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WESTSIDE - The Oceanfront Walk Committee of the Venice Neighborhood Council met last week and discussed a wide-ranging number of topics including the renovation of pagodas to preparations for the 2028 Summer Olympics.
The meeting took place at the Westminster Senior Center located on Pacific Avenue and was chaired by Community Officer Fran Solomon, herself a beach side resident.
The committee membership includes Solomon, Todd Eichenberger, Noel Johnson, Deborah Keaton, Clark Brown and me.
About 35 or so residents attended including VNC board members Gary Pearl, Lisa Redmond, Erica Moore, Yolanda Gonzalez and Sarah Mahir.
No minutes were available as Solomon opened the meeting to public comment.
Secretary Clark Brown was absent.
Chairperson Solomon offered initial comments regarding the improving conditions at the boardwalk regarding crime, safety and the park's overall appearance and look.
Solomon noted that beach plans are taking place with the LA Office of Major Events headed by former LA councilmember Paul Krekorian. It was noted that the winner of the Olympic Triathlon will be awarded their medal at the beach as a dramatic backdrop.
It was also announced that a major tree-trimming initiative will take place between Washington and Navy Street. There are an estimated 600 palm trees at the beach.
Sean Silva, the Venice Deputy for Councilwoman Park (CD-11) remarked that much focus on event planning at the beach will continue and that OFW remains a Park priority.
Silva updated on safety concerns such as the installation of the Meridian barriers in concert with the bollards to reduce the number of cars that find their way to the boardwalk.
It was also noted a dramatic drop in illegally driven scooters and Silva announced that the city broke ground on the largely anticipated new children's playground and that its reopening is anticipated for late February, early March. Silva also stated that a marked decrease of homeless individuals and encampments at the beach has been realized.
"Clean, safe and accessible" was the city's goals and objectives for OFW as capital improvements at the skate park and landscaping will continue as The World Cup, Super Bowl and Summer Olympics will be hosted by Los Angeles in 2026, 2027 and 2028.
Under public discussion, the owner of Jay's Rentals at the beach suggested a widening of the bike path to accommodate more riders as a way to prepare for increased tourism with these major events on the horizon. He also lobbied for more space to accommodate the bikes and scooters rented to the public.
Deputy Silva also discussed the survey assessments being made regarding the restoration of the pagodas that are currently closed to the public during this refurbishment.
Silva noted that the pagodas do not have historic landmark status, which gives Los Angeles more flexibility to renovate.
"Old is not historic," offered Silva.
LAPD offered new crime data indicating that citations were up 90% while a marked 40% decrease in crime at the beach to the delight of those in attendance as a "cleaner and safer" boardwalk is the stated policy objective.
It was also noted that LAPD was cracking down on unleashed dogs as well as unauthorized ridership of motorized bikes & scooters along the boardwalk.
Ambassadors at OFW are assisting in the upkeep of public restrooms as increases in signage would be forthcoming.
Amanda Heinke, a Venice stakeholder and municipal planner by profession updated the committee as to her efforts to secure beach walkways for residents and tourists alike.
Venice currently has two and Santa Monica seven.
The cost of these walkways was estimated at $750,000 per walkway including installation.
Heinke suggested Brooks as a candidate for a future walkway and announced that the Office of Mayor Karen Bass was highly interested in the project as well as LA Supervisor Lindsey Horvath.
In lieu of these major events coming to LA like the Summer Olympics, it was suggested that corporate sponsorship be considered and investigated as a financial option as well.
The meeting concluded with conversation and public input on the installation of flags of the participating Olympic countries displayed at the beach as a welcoming sign of unity, sportsmanship, and recognition of these nations here in Venice.
(Nick Antonicello is a thirty-two-year resident of the neighborhood who exclusively covers the deliberations of the Venice Neighborhood Council. Also, a member of the OFW Committee, he can be reached via e-mail at [email protected])
