April 26, 2025 #1 Local News, Forum, Information and Event Source for Venice Beach, California.

Venice Chamber of Commerce Hosts Senator Ben Allen at the Jamaica Bay Inn

Longtime Legislator Fields Questions From Membership on a Host of Issues Important to Venice

By Nick Antonicello

Ben Allen, now in his third and final term in the California Senate has represented this sprawling district of some 900,000 residents for nearly a decade.

A husband and father with a second child on the way, Allen addressed about 100 members of the Venice Chamber of Commerce at their membership mixer Tuesday evening held at the Jamaica Bay Inn located in Marina del Rey.

A strong supporter of the arts, Senator Allen noted that Venice Arts was named California’s non-profit of the year to the delight of those in attendance for Allen’s 24th Legislative District. Venice Arts is known to “ignite, expand, and transform the lives of LA’s low income youth.”

In a broad-ranging address, Allen touched on the issue of homelessness, state funding, the environment, crime, constituent services and overall effort to partner with the business community so they can prosper in a post pandemic economy.

Describing California as a “vital global force,” Allen recently attended Climate Week in New York and announced that emissions were leveling off, but there was plenty of room for improvement.

Allen reported that investment by the state of California to battle the homeless crisis is now $16 billion dollars and these funds will be directed to local city officials such as Mayor Karen Bass and Councilwoman Traci Park (CD-11) in the legislature’s effort to fully fund a solution to the crisis on the streets today statewide as well as here in Venice. Allen discussed the impending referendum that could appear on next year’s November ballot that would provide some $6 billion dollars for mental health and housing services.

Allen agreed that the status quo “is not working,” and balancing civil liberties with solutions was difficult policy equation. He spoke about a friend of his family who lost his life due to the lack of a security net and that the social services community needs more tools at their disposal.

Allen believed the depth of the homelessness crisis has the full attention of the legislature and that local government will see a bottom-up approach moving forward.

Allen touched upon an increase in the state’s minimum wage as well as reforms he seeks in ballot measures and legislative action.

The issue of street vendors also came into discussion and that regulation of such activities was probably warranted, but still supported these activities in the district.

On the issue of crime and in particular “smash and grab” actions in retail outlets, Allen indicated that some $16 million dollars was secured for LAPD as well as the LA County’s Sheriff’s Department to combat these actions moving forward.

For property crime, retail theft and loss prevention were at the top of his priorities.

On the issue of outdoor dining, Allen supports an easing of the permit process and strongly supports El Fresco opportunities for restaurants, especially within the coastal zone to the applause of those in attendance. Allen said he wants to work with the California Coastal Commission to relieve unnecessary restrictions that stifle outside eating opportunities for businesses in the coastal zone like Venice.

While the state has not dipped into it’s Rainy Day fund, he anticipates revenues to be an issue in formulating the new state budget. Overall, Allen’s message was bright and optimistic and urged all members of the VCC to reach out to his El Segundo office should they have a state related issue and Allen noted that his staff prides itself on constituent services and helping small business operators like the members gathered this evening.

Senator Allen thanked the leadership of the Venice Chamber for the opportunity to speak and wished all in attendance a happy holiday season.

Allen took questions and mingled with members after his off-the-cuff remarks.

According to his senate biography, California State Senator Ben Allen represents the 24th Senate District, covering the Westside, Hollywood, South Bay, and Santa Monica Mountains communities of Los Angeles County. Ben was first elected in 2014 and is now serving his third and final term in the State Senate.

Senator Allen chairs the Senate’s Environmental Quality Committee and co-chairs the Legislature’s Environmental Caucus, is a member of the Legislative Jewish Caucus, chairs the Legislature’s Joint Committee on the Arts, and the Senate Select Committee on Aerospace and Defense. He previously served as Chair of the Education Committee (2017-2019) and Chair of the Elections and Constitutional Amendments Committee (2015-2016).

Allen has thrown himself into the important work of state government, focusing on wise decision-making and pushing for reforms that address systemic inadequacies in our state. He has authored nearly 60 new laws in various areas, from environmental protection to electoral reform.

