Living in Venice

L.A.P.D. Police Advisory Pacific Division

2010-04-26T16:44:00.000-07:00

Reminder: This is an update of current events of concern in the Pacific Area Community.

This is an update of current events of concern in the Pacific Area Community.

Recently there has been an increase in Theft From Person's. We are asking people to be aware of their surroundings when in public places. The new iPhone is currently being targeted by suspects. We want to remind people not to leave items or merchandise in plain view in their vehicles. Again, iPhones, electronic devices, gym bags, lap tops, or money. Please be especially diligent when visiting Venice Beach this summer. Another item of concern in the greater Los Angeles Area is Grand Theft Auto(GTA)of Jeep Wrangler's particularly doors and soft tops.

Venice/Oakwood Community Member’s: There has been an increase in Home Burglaries while the victims are at home. As the warmer months approach please keep your doors locked even when you're inside the house.

Address/Location
LAPD - Pacific
12312 Culver Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90230

Sign up for notifications: Nixle.com

ABC News Town Hall Meeting at the Boys & Girls Club of Venice

2010-03-21T09:08:00.000-07:00

Here's your chance to talk and voice your opinion!

When:
Wednesday, March 24, 2010

What time: 6:00 to 8:00 pm

Where:
Boys & Girls Club of Venice (Venice Blvd. & Lincoln Blvd.)
2232 Lincoln Blvd. Venice Ca. 90291

www.bgcv.org

ABC7's News, Programming and Public Affairs Departments will be in Venice to meet with community leaders and residents. Our goal is to hear from you about local issues and stories that affect your community.

Boys & Girls Club of Venice invites us to a town hall meeting.

Thank you Yo Venice

2010-03-20T05:58:00.000-07:00

This comment came in from the owner of Yo Venice and we wanted to post it because they sum up some of the issues we have so well. As we posted many times before, it is quality of life issues for all of us, not just the residents but the homeless neighbors we have also. This is a health issue for us, all of us. We just would like to have a clean healthy and safe community.

"Yo Venice is my site. I also posted the following. What is your stance on the issue?

I don't think anyone in Venice really minds "the homeless" and wants Venice to be "whitieville" like the Palisades or Manhattan Beach. I think people mind transients that verbally and physically attack people, steal shit, and in general are not cool. If your neighbor played trumpet from 3-6 am you would be pissed. There is nothing wrong with trumpet players, its just when and how ya play the thing … if the new breed of transients were showing any respect to the community, rather than just trashing it, harrasing people, and fighting with residents, I dont think anyone would really mind them sleeping in the park or living in their trucks. Venice is a compassioante place and that is how all the homeless ended up here in the first place. But "as is" many of the transients are being "4 am" trumpet players and that has ta be shut down until they decide to play nice with the community and respect where they are.

What is happening here is not your down on your luck Woody Guthrie dustbowl era "could I sweep your sidewalks or wash your windows for a meal" homeless/ transients whom a community should try and help back up the ladder. This group by and large are spoiled brats that think you "owe them" something just for walking by them on the street. If you ignore them they may attack you. Screw that … it is time for them to go.

The homeless activists fight for the homeless that they think are being dehumanized. I am all for that, no one should be made to feel less than human. The problem is that this new group of transients is doing the reverse, they are dehumanizing the neighborhood of Venice, treating it like it just doesn't matter, and the residents here just don't matter to them. Everyone has the right not to feel marginalized and feel like their existence is respected by their fellow man … what you are seeing here in these forums is people that, while they may have a roof over their head, a computer to type on and some money to spend on dinner each night, .. are angry that the transients are in fact dehumanizing THEM, treating THEM with ill will and no respect. If the transients here can't respect "their neighbors" they should be dealt with by laws that are on the books … laws that were set in place to force disrespectful people to show some respect to others … and thats what these weekly writeins are about"

Quality of life issues in Venice.

2010-03-18T08:39:00.000-07:00

.......We call Rose Avenue "Skid Rose"...

From: YoVenice.com "Have you noticed Venice getting better? Are there less aggressive transients around town? Do you feel safe walking near your own home? If not, you need to make the effort and write in again this week.

