VENICE, Calif., July 2 (Santa Monica Online) — More than 100 residents, business owners and community members attended a meeting near Venice Beach this week to confront leaders of two supportive housing programs over safety concerns.
The meeting focused on The Journey Program and Safe Place for Youth, both on or near Lincoln Boulevard. Residents said they were dealing with drug activity, trespassing, illegal dumping and violence, and one resident said neighbors were now “finding dead bodies” during routine cleanups.
Los Angeles City Councilmember Traci Park said her office had heard complaints from neighbors for months and warned that future city funding could be jeopardized if conditions do not improve. Park said the city would continue to press providers to secure the area and keep the neighborhood safe.
Representatives for the two organizations told attendees they were listening to the concerns and would keep talking with the community.
In a separate Santa Monica case, Los Angeles County notifications said 49 people with behavioral health challenges were expected to move into Ocean Avenue properties before the plan was put on hold pending a town hall and public tours. County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath said she was “completely disappointed by the lack of proper communication with Santa Monica residents” about the proposed interim housing projects.
