SAFETY.
Today, we were reminded of the dangers lurking on our streets. While we were in the Caltrans area doing outreach, we experienced an individual suffering from a mental health issue. We contacted CHP to help us with the individual. While we were waiting for their arrival, a local security guard approached us to advise someone was seen with a handgun in this location. Thank you to CHP South Los Angeles and LAPD Harbor Division for the quick response.
What We Are Doing To Find Solutions
The resources within the Unincorporated LA County areas are limited. Illegal waste is piling up on the streets often for months. Every morning, we start the day by driving each street, reporting the illegal dumping, graffiti, possible stolen vehicles and request resources for the homeless. For the past two days, we have watched the piles of waste increase along several locations. We have organized a Clean Up with local businesses providing the tools to remove the waste along 135th. The county will provide the dumpsters. Century Sheriff will assist with traffic. Homeless outreach providers will be in the area on Wednesday morning. Getting businesses involved in process is our quickest method at getting the waste off the streets.
Update for Thursday, January 11th.
As the new day arrives, we are on the streets reporting the problematic locations. We received information that a regular illegal dumper is bringing piles of dirt to a specific location every morning at 6am. It is this commitment that is helping reshape our business corridors.
They Count Will You?
We are honored to host the Homeless Count for the Third year in a row for the community of Harbor Gateway. On Wednesday, January 24, 2024 starting at 8pm.
Our deployment location is
The Enclave
970 W 190th Street
Torrance/Harbor Gateway 90502
Holiday Highlights 2023
As Chamber, we donated 350 toys, provided meals for 200 people, delivered clothing to those in need and served over 2500 hot chocolate beverages at four Winter Wonderlands. We transported 12 people during the holidays to SafeLanding. And we had a blast every step of the way.
Thank you to everyone that supported, donated and/or sponsored our efforts.
I have created a video recap from all of our holiday events click this link
Enjoy!
CATCHING OUR ILLEGAL DUMPERS.
These folks were caught dumping their unwanted waste on Compton Blvd & Main Street. Fortunately for us, the local business owner was able to capture enough information from their vehicles that we were able to successfully identify their residence. We posted the video on social media and within 12 hours someone from Argentina provided us with their home address. We visited their address and provided that information to Compton Sheriff, Public Works and Supervisor Holly Mitchell’s office. The area was cleaned up on the same day of the dumping. It required a crew of 3 along with multiple trash trucks and took over 3 hours. The dumping of large items has subsided since this incident occurred on January 2nd. Sadly, these are local community members dumping in their own neighborhood.
Have Paint. Will Travel :-)
Our commitment to keeping the business corridors clean and safe requires a daily drive with paint, brushes and brooms. The reporting is one step in getting it resolved quick. However, when we are out on the streets and see it, we can react quicker.
NOW WHAT?
The “Illegal Dumping” case that you witnessed, under Sheriff’s Department case number 923-15847-2141-399, was sent to the District Attorney’s Compton Office for filing consideration. Unfortunately, the case (DA CASE #43580368) was declined. The charges were declined “in the interest of justice as outlined by the District Attorney’s Mission Statement and Special Directive 20-07.”
No Means No.
Clean ups took place on Monday, November 6th and were completed on Thursday, November 9th in the East Gardena area. Sixty one people accepted help and are no longer on the streets. 49 RV’s were removed from circulation and slated to be destroyed. Now, we must work to ensure the unregistered, nonworking RV’s do not return. During my early morning drive, we stumbled upon someone trying to set up camp on 157th. With the help of Compton Sheriff, we were able to have them move on.
Are We Next?
One of the most poignant metaphors for life and growth for me has been peeling back the layers of an onion. As a chef, peeling onions can sting and make you cry. As I work on the streets, life has a funny way of mimicking old experiences. One drive can result in the discovery of so many other issues. One clean up identifies the sins the of the past. Even working with the homeless, listening to their realities can be jarring.
We find ourselves with many issues that need to be addressed sooner rather than later. The clean ups have been one layer. The RV Encampment Removals have been another layer. Getting the homeless to accept the help has been another layer. Now, we have the environmental issues which have to be discussed, addressed and resolved.