In the last week, readers of this site have commented that the LAPD Pacific Division seems to be listening and helping out our community by getting safety lights replaced and making their presence known to some of the transients that are terrorizing our neighborhood.

THANK YOU LAPD!

Readers here have also mentioned that LAPD officers have been told not to pursue these aggressive transients by decree of Councilman Rosendahls office. We do not know the validity of this, but have been forwarded emails that show the “Legal Clinic for Venice”, sponsored by The Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles has actively been passing out fliers to the “Homeless People and People Living in Vehicles” in Venice that seem to be begging the homeless and people living in vehicles to make legal cases against the LAPD in their enforcement of existing laws that prevent people from living on city streets."

Click here to read YoVenice.com blog.

This was in response to .....

A “pissed off” Venice resident tired of being “pissed on” has decided to start an old fashioned write in campaign to get the community together for the greater good of safety by petitioning local politicians and police members to actively try and improve the living conditions for all Venice residents.

Here is the “write in” letter from Venice Resident Steve G:

The Subject Line Should Read:
VENICE RESIDENTS REQUEST MORE POLICE SUPPORT!

(Personalize this or Cut and Paste if you like but this is what I am writing:)

Dear Mr Mayor, Mr Rosendahl and Captain Peters,

As a long time Venice resident I cant help but notice the growing number of Transients, Homeless and RV Dwellers that have invaded Venice in the past year. It is sad that some of these people have fallen on hard times, but some are Mentally Ill, Substance Abusers or just “Homeless by Choice” Why is the City ignoring the requests of victims (taxpayers) of this squalor. Puke on the sidewalks, “homeless” people, addicts and RV dwellers harassing actual tax paying residents and tourists is simply unacceptable.

I have learned that there has been a request for a special police unit dedicated to the Transient/Homeless people living in Venice. This is my official request as a tax paying Venice resident.

WE NEED MORE POLICE OFFICERS DEDICATED TO THE TRANSIENT/HOMELESS ISSUES WE ARE EXPERIENCING HERE IN VENICE!

There is a fine line between Civil Rights Taxpayers Rights, Human Rights and Quality of Life.

Earthquake Rediness

2010-03-16T11:35:00.001-07:00

Are you prepared?
Are you Ready?

Click here for EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS booklet prepared by the Fire Department.

Give Blood, Give Life

2009-12-29T12:46:00.000-08:00

LAPD Pacific Division

Life-Saving Blood Drive

Wednesday January 27, 2010
2:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Location: Pacific Station, 12312 Culver Blvd
Red Cross Bloodmobile
(In the rear parking lot)
Sign up online at www.givelife.org sponsor code:
badge or Sophia 310-202-2890

Questions please contact Officer Kristan Delatori or Officer Sophia Castaneda –
CRO Office (310)202-4524
Please Bring Picture ID

Local television abc7.com visits Venice.

2009-10-19T08:11:00.000-07:00

An elderly mother and her two sons call an SUV home parked on the streets and parking lots around the beach area.

"She is partly homeless by choice; she refuses to live in a state-supported convalescent home, and her two sons refuse to place her there."

"For the last five years, Berger and her sons have made their home in an old Suburban."

ABC7.COM

Lincoln Place landlord settles with tenants

2009-10-07T07:56:00.000-07:00

Source: Santa Monica Daily Press

Lincoln Place landlord settles with tenants

by Melody Hanatani

October 06, 2009

VENICE — A classic landlord-tenant battle came to a close recently when the owners and former residents of Lincoln Place reached a settlement that not only preserves a group of historic buildings from demolition but allows renters to return to their one-time home.

The agreement with the property owner, the Apartment Investment and Management Co. (AIMCO), will avail up to 83 units to former tenants who are part of the settling party and limit new construction to the replacement of 99 units that previously existed on a now-vacant lot, a far smaller-scaled project compared to a 1993 plan to build 850 units on the 33-acre site, most of which would have been market-rate condos.

While the settlement is contingent on a separate agreement between AIMCO, the city of Los Angeles and other tenant groups, residents are optimistic that their needs will prevail.

