May 2, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Santa Monica Expands Homeless Support Team, Touts Removal of 180 Tons of Waste

Initially launched in September 2023 with bi-weekly deployments, HoST was designed to address encampment-related waste and debris

The City of Santa Monica has expanded its Homeless Support Team (HoST) following the success of a pilot program aimed at maintaining the cleanliness of public spaces. 

Initially launched in September 2023 with bi-weekly deployments, HoST was designed to address encampment-related waste and debris across the city’s parks, beaches, and other public areas, as detailed in a City blog post by Custodial Services Administrator Jose “Jay” Aguilar.

The program, which initially relied on a contractor, has now been fully integrated into the city’s operations with an in-house team providing services five days a week.

The team proactively surveys neighborhoods to identify and clean up areas where waste has accumulated, focusing on known “hotspots”, the post stated. HoST also responds to complaints submitted through Santa Monica’s 311 system and collaborates closely with the Police Department’s Homeless Liaison Program (HLP) Team to clear waste from vacated encampments. 

Since the in-house team began its work in May 2024, HoST has removed over 65 tons of debris, contributing to a total of more than 180 tons of waste collected citywide since the program’s inception, according to the post.

HoST operates under the Promenade Maintenance Division of the Public Works Department, with team members receiving specialized training in areas such as de-escalation, Narcan administration, and safety protocols for encampment cleanups. The program is funded through Measure CS, a voter-approved initiative that raised the transient occupancy tax paid by visitors to Santa Monica hotels.

in Hard, News
<>Related Posts

Beloved West Hollywood Cookie Shop Expanding to Santa Monica

May 1, 2025

May 1, 2025

Junior Cookies has developed a loyal following in West Hollywood for its fresh, small-batch baked goods Junior Cookies, the West...

LAPD Seeks to Return 500 Firearms Recovered From Palisades Fire

May 1, 2025

May 1, 2025

Individuals who lost a firearm are asked to contact the LAPD Gun Recovery Unit  The Los Angeles Police Department is...

Voodoo Doughnuts to Soon Open Location in Windward Circle

May 1, 2025

May 1, 2025

Voodoo Doughnut has become a cultural phenomenon since its inception, known for its imaginative flavors and sideshow activities Voodoo Doughnuts,...

New Coalition Rallies to Preserve Palisades’ Cultural Heritage After Wildfire

May 1, 2025

May 1, 2025

A group of artists, preservationists, and architects is spearheading efforts to protect and reimagine the area’s historic character In the...

Cinco de Mayo Heats Up West Los Angeles With Food, Art, Music, and Mezcal Tastings

May 1, 2025

May 1, 2025

Mezcal Tastings, DJ Sets, Live Mural Installations, and Tlayudas Await It’s almost time for the holiday that isn’t celebrated in...

Make Your Own Pizza and Sip Craft Beer at Santa Monica’s Gourmandise School May 4

May 1, 2025

May 1, 2025

DIY Pizza and Craft Beer Collab Coming to Santa Monica Place Food lovers are invited to roll up their sleeves...

(Video) A Plus Tree: A Steward of Urban Forest Management Across Los Angeles

April 30, 2025

April 30, 2025

For More Info, Go To Aplustree.com For More Info, Go To https://t.co/oL7U8M4k7B pic.twitter.com/CX9xWkFHAt — Santa Monica Mirror (@SMMirror) May 1,...

Santa Monica Man to Pay Nearly $14M for Illegal Gambling, Money Laundering

April 30, 2025

April 30, 2025

The scheme caused an estimated tax loss to the IRS of $3.8 million, officials said A Santa Monica man has...

Controlled Burn Set for Temescal Ridge Trail to Probe Cause of January Wildfire

April 30, 2025

April 30, 2025

The burn is part of an effort to determine the wildfire’s point of origin and the mechanisms Residents near Pacific...

Prime Time Sports and Day Camps Coming Soon

April 30, 2025

April 30, 2025

Prime Time Sports Camp has remained a constant in the everchanging camp landscape for over 30 years by following this...

Tingly Drinks, Kona Coffee, and Comedy Nights: Kavahana Brings a New Kind of Buzz to Santa Monica

April 29, 2025

April 29, 2025

Right around the corner from Main Street, Kavahana is redefining how people hang out in Santa Monica. Part kava nectar...

(Video) Look Inside Santa Monica’s New Pilot Training Academy

April 29, 2025

April 29, 2025

For More Info, Go To Skingpilotacademy.com For More Info, Go To https://t.co/A8JMlWX7sQ. pic.twitter.com/owAWpsZtEI — Santa Monica Mirror (@SMMirror) April 30,...

 Preliminary Hearing Begins for Driver in Malibu Crash That Claimed Four Pepperdine Students’ Lives

April 29, 2025

April 29, 2025

Defense Disputes Speed Claims in PCH Tragedy That Killed Four A Malibu man accused of speeding and crashing into a...

Stolen Vehicle Crash Leads to Arrest, Loaded Gun Recovered in Santa Monica

April 29, 2025

April 29, 2025

The vehicle sped southbound on 3rd Street and attempted to cross the intersection at Ocean Park Boulevard A suspect was...

Chamber Music Palisades to Present Premiere and Classical Works at April Concert

April 29, 2025

April 29, 2025

The performance will feature compositions by French composers Jacques Ibert, Maurice Ravel, Camille Saint-Saëns, and Francis Poulenc, alongside the world...