By Gary Walker
A vocal contingent of Venice residents have complained for months about rat sightings among the perpetual homeless encampments along Third Avenue and Hampton Drive, near Gold’s Gym and the Google campus.
Prompted by an anonymous complaint, a July 23 investigation by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health detected four brown rat (aka Norway rat) burrows — not among the encampments, but on the fenced-in Google parcel between Hampton and Third.
Contrary to claims of hundreds of rats posing a potential communicable disease hazard, the burrows only represent “a small infestation,” Public Health officials said.
“A notice was sent to the property owner to trim out the vegetation, collapse the burrows, and eliminate the rodents,” a department representative stated in an email to The Argonaut.
Google was given an Aug. 7 deadline to complete the work, and then an Aug. 13 extension to place additional bait stations, ensure that burrows are collapsed and remove additional vegetation growth. Company representatives did not answer requests for comment.
“It’s a great first step. This should help reduce the rat population here,” said neighborhood activist Rick Swinger, who lives near Third and frequently documents activity among the encampments. Swinger, who has called Public Health about the encampments on prior occasions and has frequently posted evidence of encampment-related trash and human waste on social media, has stated in email chains that he has seen “hundreds of rat burrows along Third Avenue along with scores of rats jumping into their tents!”
Public Health officials surveyed Third, Fourth, Rose and Sunset avenues for evidence of rats and other potential public health hazards, but came up empty-handed. They also found no evidence of active rodent infestation at the nearby Public Storage facility, often a target of neighborhood concerns.
“The following were observed: a homeless community; no trash, fecal material, or debris were observed, but the trash cans were full; rodent burrows on the property occupied by Google (Third Avenue), but not on the surrounding city streets; rodent runways and gnawed fruit were observed under the dense vegetation at the Google property; rodent activity was not observed in the public areas around the property; and stagnant water (referred to West Los Angeles Vector Control District for possible mosquito control),” Public Health officials wrote.
“I just guesstimated that there were hundreds [of rats] because I saw so many,” Swinger said of the discrepancy.
Rats became a hot topic on social media after reports of infestation and a typhus outbreak earlier this year at L.A. City Hall. This summer the fiscally conservative Reform California political action committee issued a report claiming private pest control agencies are dealing with increased calls about rats driven by a proliferation of homeless encampments.
Venice locals who are concerned the Third Avenue encampments present public health dangers have asserted
that “1.5% of the rats in Los Angeles have the bubonic plague” and “when it hits 2% the plague will enter the human population, according to experts.”
The claim appears to have originated from media personality and addiction specialist Dr. Drew Pinsky, formerly of the radio show “Loveline,” in a May 31 interview for Fox News that has been reposted by conservative websites. Pinsky, who is not an epidemiologist, did not cite which experts told him that “bubonic plague is likely; it’s already here; it will get onto the rat fleas.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that plague can be spread by flea bites from infected rodents, but the last known evidence of plague in Los Angeles was in 1924.
gary@argonautnews.com
“The following were observed: a homeless community; no trash, fecal material, or debris were observed, but the trash cans were full; rodent burrows on the property occupied by Google (Third Avenue), but not on the surrounding city streets; rodent runways and gnawed fruit were observed under the dense vegetation at the Google property; rodent activity was not observed in the public areas around the property; and stagnant water (referred to West Los Angeles Vector Control District for possible mosquito control),” Public Health officials wrote.
” no trash, fecal material, or debris”. Any good journalist would drive down Third Ave. and see differently. Do your due diligence and fully report out your story. This story is more than about rats– it’s about our government not being transparent.
Gary Walker did not read the Two Official Inspection Report carefully. There were 3 violations for 320 S Hampton dr. 1. They must maintain a clean, sanitary conditions free from garbage, rubbish, refuse and waste at all times. 2. Active Burrows Observed 4+ on the east side of property(next to the encampment). Now each burrow can have a nest of 14 babies plus the 2 adults so you can have 16 rats per burrow. Every 3 weeks they can have a new litter of babies so you can see how this can add up quickly with just only 4 active burrows but they add + so most likely more burrows there for they inspected for only 50 minutes and found the infestation.3. Infestation/Harborage of Vermin(rodents) No person shall occupy, maintain, or cause or permit another person to occupy or maintain any building, lot,premises vehicle, or any other place in such condition of construction or maintenance shall permit the breeding or harborage therein or thereon of rodents, fleas,bedbugs,cockroaches,lice,mosquitoes or any other vermin. no person may permit an accumulation of any material that may serve as a rodent harborage unless such material be elevated not less than 18 inches above the ground or floor with a clear intervening space there under. The second report from the inspection on July 23 did not include 4th nor Public Storage as Gary claimed in his misleading article. It did cover 3rd and Rose Ave and Rose Ave and Sunset which said there was a large homeless encampment with trash cans full. It states specifically that he Observed “Norway Rat Activity” on private property located on the other side of the fence where the homeless encampments are! How you could of missed this Gary is beyond me! So this idea its not effecting the encampment is absurd. I noted about a dozen rodent burrows my self and made a guess there might be hundreds but I was not allowed on Googles property but the fact that these rats where breeding next to the encampment and have a gestation period of 3 weeks you can see how quickly just four active sights over a year can produce Yes Gary Hundreds of Rodents!