“We are confident the city will do everything they can to accommodate the interest of tenants and get the apartment back running,” John Murdock, an attorney representing the tenants, said.

Just less than a dozen tenants remain in the garden-style apartment complex that once boasted 52 buildings and 795 units that were developed in 1951 and backed by the Federal Housing Authority to support World War II veterans and their families. The complex has however been largely abandoned following a series of legal fights that began after 1993 when the property owner proposed redeveloping the site, including a lawsuit over the eviction of more than 50 households. Tenants claimed in the lawsuit that AIMCO violated conditions of the California Environmental Quality Act as well as an agreement with the city of L.A. to relocate tenants to other units or properties instead of evicting them. The Second District Court of Appeals later ruled the evictions were unlawful.

There were 147 households involved in litigation.

“We are very excited to put the community back together, to breathe some life to the area, to return much needed housing to the city of Venice and L.A. and get this behind us and chart a positive future,” Patti Shwayder, senior vice president for AIMCO, said. “We’ve been in three separate settlement negotiations over the years and I guess the third time is the charm.”

Most of the tenants voluntarily left the complex after accepting relocation packages that included thousands of dollars to help pay for moving expenses. Those who did not accept the offer were evicted. Some staged a “tent city” to protest the evictions.

The settlement includes the preservation of the exteriors of existing historically eligible buildings, a victory for preservationist Amanda Seward who nominated the property for listing on the California Register of Historic Resources.

The California State Historic Resources Commission determined the property was historic, which the property owner later appealed. AIMCO agreed to drop the appeal to the commission’s decision that the property is eligible in the California Register as a historic district.

Lincoln Place was designed by architect Ralph Vaughn in his signature “Hollywood stylized” version of modern architecture, Seward said.

“It was the largest post World War II development built under a special governmental program designed to provide financial support for working class housing after the war,” Seward said regarding the significance of the property.

AIMCO plans to submit a design plan after all legal disputes are settled. Shwayder said development of the 99 units will be contextual with the existing neighborhood.

Sheila Bernard, the president of the Lincoln Place Tenants Association, has lived in the complex since August 1988 and is one of 11 tenants who still remain, most of whom are seniors or disabled.

She said the tenants have been mostly “hunkered” down over the past several years and remain cautiously optimistic that a resolution will be reached with the city of Los Angeles.

“I think from the very beginning all we really wanted was a fair resolution and a chance to live there and be at peace,” she said. “Anything we did during all those years was fundamentally in that direction.

“We’re very hopeful that we will have achieved that objective with that settlement.”

melodyh@smdp.com

Please call 311 to report human feces!

2009-08-14T16:25:00.000-07:00

Please call 311 to report human feces on the streets & alley ways!

They will take the report and also ask for the Department of Sanitation Watershed Division.

One of the residents did this recently and Inspector Lee responded in 6 hours!

They will clear feces from public areas and sidewalks, but not private property.

Remember, whatever is on the sidewalk and streets winds up in the storm drains!

UNTREATED human waste on the streets is an extreme public health risk to all of us!

We also recommend that you also the call the Department of Health at 800-427-8700 and file a report.

If you do call please follow up with an eMail and get the name of the person you spoke with, the date and the time. Creating a paper trail is really good, also if you have the stomach for it snap a picture and include it in your eMail. Most of us have cell phones with cameras and digital cameras, if you do not a throw away camera is very reasonable these days.

Remember a picture is worth a thousand words.

Please be vigilant in reporting to official agencies and let them know we have an extreme
and chronic homeless situation & human feces in in the streets of Venice. People living on the streets also use the streets as their toilet.

Keep track of your complaints.

Some useful phone numbers.

2009-07-16T12:31:00.000-07:00

First when should you call 911?

911 is used for Life Threatening Emergencies Only

A crime is in progress
You require medical attention and need Paramedics
There is a fire
Domestic Violence in progress

You can call 911 from a Cell Phone but the response time may be delayed, if you have an Emergency when ever possible use a Land Line for a faster response.

