On Tuesday, October 24, 2023, officers from the Santa Monica Police Department's Homeless Liaison Program (HLP) team engaged with a homeless individual who was camping publicly at Santa Monica Beach near the Venice Beach Border. The officers, adhering to the local municipal codes, advised the individual to pack up their belongings and move. Complying with the officers' request, the individual promptly relocated to Venice Beach.
This area, often referred to as "No Man's Land" by local law enforcement, marks the border between Santa Monica Beach and Venice Beach and is a frequent relocation spot during the weekly homeless encampment cleanups conducted by the Los Angeles Police Department in Venice. During these cleanups, many unhoused individuals move across to Santa Monica Beach to set up their encampments, only to be faced with different sets of regulations. Camping in this area is deemed an infraction on the Venice side and a misdemeanor on the Santa Monica side.
The individual's camping activity at Santa Monica Beach was a clear violation of Santa Monica Municipal Code 4.08.095, which strictly prohibits camping in public areas within the city limits, including beaches, streets, parks, educational institutions, and government-owned properties. The code is unambiguous in its terms, mandating that no person should camp in prohibited public areas within the city.
Understanding the sensitive nature of homelessness, the Santa Monica Police Department emphasizes the welfare of the homeless community. Through its nationally recognized Homeless Liaison Program (HLP), the department is committed to tackling homeless issues by fostering Relationship Building, Networking, Outreach, Education, and Enforcement. This comprehensive approach aims to provide the necessary support and services to homeless individuals, ensuring their well-being while adhering to the city's regulatory framework.