Yes. You’re right Rick Swinger, what do city health experts know anyway?
Yes I do and it is completely different than what Gary Walker reported. Here are the two Official Inspection Reports by the County Health Dept. Now Gary Walker of The Argonaut writes..”Public Health officials surveyed Third, Fourth, Rose and Sunset avenues for evidence of rats and other potential public health hazards, but came up empty-handed. They also found no evidence of active rodent infestation at the nearby Public Storage facility, often a target of neighborhood concerns.”
Now this is what the Official Health Dept Inspection Report actually says.. Notice the one that says facility address 3rd Ave.. 3rd+Rose and 3rd+Sunset..(3). Observed Norway rat activity on a property property located on the other side of the fence line where the homeless encampments are. This contradicts Gary Walker statement that they came up empty handed! There are two separate reports I posted on theses links so you can see for yourself.
1. https://imgur.com/a/ekQhbfJ
2. https://imgur.com/a/3NFPppp
One of the reasons we have a Rat Infestation on 3rd next to the encampment and Google is this… No Rat Proof Trash Cans at a Large Encampment with trash cans overflowing! Where are the rat proof trash cans Mike Bonin and Eric Garcetti promised us in Venice at the town hall last oct? https://imgur.com/a/zfES8wB
The homeless encampment is so filthy and so much food on the ground the rats are having a field day on 3rd and they are big over there!
wait, so is it because of the people feeding unhoused citizens at encampment locations, or is it google, or is it because of the deficient trash cans? You should file some “rat proof trash can motions” through the VNC as a way to catalyze your vision.
Im way ahead of you Mike Bravo. I have been in contact with Deputy Mayor Jaime Keene of the Unified Homelessness Response Center and Stephanie Cohen County Supervisors Office and they are dealing with Beaches and Harbors. LASAN( who said they don’t have any Rat Proof Trash Cans at this point) and Bonin’s Office. At this point Mike Bonin Rat Proof Trash Cans (The $6000 solar panel type) he used for his great streets on Venice Blvd by his house might be our only option as of now. Jamie Keene is looking into this option.
The homeless encampment is so filthy and so much food on the ground the rats are having a field day on 3rd and they are big over there! It’s not a good situation getting worse by the minute also surrounding streets.
The reason is a no brainer- trash cans aren’t rat proof, they are over flowing. Encampments are filthy with human waste and trash.
Your article says “no trash , fecal matter or debris”. This is insane! You can drive by and CLEARLY see all
If that. That leaves us to believe you didn’t have a look, and do your job as a credible journalist. I suggest you amend your article.
What a misleading article. Google is adjacent to the encampments. Obviously, the rats need a home, hence the burrows where they can dig. But where do you think the food is coming from? Who do you think the fleaborne illnesses are going to affect first? Even my 5 year old could figure out this math problem. Please do more research and don’t just waste our time with anecdotes.
Don’t forget the rats at Gjusta on 3rd and Sunset Ave.! The article dint say it’s not affecting the homeless encampment, the article is saying that the encampments are not the source of the rats nor is there a rat/disease epidemic. Looking forward to see the fear based misinforms advocate for the city to enforce the evacuation of Google and Gjusta from our neighborhood to protect the health of our citizens! Bubonic plague anyone? hahahaha…
Tell this amazing medical and biological insight you have Mike Bravo to Liz Greenwood who got Typhus from the same conditions we have on 3rd. We are trying to prevent an outbreak and thats what this is all about. Why do you think LA Sanitation wears masks and hazmat suits here on 3rd every Friday? Is it just for laughs Mike?
Liz Greenwood got typhus working IN a City Hall office lololol. If the unhoused shouldnt live at 3rd/Rose under such negative health conditions Google or Gjusta shouldnt either. Looking forward to yall advocating for moving Google and Gjusta to Lancaster. It’s about public safety and hygiene right Rick? You and your gentry neighbors here blocking all the moves for more stability and hygienic options for our Unhoused Venice citizens but yet yall are concerned about the homeless and public hygiene safety? #fail
I don’t see you advocating for Rat Proof Trash Cans for 3rd and Venice Beach like I have Mike. Why is that? You need to take a Biology refresher class.
