Should Will Rogers Beach Become Safe Campsite For The Homeless?

PACIFIC PALISADES, CA — The Pacific Palisades Community Council will discuss a recent City Council motion that could make the Will Rogers State Beach parking lot as a safe camping site for homeless residents. The motion, introduced by Councilmember Mike Bonin, aims to provide a safer place for unhoused residents, complete with services and security for the homeless population along with homeowners and renters.

"People are living and dying on our streets," Bonin said. "All over the city, people are demanding urgent action. That means we need a broad menu of solutions -- projects, programs, policies -- and we need to put them in place all over the city, including the Westside."

The PPCC meeting discussing the plan will start at 6 p.m. Thursday. The link to the Zoom is available here.

Along with Will Rogers State Beach, the temporary "cabin communities" or safe camping sites would be put in place at a county owned lot in Marina Del Rey, Dockweiler Beach, Westchester Park and Mar Vista Park. Supportive housing has already been approved in Venice, Del Rey, Brentwood and more communities.

"None of the locations we’ve identified are ideal, and I’m always open to other suggestions," Bonin said. "But we’ve looked long and hard. There or no ideal places on the Westside, but that doesn’t reduce the need or urgency to act."

Bonin will speak on the motion Tuesday night during the Westchester/Playa Neighborhood Council meeting.

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Homeless Shelters Proposed Around the Westside

Homeless Crisis: Bonin To Address Neighbors On Proposed Shelters