The handball courts are clear, clean, and open!
Read the backstory and watch the clearing day video below!
At the beginning of the virus lockdowns 13 months ago, the legendary beachfront handball courts in Venice, California became a homeless encampment. The City issued a stand down on enforcing the no camping in the park rule, and that was that. Over the last year + as many as 22 people at at time have called the handball courts home. Complete with an art gallery, gym, and many a tent, the courts were probably the styled out out of all the Venice camps.
Well, now that is all over! Apparently the virus is retreating and the amenities in the park are allowed to open (super bizarre time we are in). So, in early April the City posted a notice that the people had until April 15 to move out. LAHSA and other service providers came out to offer support to the homeless who lived there, and 10 of the residents got a spot in A Bridge Home, which is the homeless shelter on Main and Sunset where the MTA lot used to be.
On Thursday, 04/15/21, at 8:00 a.m. sharp, L.A. Sanitation, L.A. Park Rangers, , and Rec. and Parks descended on the courts to handle business. Armed with dump trucks, bull dozers, shovels, and a whole lot of man power, they had the courts cleared and fenced off by mid afternoon.
In the following days the Venice Beach BID was onsite handling pressure washing duties. The courts have been opened up for play since the week of April 19, 2021.
Venice Paparazzi was on the scene for the clearing and caught up with handball legend Freddy Reyes, as well as camp resident Black Moses.
Check out the interview and action from the day by Venice Paparazzi.
Handball legend Freddy Reyes. Photo taken Pre-Covid
Here are some resources:
Check out Venice Neighborhood Council’s Homeless Resource Guide!
The Venice BID also has a community resource guide that has info for homeless services, mental health, and more.
Have the energy and resources to help out? Check out this list of local organizations that need your support!
Community led groups:
For more Venice Beach Handball info: Venice Recreation and Parks Center, 1800 Ocean Front Walk. Venice, Ca 90291, 310-399-2775. laparks.org/venice
