VENICE, Calif., July 2 (Santa Monica Online) — More than 100 residents, business owners and other community members packed a meeting near Venice Beach this week to confront leaders of two supportive housing programs over complaints about safety and neighborhood conditions.
The discussion centered on The Journey Program and Safe Place for Youth, both on or near Lincoln Boulevard. Attendees said they had seen drug activity, trespassing, illegal dumping and violence, and several said they feared for children walking in the neighborhood. One resident said neighbors were now finding “dead bodies” during routine cleanups.
Los Angeles City Councilmember Traci Park said her office had been hearing complaints from neighbors for months. She warned that future city funding could be jeopardized if conditions do not improve.
“We are going to continue to fix this and hold these people responsible for providing their own security, for ensuring that the neighborhood around these facilities remains safe,” Park said.
Representatives for the organizations told attendees they were listening to residents’ concerns and would continue meeting with the community.
In a separate Santa Monica housing dispute, Los Angeles County officials notified the city that 49 people with behavioral health challenges were expected to move into Ocean Avenue properties as part of a transitional housing initiative, and the plan was later 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,” while the city’s mayor said the issue was about transparency, accountability and early community engagement.