***

The Non-Emergency phone number for the L.A.P.D. is 1-877-ASK-LAPD or 1-877-275-5273

Loud Parties or other Disturbances
Suspicious Activity
Trespass or Loitering

***

For access to all city services for Residents of Los Angeles call 311
Los Angeles County Residents the number is 211

For Non Police related information
They will either provide you information or advise the contact information of the agency you should contact for your specific need.

***

Here is a useful number if you are stuck on the freeway and there is no call box and you do not want to leave your car. Call 399 from your cell phone.

This works from any cell phone
Live operator will connect you with either the Metro Freeway Service Patrol or your Auto Club
This is a non Emergency number for roadside assistance while on the freeway

***

Anonymous tip line for L.A.P.D. 877-LAWFULL or 877-529-3855

***

Graffiti problems, call Pacific Division Graffiti Solutions 310-204-2749

Pacific Graffiti Solutions will identidy the graffiti if it is gang related and reports are issued to L.A.P.D.
Be specific and have the exact street address and or cross streets and what the graffiti is on. ie telephone pole, garage door etc.

Los Angeles Police Department Pacific Division front desk 310-482-6334

L.A.P.D. Blog lapdblog.typepad.com/

Crime Prevention Tip from the L.A.P.D.

2009-06-22T07:15:00.000-07:00

Vehicle Robbery, "Carjacking" Prevention

Vehicle robbery is by no means a new crime, nor is it sweeping the nation in epidemic proportions. Vehicle owners have been victims of this crime for decades. The term "carjacking" was coined by the news media. The term has raised fear levels out of proportion with the actual probability of becoming a victim. Realistically, this is a crime of low probability, but potentially high consequences........

Being the victim of a "carjacking" can be dangerous, even deadly......

When there is an emergency not requiring 9-1-1, spare change for a phone call can save the day. Keep the spare change with you at all times and keep important phone numbers in your wallet or purse.

Know the area in which you are traveling. Take the time to learn the locations of police and fire stations and emergency rooms. Leave a written itinerary with family or friends including the expected time of departure and arrival. Call to announce your arrival, or any changes in your plans.

When traveling out of town, plan all trips carefully. Carry maps with routes and destinations clearly marked. Service your vehicle regularly to ensure it is mechanically sound. It is much safer to travel on main roads during daylight hours. Never pick up strangers, under any circumstances, and keep your doors locked and windows closed at all times. Never drive with less than a 1/4 of a tank of gasoline on short trips. Never drive with less than a 1/2 of a tank of gasoline on long trips.

When possible, drive in the lane nearest the center of the road to distance any would-be pedestrian attacker from your vehicle. Drive on well-lighted, well-traveled streets. Avoid shortcuts that take you on dark, isolated streets. Do not drive wearing expensive jewelry. Do not leave other valuable items in view. Lock valuables in the trunk.

When stopped in traffic, leave sufficient space between your vehicle and any vehicle in front of yours. If someone approaches in a threatening manner, the open space will allow you to move forward or leave the location. Do not stop directly along side a vehicle in an adjacent lane. If possible, stop 1/2 vehicle length offset, keeping your vehicle in gear.

Do not park next to vans or other high profile vehicles that could conceal a suspect. When returning to your vehicle, have your keys in hand and be ready to unlock and enter your vehicle without delay. As you approach your vehicle, check from a distance for any suspicious activity along your path. Look under your vehicle from a distance. Upon arriving at your vehicle, look in the back seat area for any secluded intruder. If you have a two-door vehicle, leave the seat backs pushed forward so you can easily inspect the rear area. Most importantly, if you have suspicions, request a security escort, or walk with other people to where your vehicle is parked. Walk together and keep an eye on each other until everyone is safely locked inside their vehicles.

When parking in your garage, leave your vehicle lights on and inspect the surroundings as you close your garage door. Automatic door openers are recommended. Once the automatic garage door is closed, only then unlock your door and exit the vehicle.

If your vehicle breaks down on the road, attempt to move your vehicle to a safe location. Activate the emergency flashers and stay locked inside until help arrives. If someone stops to offer assistance, request they summon help from an authorized emergency roadside service.

