July 15, 2025 #1 Local News, Forum, Information and Event Source for Venice Beach, California.

First Lutheran Working With City Officials To End The RV Challenge Along Venice Boulevard

By Nick Antonicello

Reverend John Palko Is In Contact With CD11 Councilmember Traci Park’s Office

The situation along Venice Boulevard and in particular in front of the First Lutheran Church has been challenging for this spiritual community and its preschool population, but with a change in political leadership comes the opportunity to make things better for the unhoused and those living in these permanently parked vehicles.

The Reverend John Palko, who heads the First Lutheran Church and his preschool community has been impacted by the RV dilemma, but has been in contact with the office of recently elected Councilwoman Traci Park (CD-11) and believes help is on the way through the city legislative action that can solve the problem of permanently parked RV’s.

“We’ve made many efforts to work with Traci Park’s office to address the steadily growing population of RVs and abandoned cars along with their ever-growing piles of material and garbage in the area of 815 Venice Blvd. We’ve tried to work directly with the people in the RVs, but they weren’t interested in talking with us or they just refused to talk at all. The problem continues to get bigger,” observed Palko.

But Palko believes legislative action by LA city officials and in particular Councilwoman Park is the kind of leadership they have not received in the past.  

“The City of LA had posted No-Parking signs between 2 and 6 am in this section of Venice Blvd according to L.A.M.C. 80.69.4. Unfortunately, that doesn’t seem to matter, even though there continues to be a school here. Our hope is that with last Friday’s passing of a new ordinance in the LA City Council addressing the RV situation in Venice, Traci and her office will sense that they can finally do something to address this situation.”

In a brief phone interview, Palko was impressed by Park’s “mastery” of the homeless and encampment dilemma and sees things finally improving for the betterment of this neighborhood.

With the LA City Council now taking action, Palko believes the current RV situation can be addressed and rectified for all concerned and as we have witnessed in other Venice neighborhoods, the homeless population here in Venice is decreasing.

Last month Park in a public address noted that some 150 homeless individuals had been housed in and about Venice and that the surge to continue to address the issue while slow to solve is ongoing as her office asks that Venetians remain patient and vigilant as help is in fact on the way.

Park has conducted two ZOOM presentations on the status of bridge housing as well as collaborating with the VNC’s Homelessness Committee as members of her legislative team addressed residents on their goals and objectives moving forward.

Since assuming office, Councilwoman Park in partnership with LA Mayor Karen Bass has made significant progress cleaning and eliminating encampments on Flower, Hampton, and Third as Venice remains second in this encampment crisis only behind downtown’s Skid Row.

Since becoming the new mayor, Karen Bass has made homelessness a citywide emergency priority and progress is visible and evident in cooperation with Park, an attorney and resident of Venice who replaced councilmember Mike Bonin in December of last year.

Park is the first Venetian to sit on the LA City Council since retired councilmember Ruth Galanter.

A thirty-year Venetian, Nick Antonicello is covering the encampment and RV crisis here in Venice. Know of a new encampment or RV issue? Feel free to contact Antonicello via e-mail at nantoni@mindsring.com

in News
Related Posts

Santa Monica Man Arrested for Allegedly Exporting Electronics to Iran

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

Ostovari, identified as the CEO of a Tehran-based engineering firm, allegedly orchestrated the scheme since 2018  A 66-year-old Santa Monica...

California Hits Two-Thirds Clean Energy Milestone

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

This year, clean energy has powered the state for an average of seven hours daily, with over 90% of days...

Venice Beach to Host First Medal at 2028 Olympics

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

Venice Beach, known for its vibrant boardwalk, will kick off the 844 ticketed events, hosting the triathlon along its coastline...

Venice Shorts Commentary: VNC Meetings Should Stay at Westminster Elementary

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

“Given the fact this location has always made sense in terms of size, location and convenience, will you risk losing...

Santa Monica Assault Suspect Faces Multiple Charges, Authorities Seek Additional Victims

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

Marbra allegedly assaulted a 52-year-old woman on the Strand in Santa Monica, facing a felony count of assault with intent...

Veterans Tech Group to Launch Los Angeles Chapter with Networking Event

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

Founded in San Francisco, VetsInTech operates 20 chapters nationwide and claims more than 60,000 veterans VetsInTech, a national nonprofit that...

Venice Shorts: Longtime Neighborhood Advocate Marc Saltzberg Passes

July 13, 2025

July 13, 2025

Saltzberg supported cultural efforts like the creation of a Venice museum housed in a historic trolley car—advocating for a Pacific...

Newly Built Mar Vista Home with Spa and Plunge Pool Offered at $3.6M

July 13, 2025

July 13, 2025

The home’s powder room stands out with Roman Clay walls and a marble sink, while European oak floors, brass fixtures,...

County Health Leaders Decry Federal Policy Barring Undocumented from Programs

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

The officials argued the policy jeopardizes care for all residents, noting it could deter people—regardless of status—from seeking treatment  Leaders...

County Supervisors Move to Preserve Measure J Amid Charter Error

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

Measure J mandates that at least 10% of the county’s locally generated, unrestricted funds be allocated to community investments like...

Sen. Ben Allen Highlights Challenges, Economic Gains for LA28 Olympics

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

The remarks came during the first informational hearing of the Senate’s Special Committee on International Sporting Events State Sen. Ben...

Downtown Santa Monica CEO Andrew Thomas to Step Down

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

Thomas, who rejoined DTSM, Inc. in 2022, oversaw the introduction of a private security program, expanded homeless outreach, and boosted...

Sunday Concert to Honor Late Venice Musician Dale Henderson

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

Henderson was the former front man and guitarist of the Venice crossover thrash band Beowulf A concert honoring the late...

Weekly Yoga Sessions Offered at Venice Branch Library

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

Open to all skill levels, the sessions aim to guide attendees in balancing body, mind, and spirit The Venice Branch...

Mayor Bass Issues Directive to Protect Immigrant Communities

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

The order expands access to city resources for affected families and requests records from ICE, including details on arrests Mayor...