Slew of action on numerous issues for consideration makes for a marathon meeting
By Nick Antonicello
The monthly meeting of the Venice Neighborhood Council (www.venicenc.org), looks like a long one according to the agenda approved Thursday evening.
The board will be meeting Tuesday, May 21st at 6:30PM at the Westminster Elementary School located at 1010 Abbot Kinney Boulevard, Venice.
The all-volunteer board is composed of twenty-one elected members on a bi-annual basis and Brian Averill presides as president.
Here are some highlights of the board’s agenda for Tuesday evening:
- The Schools & Parks Committee is seeking a letter of support for Home Grown Gardens Regenerative Food Forest and Pollinator Habitat, and that a letter be sent to CD-11 and LA Recreation and Parks.
- The Schools & Parks Committee is also seeking enforcement of the “off-leash” ordinance at Oakwood Park, to stem the tide of dogs that threaten the safety of children and seniors. In addition these off-leash dogs are digging holes and urinating on dedicated sports fields designed for children, teenagers and young adults.
- Schools & Parks is also recommending specific capital improvements to all Venice parks, and that a letter of support be sent to CD-11 as well as LA Recreation & Parks.
- The Land Use & Planning Committee or LUPC is seeking approval for a wall hedge variance for existing tall fences in front yards.
- The Rules & Selections Committee, now down to just three members with the resignation of CJ Cole is seeking board opposition to neighborhood associations and community councils as having the same privileges as certified neighborhood councils.
- The Schools & Parks Committee is also seeking “consistent, genuine enforcement” of city ordinances, especially regarding camping and overnight sleeping, and storing of personal items by the unhoused.
- The Parking & Transportation Committee is seeking “connectivity” at the cross walk at Venice Boulevard & Abbot Kinney to the island area of Centennial Park which is currently fenced after being cleared and swept of encampments in 2023.
- There is also a motion by Schools & Parks to support playground facilities at Centennial Park and that other options such as vegetation be considered as well.
- A resolution offered by the Parking & Transportation Committee is requesting citations to persons camping in public places in Venice. The resolution said it should be extended to those living in vehicles as well as those who have been provided housing. This resolution if passed would be sent to both CD-11 and the office of Mayor Karen Bass.
- A resolution that was prepared by Community Officer Clark Brown is seeking action to prioritize the towing of RV’s and campers permanently parked near residences, schools, child care centers, parks, post offices, libraries and senior centers. Brown has been a vocal and persistent advocate for the removal of encampments and RV’s here in the neighborhood of Venice and has met resistance in the past to these common sense proposals.
- The VNC will vote to authorize $2,610.60 to purchase children’s tables and chairs for the Venice Library. This initiative was spearheaded by VNC Treasurer Helen Fallon.
- A resolution by the Resiliency Committee is calling for collaboration to create “whole community, all hazards, area specific emergency plans” regarding disaster preparedness.
The board will entertain other issues as well and all stakeholders and Venetians are urged to attend.
Light refreshments will be available to the public.
Nick Antonicello is a thirty-one year resident of Venice who covers the actions of the local Neighborhood Council and serves on both the Outreach and OFW Committees. Have a take or a tip on all things Venice? Contact him by e-mail at nantoni@mindspring.com
