The NBC 4 Investigation Team reported that Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass’ program to dismantle encampments and get the homeless off the streets is being met with a positive reaction from residents in Venice.

Venice residents said: 

“I feel totally safe now, walking in Venice, at any hour,” said Kaaren Kitchell. “People feel safer since the tents are gone,” said George Francisco, a Venice resident and business owner.

And with the homeless encampments gone, crime is down. 

The Los Angeles Police Department noted that crime around the 3rd Street and Hampton Drive encampments is down 24 percent in the first quarter from a year ago and down 48 percent at the Venice Beach Boardwalk. 

While there is a tremendous amount of work still to be done in Los Angeles, it is good to see something positive from our elected leaders.