During his first two terms in the Senate, fighting the climate crisis and protecting our state’s precious natural resources have been among Ben’s top priorities. Cal Matters recently recognized him as one of the Legislature’s foremost leaders in the field of environmental protection. He authored SB 54, groundbreaking legislation to address plastic pollution, which Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law to international acclaim. The New York Times called SB 54 “the most sweeping restrictions on plastics in the nation” and suggested the legislation is “another route for curbing carbon emissions and trying to sidestep the worst consequences of global warming” after the Supreme Court gutted the federal government’s power to regulate carbon emissions.

Nick Antonicello is a member of the VCC and thirty-year resident that covers all things Venice. Have a take or a tip on the neighborhood? Reach him via e-mail at nantoni@mindspring.com

in Hard, News
Related Posts

THIS WEEKEND: Art and Music Festival Takes Over Third Street Promenade

April 25, 2025

April 25, 2025

Admission is free and open to the public The Third Street Promenade will transform into a lively celebration of creativity...

CHP Arrests Man Accused of Stealing $5K of Copper on PCH

April 25, 2025

April 25, 2025

The suspect was arrested on suspicion of grand theft and was booked at the Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station A 22-year-old...

Topanga Beach Bus Resumes Service Between West Valley and Santa Monica

April 25, 2025

April 25, 2025

The route now operates once daily in each direction and is being escorted by Caltrans The Topanga Beach Bus resumed...

(Video) The Willows: 30 Years Going Strong

April 25, 2025

April 25, 2025

Founded in 1994, The Willows Community School, located in Culver City, California, is a Developmental Kindergarten through 8th grade non-profit, co-educational...

ASTEME Camps Explore Science, Technology, Math and Engineering

April 25, 2025

April 25, 2025

Many teachers and parents hear this question daily when it comes to schooling: “When am I ever going to use...

Q&A: No Age Limit on Home Care Management & Home Safety, Tips from a Care Manager

April 24, 2025

April 24, 2025

In-home safety issues that go unnoticed — cracked sidewalks, broken railings or uneven flooring for example — are often the root...

L.A. Louver Hosts Exhibition Honoring Artist William Brice

April 24, 2025

April 24, 2025

At the center of the exhibition is Brice’s *Untitled* (c. 1969), a painting that reflects a key transitional moment in...

Venice Shorts: Monster RV Returns to S. Venice Boulevard

April 24, 2025

April 24, 2025

Area Opposite Free Public Library Repopulates With Permanent Camping  By Nick Antonicello  LA City officials made a concerted effort to...

Dashboard Shows 28 Zoning Reviews Cleared in Palisades Fire Zone

April 24, 2025

April 24, 2025

County officials say the dashboard is updated frequently and is part of a broader push for transparency A new Los...

Four Proposals Compete for SMC Station’s Affordable Housing Future

April 24, 2025

April 24, 2025

The site sits in the Pico Neighborhood, where 83% of trips are by car and nearly half of residents struggle...

Man Found Dead Near Venice Restrooms; Investigation Ongoing

April 24, 2025

April 24, 2025

Authorities have not confirmed whether foul play or drug involvement is suspected A man was found dead Wednesday morning near...

Tony P’s Dockside Grill to Close After 28 Years in Marina del Rey

April 24, 2025

April 24, 2025

In a farewell letter to patrons, owners wrote, “We hope these final weeks are a celebration of all we have...

Big Blue Bus Stops Can Now be Adopted

April 23, 2025

April 23, 2025

A new effort by Santa Monica aims to supplement city maintenance crews and increase engagement around public transit The City...

(Video) A Myriad of Ways to Unlock Your Beauty Offered at Mirror Mirror Med Spa

April 23, 2025

April 23, 2025

For More Info, Go To Mirrormedspa.com For More Info, Go To https://t.co/hvFkJYe1lt pic.twitter.com/eIYbwuQ72c — Yo! Venice! (@YoVenice) April 23, 2025

(Video) Palisades High School Holds First Day at New Santa Monica Location

April 23, 2025

April 23, 2025

Months After the Wildfires, Pali High Will No Longer Hold Classes Via Zoom and Have Them in a Temporary Santa...