Please support the continuation of the closure of Venice Beach and Boardwalk 12-5 AM for reasons of public safety.
The City has foolishly decided to file for a Coastal Development Permit (CDP) to maintain its decades-old park closure policy from 12 to 5 AM. This is an exposure the City should not risk as closing the beach at any time is well within the exercise of its inherent police powers; e.g., the Los Angeles County Lifeguards did not get a CDP to close the beach last year during lightening storms that threatened to electrocute anyone out on the beach.
In the first step in the CDP process, the Rec. and Parks Department applied for a City CDP to the City's Board of Public Works, which was granted. Now, the usual suspects, which include the head of the Venice Family Clinic and other homeless advocates who filed the earlier lawsuit that led to the City filing for the CDP, have filed an appeal which will be heard this Friday before the Los Angeles City Board of Public Works (DPW).
Fortunately, DPW staff at this point has recommended denying the appeal and maintaining the beach closures at night on all of LA's beaches.
To support the CDP for the beach closure policy please send a simple message, such as:
I support the City 12-5 AM Beach Park Closure Ordinance. I urge you to deny the appeal of the Coastal Development Permit for the Beach Park Closure Ordinance.
Send it to: fernando.campos@lacity.org and norman.mundy@lacity.org
Send copies to: mike.bonin@lacity.org and debbie.dynerharris@lacity.org
The Board agenda is here: http://ens.lacity.org/bpw/agendas/bpwagendas86117942 01192018.htm
The staff report is here: http://boe.lacity.org/docs/dpw/agendas/2018/201801/2018019/boe/20180119 ag br boe 1.pdf
Thanks and best wishes to you and yours for the New Year.
Mark Ryavec
The Venice Stakeholders Association is dedicated to civic improvement. The VSA supports slow growth, protection of the limits of the Venice Local Coastal Specific Plan, neighborhood safety, better traffic circulation, increased parking for residents, neighborhood beautification projects, historic preservation and protection of coastal waters.