The health inspector must’ve gone by on Friday after sanitation had just cleaned. I don’t why the city doesn’t just put rat proof trash cans on third street. It would be safer for everyone.
Gary, I am the City employee who contracted typhus at City Hall East. Typhus us a bacteria that grows in the soup that is raw sewage and rotting trash. Rats eat the rotting trash and ingest the bacteria, They become carriers as they do not get sick. Fleas bite the rat and then jump off and bite a human. That is how the rickettsia typhi, the name of the bacteria that causes murine typhus, is transferred to humans. Bubonic plague also grows in that same soup. It is also transferred to humans in the same manner. Rats will burrow around buildings, so I am not surprised burrow holes were found around buildings. Make no mistake though, the bacteria everyone is concerned about is brewing in homeless encampments – in areas with no food storage and no sanitation. You seem to object that Dr Pinsky spoke on Fox News. He is trying to get the word out, as am I. This is a pubic health crisis that will only get worse unless we do something. In trying to discount his voice you are doing a grave disservice to the residents of Los Angeles.
2019 8/15 10:25PM Alley next to Google. Evidence of the infestation. Dead Male Norway Rat. https://imgur.com/gallery/KtfGGyz
From Animal lives matter… There are nearly 40 million people living in California.
It’s overpopulated.
There’s no point arguing that. It’s just a fact.
How many of them do you think use rat poison to keep critters away?
When nature is somewhat in balance, we can use common sense natural ways to keep rodents in check. That includes such basic things as properly handling garbage.
But we can’t even do that. We allow trash haulers who serve tthe entire city of Los Angeles to provide dumpsters that don’t properly seal, thus providing rodents and other creatures easy access.
What’s the solution from the trash hauler? Use bait boxes in tandem.
What are bait boxes?
Poison.
The City of Los Angeles recently redid its entire trash collection system. How easy would it have been to demand that a requirement for any trash hauler to earn a city contract be that they must provide dumpsters and trash cans that seal?
They didn’t.
Even look at parks and public spaces, for the most part, they have open bins.
That’s all bad enough.
But, what happens when, through horrible city management that claims to be “environmental,” the development, over many years, is allowed of a full-blown health, safety, security, environmental and humanitarian crisis?
That’s what happening in Los Angeles. Probably at least 100,000 people are living out in the open throughout the city. The official count is 60,000, but take that with a grain of salt.
Many of these people have severe substance abuse issues or mental illness. They are living zombies. Areas are covered with garbage, and people openly urinate and defecate on the city streets, which has created the environmental crisis. Their waste goes down the sewer system and to the ocean.
Multiply the human waste, drug paraphernalia waste and other waste of 100,000 people x every day of the year.
Want to go surfing in the Pacific?
How about a swim?
As well, the impacts of such large numbers living rough, with food refuse and other garbage allowed to mount, has contributed to the development of a rat infestation.
Thus, we end up with the intersection of being environmentally sound and using the nuclear option on the rat population, which is carrying Medieval-era disease.
No good options when you let your civilization run amok.
So if you think California truly is an “environmental” state, you would be wrong.
Am I completely pissed off? Yes!
This is the New America, folks!
It’s got to change! This is completely unacceptable for humans and most certainly for wildlife. Will we have wildlife if we continue on this horrifying course?
2019 8/19 910AM
The County Health Dept Vector is now finished after they have put up 9 to 10 Bait Stations around the entire perimeter from Rose to Sunset and 3rd to Hampton dr.
Pedro the County Vector Inspector also reconfirmed he did not inspect Public Storage and 4th as per the Argonaut Article which Gary Walker should amend and correct.
He also laugh that The Argonaut saying he came up empty handed for the Rats over populating the area are do to the 3RD Ave Encampment and unhealthy sanitation conditions that go along with it.
He also said Gary Walker did not talk to him at all for that article.
He said good try getting the City to install Rat Proof Trash Cans!
Not encouraging but we already know its very hard.
Regardless what the recent Argonaut News said it is obvious that 3rd is having a major rodent infestation do to the pollution on 3rd. You would have to be a complete idiot not to see this!
2019 9/6 1130AM 3rd and Sunset next to Gold’s Gym! LASAN Catches this bucket full of live rodents on 3rd st encampment today. It sure looks like a rodent infestation on 3rd st encampment to me Gary Walker! Where is The Argonaut News on this?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=STWZGoRaA4s