I’m writing again about public safety because the last couple of weeks have been a challenge, especially for our friends and neighbors near the boardwalk in Venice, an area long plagued by drugs, crime, and random violence.
Since well before Memorial Day, our office has worked closely with LAPD, LA Park Rangers, LASAN, and our service providers to deploy additional resources at the beach. We’ve also established an Ocean Front Walk task force comprised of local residents and businesses, and we conduct regular CARE and CARE+ operations every week.
Although these efforts have decreased crime by more than 50% in the area, they weren’t enough to stop vicious attacks on a Metro bus driver and a beloved dog out for an innocent walk with his owner, multiple overdose deaths, or an individual from scaling telephone poles and rooftops to barricade himself inside a vacant building. Like you, I want to see change.
We still have much work to do, but you have my firm commitment to leverage every resource available until we see results that keep every Angeleno safe at our City’s most famous beach.
Creating safe neighborhoods takes a village. Whether it's reporting crime at Crime Stoppers or creating a neighborhood watch, we are here to partner with you. Contact my team if you would like to be involved.
Moving Motions Forward
It was a busy week in Council as we moved some important items forward.
My motion regarding the City's role in the Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Court Program was unanimously approved on Tuesday. With CARE Court expected to come online in Los Angeles County in December, it's imperative for the City to understand its role in working with the County to bring resources and services to some of the most vulnerable people living on our streets.
With the Ellis Act evictions at Barrington Plaza underway, the City Council passed my motion instructing the Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD) to report to the City Council every month and the City Attorney to assess whether the City can legally intervene in the eviction process. We are fully committed to ensuring accountability and transparency and will continue our work to ensure all tenant rights are protected.
We also approved funding to repair and stabilize the roadway near South Vista Del Mar Lane in Playa del Rey, which was damaged during the severe weather events this winter. We are pleased this public safety issue will be addressed just in time for the summer beach rush.
The Planning & Land Use Management (PLUM) Committee passed the Wildlife Ordinance, which seeks to balance protection of wildlife habitat and property development and create more sustainable outcomes for the hillsides. This new ordinance will now make its way to Council for a full vote.
A Bridge Home Update
This week, five Venice Bridge Home residents successfully transitioned into Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH). One of my top priorities for our local service providers is to speed up transition time from interim to permanent housing, which enables us to more quickly move people off the streets.
We also began our beautification of the area around the Bridge Home. On Friday, crews removed weeds that had been growing unattended for several years. This effort is just the first in a series of improvements to update and revitalize the area.
Women Against Gun Violence
On Friday, we honored Women Against Gun Violence as they celebrated their 30th anniversary. Over the past three decades, this remarkable organization has tirelessly worked to advance legislation, raise public awareness, and implement educational programs aimed at preventing gun violence.
Go Skate Day
This week, we celebrated Go Skate Day. As the representative of the 11th District, I’m proud to have the vibrant skate culture and iconic Venice Skatepark in my backyard. From surfers-turned-skateboarders to Olympic athletes, our rich history fuels the thriving skateboarding community that makes us truly special.
Palisades Design Review Board
The Palisades Design Review Board (DRB) is looking for new team members. As a City-appointed body, the DRB conducts official hearings and reviews projects within the Pacific Palisades Commercial Village and and neighborhoods. If you are passionate about community development, this is a great opportunity to get involved! To learn more about the DRB and its responsibilities, click here. If you're interested in joining the Board, send your resume and letter of interest to michael.amster@lacity.org.
Park’s Pick
This week's Park's Pick is The Rose Venice! Situated a few blocks from the beach in the heart of North Venice, The Rose is an iconic restaurant serving locals and visitors since 1979. Led by talented chef Jason Neroni, The Rose offers modern California cuisine influenced by flavors from all around the world. Their menu is driven by fresh seasonal ingredients sourced from local farms. They also have a carefully curated wine list, featuring boutique producers committed to sustainable practices.
Adopt-A-Pet
Meet Jessica, a one-year-old sweetheart who loves going on walks and showering her owners with affection. She's waiting for you at our Harbor Center! At all six of our shelters, just like Jessica, our dogs and cats are ready to join their forever homes.
