April 14, 2025 #1 Local News, Forum, Information and Event Source for Venice Beach, California.

Judge Rules Against Bulldozing Plan in Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve

Judge James C. Chalfant Of Los Angeles County Conveyed That The California Department Of Fish & Wildlife’s Proposed “Restoration” Plan Was Not Acceptable.

Animal lovers and environmentalists in Southern California are celebrating a victory that benefits approximately one million wild animals across 1,700 species, including endangered and threatened species. 

The Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve, located in Playa del Rey, faced a highly controversial bulldozing plan that posed a threat to its existence. However, a California Superior Court Judge has ruled in favor of Protect Ballona Wetlands and Defend Ballona Wetlands, two community groups dedicated to safeguarding this crucial habitat, which serves as a sanctuary for imperiled wildlife and migratory birds, making it LA’s last remaining coastal wetland.

In a detailed 67-page ruling concerning case number 21STCP00240, Judge James C. Chalfant of Los Angeles County conveyed that the California Department of Fish & Wildlife’s proposed “restoration” plan was not acceptable. He indicated that the department should either abandon the decade-long, $250 million industrial land overhaul project entirely or start anew to rectify the significant errors in flood risk calculations that were utilized in designing the project. This project is situated in a densely populated region of Los Angeles, located at the edge of the Pacific Ocean.

Judge Chalfant emphasized that the State could not employ flood risk standards that were deemed unacceptable by the US Army Corps of Engineers. He stated, “Here, the FEIR [Final Environmental Impact Report] is based on flood control design criteria that currently are infeasible under the Corps’ requirements and cannot be built.”

Public interest lawyer Jamie T. Hall highlighted the nature of this ruling, stating, “The engineers who were generously compensated for designing this project used incorrect flood risk standards, which is a glaring oversight, especially considering concerns about sea level rise on the coast.”

Actor James Cromwell, who joined the opposition against the bulldozing plan, confidently stated, “We will win,” during a gathering of animal lovers, environmentalists, and community leaders in Venice. Cromwell questioned the administration’s commitment to “nature-based solutions” for protecting the planet.

in News
Related Posts

Burned Lot Listings Surge in Palisades as Post-Wildfire Market Softens

April 14, 2025

April 14, 2025

Although buyers remain hesitant, well-priced lots in desirable locations continue to move The real estate market in Pacific Palisades is...

Potential Curfew Coming to Santa Monica State Beach after Violent Incidents

April 14, 2025

April 14, 2025

The discussion follows several disturbing incidents that occurred during late-night hours on or near the beach City leaders in Santa...

Pacific Coast Highway to Reopen by End of May, Newsom Announces

April 14, 2025

April 14, 2025

The route is critical for connecting Los Angeles, especially as summer tourism ramps up The Pacific Coast Highway, a vital...

Rebuild Stronger with Build Strong – We’re With You Every Step of the Way

April 14, 2025

April 14, 2025

Build Strong is here to guide you through each step of the rebuilding process, from filing insurance claims to restoring...

(Video) Marina del Rey Celebrates 60th Birthday with DJs, Dancing and a Mime

April 13, 2025

April 13, 2025

Events, public festivities, and themed promotions at Fisherman’s Village marked the occasion Events, public festivities, and themed promotions at Fisherman’s...

Venice Shorts: New Trees for OFW, Greater Enforcement of E-bikes at the Beach

April 13, 2025

April 13, 2025

Community leaders tackle beach safety, e-bike enforcement, and upcoming summer events at latest Oceanfront Walk Committee meeting By Nick Antonicello ...

Cockroach Infestation Temporarily Closes Tonic Bar at Erewhon Santa Monica

April 10, 2025

April 10, 2025

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health temporarily shut down the tonic bar at Erewhon Market’s Santa Monica location...

County Offers Housing Vouchers to Wildfire Survivors

April 10, 2025

April 10, 2025

Priority placement is being granted to those who lost their homes in the early 2025 wildfires Survivors of the January...

THIS WEEKEND: Volunteers to Tackle Trash at Ballona Creek in Venice Surfing Association Cleanup

April 10, 2025

April 10, 2025

The effort is part of a nationwide campaign to clean 100 beaches and remove one million pounds of plastic from...

Venice Shorts: Grayson Freshly Paved Today

April 10, 2025

April 10, 2025

A series of repaving projects are happening here at the beach By Nick Antonicello  A series of resurfacing and paving...

Santa Monica Councilmember Clarifies Position on Fairview Library Amid Public Outcry

April 10, 2025

April 10, 2025

The statement came during a packed City Council meeting April 8, where dozens of residents—many holding signs reading “Save the...

Hal Frederick, Beloved Venice Restaurateur Who Helped Name Abbot Kinney Blvd., Dies at 91

April 9, 2025

April 9, 2025

In 1987, he opened Hal’s Bar & Grill on what was then still called West Washington Boulevard—a street Frederick helped...

Palisades Recovery Coalition to Present Rebuilding Draft Plan

April 9, 2025

April 9, 2025

Described as a “structured, methodical approach” to post-disaster recovery, the plan aims to streamline materials management, workforce deployment, and legislative...

Art Museum Opens Photo Exhibit Honoring First Responders of LA Wildfires

April 9, 2025

April 9, 2025

The exhibition includes photographs of firefighters, paramedics, law enforcement officers, and volunteers working during the height of the crisis A...

Man Attempts to Steal Route 66 Sign, No Arrest Made

April 9, 2025

April 9, 2025

Police said the man left the area without further incident A man was detained Sunday afternoon after police found him...