If the driver of a vehicle with no markings motions you to pull over to the side of the road, do not pull over. Keep driving to the nearest open business or where other people are present. However, comply immediately when directed by an officer in a marked vehicle. Nevertheless, if you sense anything out of the ordinary, you may request to see identification. Law enforcement officials understand this type of concern.

If you feel you are being followed by another vehicle, do not drive home. Drive to the nearest police or fire station. If one is not nearby, drive to an open business and honk your horn. Call the police immediately and give them the suspect and vehicle description. This will alert the police and could possibly assist in solving other similar crimes.

If you are involved in a minor traffic accident and suspect suspicious circumstances, do not check the damage in a remote area or on the freeway. Motion the other driver to follow you to the nearest police or fire station or open business to exchange information. In all situations, immediately note the driver and vehicle description.

If you are attacked and the suspect has a weapon and demands your valuables or vehicle, comply. Your property can be replaced or recovered later. In some cases "carjackers" have abducted their victims along with their vehicles. These cases require in-depth mental preparedness. There is no cut and dried security advice for drivers threatened with abduction. In these situations, the attacker’s actions and victim abilities vary widely. Taking action is a personal decision. If pleading for your release, and all other measures fail, do everything within your power to escape.

Once you and your attacker are in your vehicle, the "carjacker" has total control. There is no way to predict if the "carjacker" will harm you. One tactic you might consider, if you are outside your vehicle is to fall flat on the ground. The "carjacker" may not want to take the time to force you inside the vehicle.

If you are inside your vehicle, consider offering a credit or cash withdrawal card to entice the attacker. If accepted, this may give you the opportunity to flee.

Vehicle Robbery Prevention - You Can Make The Difference

Reduce the risk of vehicle robbery and avoid setting yourself up;

Keep doors locked and windows up;

When stopped, leave room to maneuver and escape;

Driving in the center lane makes you a more difficult robbery target;

Be wary of strangers approaching you. Trust your instincts and drive away when you feel threatened;

Keep valuables out of sight;

Park in lots or garages with attendants;

Park in well-lighted areas;

Park in the open. Never let a high profile vehicle or truck hide a robber;

Be aware of your surroundings when walking to and from your vehicle;

Walk with other people when possible;

Walk with purpose and stay alert;

Approach your vehicle with your key in hand;

Look in and around your car before entering; and

If the "carjacker" is armed, don't resist, give up your vehicle and get away as soon as possible.

What if you are followed, or involved in a suspicious accident?

If you have a cellular phone, call the police and advise them of the situation;

If you suspect you are being followed, immediately drive to a police, sheriff or fire station or to busy area;

DO NOT drive home; and

In both cases, write down the license number and description of the suspects. If you are involved in a suspicious traffic accident, do not inspect the damage in a remote area. Motion for the other driver to follow you to the nearest police station or busy, well-lighted location to exchange information. Use your emergency flashers at the same time.

If you get robbed, give up your vehicle and leave the scene immediately. Do everything you can to avoid being kidnapped.

Consider having a vehicle tracking system installed in your vehicle. Your vehicle can be tracked immediately and an arrest or recovery of property is more likely.

Consider installing an alarm system that will shut down the vehicle engine after a few seconds or minutes. This allows the "carjacker" to drive away until the engine turns off. The suspect will abandon the vehicle when it fails to restart.

Vehicle Robbery Prevention - Interesting Facts

What is it: A robbery where the object of the robbery is a car.
Where is it: Mostly in big cities - less so in the suburbs, small towns, and rural areas.
When is it: Usually during hours of darkness, but it can happen anytime.
What suspects look for: Opportunity, ease of attack.
Chances for victimization: Low probability, but high potential for serious consequences.
Statistical information:
One percent of all vehicle thefts is categorized as GTA's.

Two percent of all robberies involve "carjackings."

Three percent of all vehicles in Los Angeles City and Los Angeles County involve "carjackings."

