Lincoln Place residents evicted with two-minutes warning

With only a two-minute warning, 52 families were put on the streets at Lincoln Place Apartments in Venice by Sheriffs and Marshals acting at the behest of corporate owner, AIMCO.

New locks were placed on doors and windows were screwed down. Some elderly tenants forgot their medications, including one who left her insulin shots behind.

AIMCO, the Sheriffs and LAPD used the roof top parking lot of neighboring Staples as their command center. See photos: . The Staples manager denied any knowledge of their presences until informed by a Beachhead reporter.

Tenants and supporters gathered at Elkgrove Avenue and Lake Street, near Lincoln Blvd., with picket signs. L.A. City Councilmember Bill Rosendahl visited the gathering, but was unable to do anything to reverse the evictions. Some vowed a 24-hour vigil until the evictions are lifted.

Tonight, tenants are inviting community members to join them at a protest at Marina del Rey Middle School. The site was chosen because both Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Rosendahl will be there.

7pm, Tuesday, Dec. 6
Marina Del Rey Middle School
12500 Braddock Drive
Del Rey

Visits to Elkgrove and Lake to show support for our evicted neighbors would also be appreciated.

Lincoln Place has been a major source of affordable housing in Venice for the past 55 years. At one time, 900 units stood in the garden-like environment behind Raphs Market, at Lincoln Blvd., and California Ave. Some were bulldozed, allegedly without permits, a couple of years ago. Of the nearly 700 remaining apartments, most stand empty because AIMCO has refused to rent them in the midst of an affordable housing crisis. After today's evictions, only disabled residents remain. They are scheduled to be evicted in March.

More on Lincoln Place in the December Beachhead: .

Jim Smith
Free Venice Beachhead