelter?
Below is the film and the questions and answers.
Q: Why use the former bus yard?
A: The former bus yard is one of the few available locations in Venice, and in a survey conducted by Mike’s office, it was the location suggested most frequently by residents who identified a need for the program in Venice. The site, at 3.15 acres, is sizeable enough to accommodate the program while providing a buffer from nearby residences. While the site is slated for development of permanent housing, the process is expected to take approximately three years – about the length of the bridge housing program — and it is immediately available.
Q: What will it look like? How will the site be designed?
A: The design and specific layout of the temporary shelter facility will be determined through collaboration with neighbors and Venice stakeholders. During the month of June, the mayor and the councilmember will conduct public engagement efforts to reach neighbors, unsheltered people and other Venice stakeholders that will include an open house, focus groups and other outreach activities to gain a better sense of the desires of the collective community. Professionals in the field such as local designers and architects will also be consulted to help incorporate community feedback into attractive, feasible and functional design proposals that highlight the unique attributes of Venice.
While the specific design is still to be determined, Councilmember Bonin feels strongly that this shelter should resemble and reflect the Venice community in which it will located. The Councilmember is proposing to work with local artists, non-profit organizations and other Venice-based resources to create community gardens, public art and other amenities that will help the temporary shelter feel more compatible and integrated with Venice.
Q: How long will bridge housing exist at this location?
A: The City hopes to open bridge housing facilities in late 2018 or early 2019, and to have them remain open for up to three years.
Q: How do we know this will be temporary?
A: The bus yard is owned by LA Metro, which has plans for the property. Metro is going to begin community outreach for their development proposal in July, and the City’s ability to use the site will terminate when Metro’s selected developer eventually begins construction.
Q: How will the Bridge Housing operate?
A: Bridge housing is very different from emergency shelters. Unlike emergency shelters, bridge housing will be open to its residents 24 hours a day, 7 days per week. The facilities will accommodate pets, provide sufficient storage for personal belongings, and allow families and circles of friends to remain together. Bridge housing will include restrooms, showers, food, climate-controlled accommodations, storage and on-site, 24-hour security.
Through funding from Los Angeles County, bridge housing will provide onsite social wrap-around services, case management, and social workers to help find and prepare to transition into long-term housing for residents.
The goal of the program is to help facilitate the transition of people into housing swiftly, with an intention of having people stay in the bridge housing for no more than 90 days at a time.
Councilmember Bonin hopes local stakeholders and organizations will become partners to the program, offering opportunities for residents to get involved through activities such as operation of a community garden, creative artwork, or employment and vocational skills development.
Q: Who will operate the bridge housing?
A: Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) will select a service provider and manager for the facility.
Q: Who will live at the bridge housing?
A: Outreach for the bridge housing will be focused exclusively on encampments in Venice, and only people living on the streets of Venice neighborhoods and who have connected with homeless outreach workers in Venice will be eligible to stay in the bridge housing.
Q: What will happen to encampments near the location of the bridge shelter facility once the facility is open and operational?
A: The “A Bridge Home” initiative is designed specifically to match new shelter locations with enhanced cleanup of homeless encampments. Once the shelter is operational and homeless outreach workers have had time to connect with the people living on the streets of Venice, Mayor Garcetti’s 2018-19 budget will provide for additional funds for Bureau of Sanitation teams to conduct cleanups of encampment sites, with extra focus on the sites that had previously been occupied by the new residents at the nearby temporary shelter. The City will also seek opportunities to repurpose former encampments sites, through landscaping, art, and public activities, such as festivals and farmers’ markets.
Q: Will any other temporary shelter facilities be built in other parts of Los Angeles as part of the Bridget Home initiative?
A: Yes. The A Bridge Home initiative provides funding for 100 shelter beds in each and every council district in Los Angeles. By allowing each Council office to identify at least one shelter location, the initiative is founded in equity and a fair geographic distribution of resources.
Q: What opportunities for engagement are coming up?
A: Now that a location for the Council District 11 A Bridge Home temporary shelter has been identified, Mayor and Councilmember Bonin will convene a series of community open houses and workshops. These events will allow stakeholders to provide input on the design of the facility, as well as the programming and operations at the temporary shelter. Make sure to sign up below to be notified when the first open house is announced.
The Metro 6 lot has been targeted for Mayor Garcetti’s “Bridge Housing” program. This is the site according to Councilman Mike Bonin’s office “most commonly suggested by neighbors” who have taken the survey.
The site in question is located at Sunset between Pacific and Main and was formerly used by the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) for buses. It is in the process of being demolished in preparation for new construction.
Take the survey. It is after Mayor Garcetti’s speech.