June 2, 2023 #1 Local News, Forum, Information and Event Source for Venice Beach, California.

Meet The Incoming President of Venice Neighborhood Council

Starting In July, Averill Will Serve The People Of Venice As President Of The Neighborhood Council As He Tackles Issues Ranging From Homelessness And Development.

By Zach Armstrong

After growing up on the East Coast and graduating from New York University, Brian Averill decided to make the move to California in 2002. He is a photographer by trade. His business does shoots for sportswear, beachwear, surfing and other sporting activities. Starting in July, Averill will serve the people of Venice as president of the Neighborhood Council as he tackles issues ranging from homelessness and development.

This Q and A was edited for clarity.

What is your history with the Venice Neighborhood Council?

I was a board member on the council. In 2019 I was elected. So I have been a board member, and then I ran for president this year and was elected last month.

What would you list as your top priorities of things you hope to accomplish or topics you want to focus on the most?

The previous few councils have not had a good relationship with CD 11. 90% of the motions that we pass are through CD 11. I think it’s incredibly important to nurture a healthy relationships with council member Traci Park, because if we don’t, if we don’t have a good relationship, then we’re not really going to accomplish a lot. 

There’s lots of different points of view here about bigger issues. In the past, the council hasn’t really functioned to bring all those points of view together to some consensus. So that’s definitely a goal of mine, to actually represent all the different perspectives. I think when it comes down to it, 90% of us here agree on the questions. So it’s just a matter of re-emphasizing that to people, and just going about things in a more positive manner than we have in the past.

How do you specifically look to accomplish that in your upcoming role?

It really comes down to listening to people, making sure people feel heard, making sure all these different points of view are presented to us. Then having intelligent, constructive conversations about the issues. Then coming up with some sort of middle ground that makes sense to everybody, even if everyone’s not happy with whatever motions we’re passing, at least they feel heard, and at least they understand the other side of the equation.

How has Venice changed since you’ve been here? And how do you hope that it will look in the future?

In the future, I want it to be more of a real community. Like I said, there’s many different facets and types of people that make up what makes it so great, in my opinion. So just to listen, and to respect all of those different sides of that. We also have an incredibly rich cultural history here. I think that needs to be emphasized a little bit more. And it’s in our favor to preserve that stuff.

What’s getting in the way of accomplishing that?

The issues that are dividing the community. Obviously, our big issues right now are homelessness and crime. And, understandably, those get a lot of attention. And they deserve a lot of attention because they’re very serious. But I think it’s also okay to remember what makes us so incredible. Being a multicultural community that blossomed into this neighborhood that most of us love.

in News
Related Posts

Yacht Club Meeting Taking Place in Marina Del Rey

June 1, 2023

June 1, 2023

The Event Is a Way to Buy/Sell Used Boating Gear While Making Small Talk By Zach Armstrong The Pacific Mariners...

Venice Pod Aims to Be “Grown-Up Version of a Hostel”

June 1, 2023

June 1, 2023

Stay Open Blends Elements of Japan’s Capsule Hotels and Co-living Experiments Stay Open, a unique accommodation concept blending elements of...

HHS Secretary Visits Venice Beach

June 1, 2023

June 1, 2023

Xavier Becerra Made the Stop as Part of His Los Angeles Itinerary Xavier Becerra, the Secretary of the U.S. Department...

Free Meals for WGA Members During Strike at Bob’s Big Boy and Swingers Diner

June 1, 2023

June 1, 2023

Comedian and Host Drew Carey Is Paying For Meals For Striking WGA Members By Dolores Quintana As the Writers Guild...

Mercedes Bar & Grille Giving Discounts for Hawaiian Attire This Summer

June 1, 2023

June 1, 2023

The Restaurant Serves  Nouveau Latin Cuisine By Zach Armstrong Mercedes Bar and Grille, located at 14 W Washington Blvd in...

Barbecue for Tech Networking Coming to Venice

May 31, 2023

May 31, 2023

The Event Will Take Place at Podshare Venice. By Zach Armstrong California organization Startup Coil will celebrate LA Tech Week...

Inaugural “Rosé on Rose” Wine Fest Coming to Venice

May 31, 2023

May 31, 2023

There Will Be Celebrations With Tastings, Music, Vendors, Art and a Disco Recovery Lounge. Locals can embrace the spirit of...

(Video) Did You Know Venice Library Has a Book Club?

May 31, 2023

May 31, 2023

The Venice Library’s Book Club meets on the last Tuesday of each month. @yovenicenews Did you know Venice Library has...

Stabbing Victim Found Dead in Pathway

May 30, 2023

May 30, 2023

The Victim Was Discovered on the Ground Between Residences on Washington Boulevard. The Los Angeles Police Department has initiated an...

Author to Discuss Picture Book at Venice Library

May 30, 2023

May 30, 2023

The Work Pays Homage to the City of Cairo, Egypt, Its People, and Culture. Author Zeena Pliska will discuss her...

(Video) Renovated Office Space Up For Lease Next To Venice Beach

May 29, 2023

May 29, 2023

78 Market Street provides adjacent restaurant space and is a few blocks away from the beach. @yovenicenews Renovated office and...

Pandemic-Induced Rent Debt Crisis Threatens Housing Stability

May 28, 2023

May 28, 2023

Low-Wage Workers and Communities of Color Disproportionately Affected By Dolores Quintana  Rental debt is an out-of-control problem that has worsened...

Viennese Architect-Designed Home on Market for $5.2M

May 26, 2023

May 26, 2023

The Home Marks the Austrian team’s inaugural U.S. Project. Situated within close proximity to Abbot Kinney and Venice Beach, this...

Heir of Hong Kong Real Estate Empire Buys Venice Home

May 26, 2023

May 26, 2023

The Home Boasts a Pristine White Aesthetic Illuminated by Natural Light. Elaine Chen-Fernandez, a principal heir to one of Hong...

(Video) Homelessness Exacerbated by Santa Monica Rail and Bus System

May 26, 2023

May 26, 2023

The METRO and public bus system has reportedly been a large factor in Santa Monica’s homeless population. @yovenicenews Homelessness in...