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Press release from the Mayor's office:

Mayor Karen Bass and Councilwoman Traci Park today announced that the Mayor’s new Inside Safe initiative is underway in Venice. Outreach has begun to people living in encampments surrounding the A Bridge Home site at the intersection of Sunset Avenue and Pacific Avenue, and people have already accepted housing. Inside Safe is a new, citywide, proactive housing-led strategy to bring people inside from tents and encampments for good, and to prevent encampments from returning. 

“I’m proud to be locking arms with Councilwoman Park to change the way we approach homelessness in Los Angeles to bring people inside in a strategic and lasting way,” said Mayor Bass. “Councilwoman Park and I spent yesterday morning conducting outreach with encampment residents and meeting with service providers and local residents about how Inside Safe replaces quick fixes with real solutions. It’s important that the policy solutions developed are informed by the people most directly affected. Through Inside Safe, we will save lives and restore our neighborhoods.”

"During my campaign, I pledged to pursue a comprehensive approach to working with service providers and city leaders to compassionately get encampments like those surrounding the bridge home the support they need," said Councilwoman Park. "This initiative is to show that the Government can be a place to heal. We don't just want to say it; we want to show it. Putting people in rooms without the care they need doesn't work. We need to ensure that they have adequate access to services they need including mental health, trauma, and substance use services for the unhoused."

"This intensive housing intervention will help some of our most vulnerable unhoused neighbors get off the street for good and the support of Mayor Bass, Councilwoman Park and City and County elected leaders is vital to our success," said Dr. Va Lecia Adams Kellum of Saint Joseph Center.

Inside Safe is assessing street homelessness across Los Angeles and proactively engages with people living in tents and encampments based on which locations are most chronic and where people are most in crisis. Inside Safe is housing based – people are offered immediate quality housing and a commitment of services and permanent housing so they can stay inside safe for good. The vast majority of people living on the street say “yes” to real offers of housing and support. Mayor Bass’ Inside Safe Executive Directive calls for the Inside Safe Action Plan to be developed by March 31, 2023. 

Inside Safe will support the following five goals:  
Reduce the loss of life on our streets   
Increase access to mental health and substance abuse treatment for those living in encampments   
Eliminate street encampments   
Promote long-term housing stability for people experiencing homelessness   
Enhance the safety and hygiene of neighborhoods for all residents, businesses, and neighbors   

This initiative will support and advance the following citywide outcomes:  
Decrease the number and size of encampments across the city  
Decrease the time of moving someone from an encampment into housing  
Increase interim and permanent housing placements   
Increase access to mental health care and substance use treatment for people experiencing homelessness

  Mayor Bass is moving Los Angeles forward with an urgent and strategic approach to addressing the homelessness crisis, which also includes her Emergency Declaration on Homelessness, activating the City’s Emergency Operations Center, and issuing an Executive Directive to dramatically accelerate and lower the cost of affordable and temporary housing. 




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From Santa Monica Close Up:

"Venice Healer Daisy, with Counselor Don, plant basil and an orchid at the Venice Beach Boardwalk on Monday, January 2, 2023."

Click Here for more Stories about Venice Healer Daisy

Santa Monica Close Up is a photo blog by Santa Monica based Photojournalist/Press photographer Fabian Lewkowicz. Fabian is the former staff photographer for the Santa Monica Daily Observer Press, Santa Monica Mirror, Santa Monica and the Santa Monica Corsair.

Support Santa Monica Closeup/Fabian Lewkowicz with Venmo or PayPal to help earn money to make these videos:

https://venmo.com/u/santamonicacloseup

https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/fabianlewkowicz


From Santa Monica Close Up:

"A man walks down Main Street in Santa Monica while yelling and swinging a baton on Tuesday, January 2, 2022."

Click Here for more Stories about Venice Healer Daisy

Santa Monica Close Up is a photo blog by Santa Monica based Photojournalist/Press photographer Fabian Lewkowicz. Fabian is the former staff photographer for the Santa Monica Daily Observer Press, Santa Monica Mirror, Santa Monica and the Santa Monica Corsair.

Support Santa Monica Closeup/Fabian Lewkowicz with Venmo or PayPal to help earn money to make these videos:

https://venmo.com/u/santamonicacloseup

https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/fabianlewkowicz
Here's the final heat resaults from the 29th Annual Venice Surf-A-Thon that took place on December 17th.














Dangerous surf and sea conditions Wed-Fri. Pier damage and beach road flooding possible. Mariners are encouraged to stay in port.


This Friday, January 6th, Bay Street Boards has the special chance to premiere a movie that’s 50 years old and never been seen.

More than a surf movie, Super Ocho 1973 follows a few 18 year olds adventuring through the tropics in search of the best waves and the best time. Shot on Super 8 by Venezuelan surfer and videographer Ramon Moreno , this slice of history features the father of Bay Street Boards's owners, among a cast of crazies as they traverse through several tropical countries. Come down to Bay Street Boards on Friday for a flashback to the past, and enjoy some vintage surfing with some food and drinks! This Friday, January 6th at 7pm.

Bay Street Boards
3216 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica,
CA 90404, United States


Join skaters from all around the world celebrating the anniversary party of our outdoor skate jam sessions vibing to the sounds of the African Diaspora including Afrobeats,House,JB & More!

During the night there will be various opportunities to learn/develop your flow with some of your favorite skaters also showcasing their moves!

There will also be refreshments & local restaurants on the beach available



ALL LEVELS & WHEELS WELCOMED!

CHILDREN & PETS OK!

SKATING NOT REQUIRED TO ATTEND

Venice Beach Skate Dance Plaza

Wed, January 4, 2023,
6:00 PM – 11:00 PM PST

For more info and to register, Click Here