Residents and businesses in Venice Beach have enlisted the services of Ghost Town Consultants, a private security firm whose personnel includes individuals with past affiliations with gangs such as MS-13, to address what they describe as a "war zone" created by a growing homeless population.
Approximately 250 local residents and businesses are paying a monthly fee, starting around $300, to Ghost Town Consultants for security patrols and property monitoring. The firm's founders, Bobby Luna and Ricky Myers, both have personal histories in the Venice area. Myers, who was once involved with the MS-13 gang and experienced homelessness himself, stated that the company's employees often share similar life experiences. Luna is a reformed alcoholic.
The firm's intervention comes as Venice Beach, a popular tourist destination, grapples with visible homelessness, drug use, and street disorder, particularly along Rose Avenue, which had become heavily populated with encampments. Residents reported experiencing deteriorating conditions, including alleged lawlessness and threats, before hiring the security service.
Ghost Town Consultants' approach involves direct engagement, with personnel using their familiarity with the community and individuals experiencing homelessness to encourage them to move on. The firm also offers assistance, such as providing food and water, and aims to connect individuals with treatment services if they express a desire to overcome addiction. They have reportedly helped individuals find housing and supported families in crisis.
This private security initiative emerges amid ongoing challenges faced by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), which is experiencing significant staffing shortages. Former Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva and former Los Angeles City Councilman Dennis Zine have commented on the situation, suggesting that law enforcement staffing levels and operational restrictions contribute to the necessity of private security measures. The LAPD has reported a notable decrease in officer numbers while the city's required staffing level has increased, leaving a substantial deficit.
While Ghost Town Consultants' efforts have led to perceived improvements in the immediate area where they operate, the broader issues of homelessness, addiction, and crime persist in Venice. The firm's founders emphasize their commitment to offering help to those seeking to change their circumstances, noting that their work is driven by a connection to the community where they grew up.