The proliferation of homeless encampments on Venice Beach has sparked an outcry from residents and created a political spat among Los Angeles leaders.

The sheriff of Los Angeles County has dispatched deputies to Venice Beach to assess the homelessness crisis.

Vendor Vivianne Robinson, wearing a mask to protect from the coronavirus, takes a photo with a pigeon perched on her hand along the Venice Beach strand, Friday, July 3, 2020, in Los Angeles. California's governor is urging people to wear masks and skip Fourth of July family gatherings as the state's coronavirus tally rises. Newsom said he'd rely on people using common sense rather than strict enforcement of the face-covering order. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)

Public health officials have pleaded with people to obey social distancing and mask-wearing requirements and to stay home this holiday because big crowds could further fuel the outbreak. The beach closures began Friday from Los Angeles County northward through Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. We will be going directly to those who thumb their nose at public health and safety, Ferguson said in a statement. The strike teams made 142 contacts with businesses on Thursday, their first day of operation, Ferguson said, and issued seven citations: two in Kern County, three in Los Angeles County and two in Santa Clara County. Associated Press writers Jocelyn Gecker in San Francisco, Robert Jablon in Los Angeles and AP photojournalist Richard Vogel in Los Angeles contributed to this report.

Ben Affleck is joining protesters in a fight against racial injustice. The Oscar winner, joined by his girlfriend, actress Ana de Armas, came out and listened to protesters at the Save Venice march Tuesday morning in Venice Beach, California, where he held a sign showing support for Black Lives Matter and another for Save Venice. Affleck spoke with an organizer at the march about about the Black Lives Matter cause specifically tied to their community. Mahir added that Affleck "graciously agreed to take a photo and possibly keep in touch with us." Affleck and de Armas are among many celebs who turned out to show their support for the protests in recent days.

Wrestler Shad Gaspard has gone missing following a swim at Venice Beach in California. According to multiple reports, the former WWE star and his 10-year-old son were among swimmers caught in a riptide at the popular tourist spot around 4 p.m. on Sunday. An eyewitness told TMZ that once lifeguards rushed to rescue swimmers, Gaspard instructed them to help his son before helping him. Officials are still searching for the 39-year-old pro wrestler, who was at the beach with his wife, Siliana Gaspard, and their son. Siliana has since shared a photo on her Instagram story, writing, “If you have seen Shad, please message me.