A high percentage of the victims are affluent. Suspects target expensive vehicles.
Conclusion

There are many preparatory actions one can take to prevent "carjacking." Behavior Modification and mental preparedness are key to its prevention. This information is meant to contribute to your personal security, in and around your vehicle. You can never be too careful, prepared or aware. Share this information with family and friends. Schedule family discussions, ensure everyone is aware and prepared in event of a "carjacking."

For more crime prevention tips click here

Coastal Commission staff recommends permit parking in Venice

2009-05-30T10:37:00.000-07:00

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-venice27-2009may27,0,4140194.story
From the Los Angeles Times

If the board approves the proposal, parking in certain zones near the beach in the early morning hours would be restricted to those who live in the neighborhood.

By Martha Groves

May 27, 2009

The staff of the California Coastal Commission has recommended that the agency approve permit parking zones in five areas near Venice beach, delighting residents aggravated by the constant presence of recreational vehicles and provoking anger from public access and homeless advocates.

If the so-called overnight parking districts are approved in June, it would mark the end of a 12-year battle by residents, said Mark Ryavec, a Venice activist.

"This is a struggle for residents to be able to secure their neighborhoods and secure parking in their neighborhoods and to stop what too often was a public nuisance," Ryavec said Tuesday.

Many who live near the beach complain that people living in campers take up precious curb spaces and pose health and safety problems.

In a letter to the commission, Nikoletta Skarlatos said she came home from a hearing in February to find her street filled with campers and their occupants.

"One was dumping raw sewage and urine directly into the storm drain," she wrote. She said she walked to the back of her house and "saw a pile of human fecal matter against my house wall."

Steve Clare, executive director of the Venice Community Housing Corp., expressed disappointment in the recommendation. Restricting parking, he said, is part of a "pattern of denial of public access" to the beach overnight.

Other opponents also challenged the proposed restrictions, complaining that they would displace people who now live in campers and cars.

"That is a big issue," acknowledged City Councilman Bill Rosendahl, who represents Venice.

Rosendahl said he was studying programs in Santa Barbara and Eugene, Ore., that have designated overnight parking lots for RV dwellers where they can also take advantage of social services. Rosendahl said his office has contacted the Obama administration to plead for federal stimulus money for such "wraparound services" for RV occupants staying in designated areas.

Municipal code prohibits overnight sleeping in vehicles on city streets, but police have fought a losing battle to enforce the law, Rosendahl said.

"If the commission votes in favor," he said, "it becomes the kickoff of an overall process that will take several years before all aspects are met."

Of the five permit parking zones proposed by residents, two extend to the coastline. In those areas, the staff report said, street parking for individuals without permits would be prohibited from 2 a.m. to 5 a.m.

Three public parking lots near the beach would stay open 24 hours a day. Visitors could prepay for four hours of parking. Three other inland areas would restrict parking from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m.

Residents could buy three annual permits for $15 each and two visitor permits, good for four months, for $10 each.

A permit, however, would not guarantee a parking space, said Yadi Hashemi, the acting senior engineer responsible for the Los Angeles Department of Transportation's parking permits division. He added that permit prices were expected to remain the same for "the foreseeable future."

martha.groves@latimes.com

The Battle for Venice

2009-05-29T15:32:00.000-07:00

As seen on KCET Local television

The Battle for Venice

For years, the Los Angeles beachside community of Venice has been a magnet for the so-called "vehicular homeless." These are people who park in residential and commercial neighborhoods and live long term in their recreational vehicles, vans and cars. The motor-homeless say they have no place else to go and only want to be left alone. But many Venice residents contend the vehicle dwellers are turning their community into skidrow by the sea.

Marijuana Clinics in Venice

2009-05-16T11:13:00.000-07:00

This article was found at:

www.veniceartscouncil.org Thou art incendiary. Thou sendest me up in sparks... - Linda Albertano

Relief Is Just A Toke Away
Fri, 05/01/2009 - 23:58

By Ian Lovett
The April 21 meeting of the Venice Neighborhood Council saw an agenda item that proposed to limit signage on medical marijuana dispensaries to the side entrance, not the front. Though this proposal seems relatively minor, it is at odds not only with Venice’s longstanding 420-friendly reputation, but also with the marijuana industry’s tentative steps out of the shadow into daylight.

