WESTSIDE - For years here in Venice, the proliferation of stationary recreational vehicles has plagued Washington Boulevard, and the businesses and residents that are virtually helpless in getting these vehicles permanently removed.
Everyone knows the problem, as it has been addressed in bits and pieces over the last several years only to see the problem resurface and rupture as Los Angeles prepares for the 2028 Summer Olympics, and Washington Blvd. will serve as a direct gateway for this 17-day international extravaganza from LAX for tourists as well as specific events that will be held at Venice which will include medal presentations at the beach.
Even the Venice Neighborhood Council has recognized the challenge but has yet to host this long-awaited Town Hall on this specific issue. For a serious discussion that needs to be conducted, and the core issues of public safety, access, sanitation, parking equity, and the rule of law — and not just around the ongoing homelessness dilemma.
Here are the 10 primary reasons Washington Boulevard needs to be cleared of Illegally parked RVs once and for all:
Washington Boulevard is a major commercial and transportation artery and corridor.
It should function as a street—not as a long-term parking lot or collection of makeshift residences. Blocking curb space and narrowing visibility compromise the street's prime intended purpose.
Illegal parking is illegal parking—regardless of who is doing it.
Los Angeles already has rules governing oversized vehicles. LADOT defines an oversized vehicle as one more than 22 feet long or more than 84 inches high, and the City has mechanisms for restricting oversized-vehicle parking. Enforcement must be consistent and absolute.
Every RV occupying a parking space takes that space away from everyone else.
Venice has extraordinarily limited parking. A motorist stopping at a restaurant, store, doctor's office or other business shouldn't have to compete with an RV that has effectively claimed a public parking space as a semi-permanent residence. It's unfair and wrong.
Businesses along Washington Boulevard need accessible curb space.
Customers, delivery of vehicles, contractors and service providers all depend on reasonable access. Long-term RV occupancy undermines that commercial intent that keeps Washington Boulevard viable. It has become an eyesore that has tourists fearful and staying away, especially from several lodging locales.
Sanitation is a legitimate public health concern.
City officials have specifically identified sewage and other waste entering streets and stormwater systems as problems associated with RV encampments. Councilmember Traci Park (CD-11) has cited illegal dumping into storm drains and public rights-of-way among the critical concerns of these permanently parked vehicles. It can no longer be tolerated.
The City has a responsibility to keep sidewalks and public rights-of-way usable.
The City's own recent Venice enforcement effort involved removing an unpermitted RV from Lincoln Boulevard after officials said it had obstructed traffic and was associated with sanitation problems and unauthorized electrical connections. Illegal electrical access and improper waste removal is another health issue that can be avoided. The same standard must apply to Washington Boulevard.
Street cleaning and storm-drain maintenance require access to the curb free of RV encampments.
Streets LA says its street-sweeping program is intended to keep trash out of waterways and prevent flooding from blocked storm drains. Vehicles parked in violation of posted restrictions must be cited and towed. LAPD must enforce parking and traffic laws to end this ongoing scourge on the streets.
Fire and emergency access cannot be compromised for illegal RV parking.
Large vehicles can obstruct sightlines and access for emergency responders. City officials have specifically cited increased fire risk and other public-safety concerns associated with RV encampments. Truck and equipment access by LAFD and other first responders cannot be compromised.
Venice's Coastal Zone has an unusually strong public-access rationale.
Los Angeles planning documents recognize protection of public parking and access as important Venice Coastal Zone objectives. The City's Venice planning documents (Venice Specific Plan) specifically identify parking pressure and intrusion by non-resident vehicles as coastal issues unresolved.
Clearing the street doesn't have to mean abandoning the people living in the RVs.
The City can enforce parking laws while simultaneously offering outreach, sanitation, shelter and housing assistance.
Park's 2024 proposal specifically envisioned designated locations for RV dwellings accompanied by services. That must remain the objective and goal. Washington Blvd cannot remain a parking lot for those who require substance abuse rehabilitation and mental health support that demands being inside and off the streets.
The principle should be simple: compassion for individuals should not demand surrendering public streets and major corridors like Washington Boulevard to transients, gang members and criminals. It means getting those who need help inside and off the streets as soon as possible.
That required a disciplined plan of action and guidelines that are actually recognized and ultimately enforced on a regular basis.
The issue shouldn't be framed as permanent, viable residency versus the homeless.
It should be that Washington Boulevard is a public access corridor, first and foremost. It belongs to everyone—not to whoever leaves an RV parked indefinitely without consequence or concern!
Los Angeles has already demonstrated that it can remove an illegally situated RV from Lincoln Boulevard. Residents have a reasonable expectation that the same rules will be enforced on Washington Boulevard, and some progress has been made when city and county officials work in cooperation, not confrontation, to solve a legitimate local concern.
(Nick Antonicello is a thirty-three-year resident of Venice who reports on the ongoing homeless crisis in Venice. A longtime contributor to City Watch LA, he can be reached via e-mail at [email protected])
