Thursday, January 19, 2012

VNC to Oppose Enforcement of Ban on Camping on OFW




Please Attend this Meeting and Voice Your Support for the Beach Curfew to End the Cesspool of Drugs, Alcohol, Public Inebriation, Intimidation and Late Night Noise along Ocean Front Walk


(Venice, CA/01-19-12)  The leadership of the Venice Neighborhood Council has convened a meeting to allow its allies to voice their opposition to enforcement of the existing City Beach Curfew.  This comes upon the heels of the City’s posting of signs that spell out the 12-5AM curfew and the determination of the City Attorney and LAPD to enforce it.

The Venice Neighborhood Council's Neighborhood Committee will hear from City representatives and residents about the newly posted rules that close Ocean Front Walk and the beach and grassy areas from 12 to 5AM. The meeting will be held Monday, January 23rd, at approximately 8:00PM, in the Oakwood Park Recreation Center, 767 California (enter from 7th Avenue).

The Neighborhood Committee is not elected from the various neighborhoods that comprise Venice, but are appointed by VNC president Linda Lucks.  As such, they represent Ms. Lucks views on Venice, not the broad majority of residents who have filed numerous complaints about the intolerable situation we all see on the Boardwalk.  The current population living on the Boardwalk and the park areas deprive the residents and visitors of their right to safely enjoy this public space.  The City is long overdue in taking the steps seen in nearby cities such as Santa Monica to stop camping in public parks.

Much of the crime in Venice, from car break-ins and home invasions to burglaries and vandalism, has its start in the lawless attitudes of those who live on Ocean Front Walk and the population of criminals and drug users/dealers that they attract to Venice.  Tell the VNC that you want it to stop.

Those residents who want to see the police follow-through on enforcement of the curfew should come to the meeting and speak up for enforcement.  We will need a good turn out to show the LAPD and Council Office that the majority of Venetians favor enforcement.