Why Venice Beach Doesn't Have an Ordinance Against Homeless Encampments: A Contrast with Santa Monica

Venice Beach, one of the most iconic areas in Los Angeles, presents a stark contrast with other cities in handling the issue of homelessness. While Santa Monica, a neighboring city, has implemented strict ordinances to address the situation, Venice Beach has taken a different path. Focusing on understanding these differences can provide valuable insights into the unique challenges faced by different areas and potential solutions.

The Context in Los Angeles

Los Angeles, a city known for its diverse culture and urban landscape, has a pressing issue with homelessness. According to a 2022 report by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Los Angeles had approximately 55,612 homeless individuals, almost a quarter of the nation's homeless population. This makes Los Angeles the urban area with the highest number of homeless people in the United States.

Moreover, California, where Los Angeles and Santa Monica are located, faces a unique challenge: an already low number of hospital beds per 1000 people. This becomes a critical issue during pandemics when sheltering in place and hospital capacity become paramount.

Sanctuary City Policies and Actions

Santa Monica: In response to the pandemic, Santa Monica has taken a proactive stance by implementing strict ordinances to address homeless encampments. The city has enforced laws that prohibit individuals from living in encampments and allowed law enforcement to remove homeless individuals from public and private properties. These actions align with a broader policy known as sanctuary city measures, where local law enforcement is restricted from collaborating with federal immigration officials.

Venice Beach: On the other hand, Venice Beach has opted for a more compassionate and community-oriented approach. During the pandemic, the city chose not to expel homeless individuals from public property and authorized them to shelter in place. This decision was based on the understanding that shelters were full and that eviction would be cruel and unusual punishment for individuals already facing dire circumstances.

Why This Difference Exists

The differing approaches to homelessness between Venice Beach and Santa Monica can be attributed to various factors:

Community Support: Venice is renowned for its strong community bonds and cultural institutions. The area has a long history of housing artists, musicians, and counterculture figures, fostering a supportive and inclusive community atmosphere. Urban Planning: Venice Beach's unique urban layout, combined with its existing parks and public spaces, naturally supports temporary shelters and encampments without the same level of disruption as in more densely populated areas. City Governing Policies: Local governance of Venice Beach often emphasizes preserving its unique socioeconomic fabric and accommodating populations that might be seen as transient in other cities. This is reflected in policies that prioritize creative solutions over punitive measures.

Impact and Controversies

The actions taken by Venice Beach have had both positive and negative impacts:

Positive Impact:

It has provided temporary relief for individuals who might otherwise be forced into extreme living conditions or face eviction. It has allowed for a collaborative approach involving nonprofit organizations, volunteers, and the city itself to provide essential services and support.

Negative Impact:

Some argue that this approach neglects the long-term well-being of homeless individuals and the cleanliness of public spaces. There have been concerns among property owners who feel their investments and property values are negatively affected.

Looking Ahead

Both Venice Beach and Santa Monica face the ongoing challenge of addressing homelessness in their respective ways. While the approaches differ, they provide valuable lessons for other cities grappling with similar issues.

Ultimately, the solution to homelessness is multifaceted and requires a collaborative effort between local governments, community organizations, and the individuals impacted by this issue. By learning from the successes and challenges faced by Venice Beach and Santa Monica, cities can develop comprehensive and compassionate strategies to address this complex challenge.