When I first moved to Venice three years ago, medical marijuana dispensaries possessed the aura of urban myth. I didn’t know anyone with a so-called ‘cannabis card,’ I didn’t know how you might get one, and I certainly had no idea where to find a dispensary. Upon returning to Venice at the start of this year, however, I found a dramatically different atmosphere. Along Ocean Front Walk, in addition to the ‘Legalize It’ posters and homeless people holding “Need $$ for bud” signs which have long been Venice hallmarks, you’ll also hear promoters wearing necklaces of plastic marijuana leaves shouting, “Get your medical marijuana recommendation here!”

On the boardwalk alone, three clinics offer medical marijuana recommendations. And as I sat in the waiting room one doctor’s office, a lawyer came by, as well, handing out a booklet called, “A Simple Guide to California Medical Marijuana Law.” Which is all to say that these days, medical marijuana in Venice is almost impossible not to notice. It’s hard to know exactly how many dispensaries—the collectives that distribute marijuana to patients—are currently operating. Jason has worked in the medical marijuana industry for the past five years. “When I first started,” he explained, “there were maybe 25 dispensaries in the whole state.” Now, he says, there are at least 400 in the LA area. Jason estimates that less than half of those 400 dispensaries are properly licensed.

In September of 2007, the city of LA passed an ordinance, which put a moratorium on opening any new dispensaries. Still, new ones open every day, especially since Attorney General Eric Holden announced an end to DEA raids on dispensaries in states, like California, where medical marijuana is legal. Still, some aspects of the medical marijuana industry retain a secretive feel. One of the doctor’s offices I visited is located at the back of a shop that sells pipes and bongs, and I’ve heard of dispensaries run out of bicycle shops and florists. At Gourmet Green Room (GGR), which just opened on Lincoln, even the front door into the lobby remains locked until the receptionist buzzes you in.

This feature is “mostly for security,” said Tarek, the general manager. The shades in the smoking room remain down. The sign of the dispensary inside are the pictures of marijuana leaves taped to the window. For patients, too, privacy remains important. Chris Comstock, who works at Dr. Dean Weiss’ office on Lincoln Blvd, explains that many potential patients share a misconception that if they get a medical marijuana recommendation, their information will end up in some government database.“This idea that once you get a recommendation the whole government know is just wrong. The information stays in our files—there’s no government registry. It’s confidential, like any other medical record.” And, of course, the vast, vast majority of marijuana is still sold illegally. Increasingly, though, it’s moving over the counter. Despite its locked door, GGR advertises in various industry publications, and Tareks notes the prevalence of dispensary ads in publications like LA Weekly.

Nowhere is medical marijuana’s move out into the open more apparent than at The Farmacy—a dispensary with three locations, including one on Abbot Kinney—whose motto is, in fact, “Very Open.” The marijuana products are kept behind the counter, while anyone—even those without a medical marijuana recommendation—can come inside peruse all manner of other herbal medicine throughout the store. Recently, for the second straight year, a class of 3rd graders from Broadway Elementary came to The Farmacy to meet with the store’s herbalist, who covered up all the cannabis products, conducted a lesson on some of the other herbs in the store, and then walked the kids back to class, pointing out plants they’d just learned about on the way. “We want to be a part of the community,” Bill said, “and keep it safe for everyone.” Bobby is a medical marijuana patient who sells handmade jewelry on the boardwalk. “It’s a lot safer now,” he said. “I’m 50 now, and especially for someone my age, you don’t have to meet with people you’re not familiar with. At a dispensary, there are checks and balances about what goes on.” Indeed, Bill Leahy hopes to increase such checks and balances on the industry.

“Regulation is the biggest problem,” he said. “There no true regulation on edibles across the state.” The Farmacy is part of a the Greater Los Angeles Caregivers Alliance (GLACA), an organization of some of the larger dispensaries that advocates for medical marijuana. GLACA’s application for membership includes questions like “What is your collective’s philosophy or mission statement?” and the group imposes more stringent rules on its members than Los Angeles requires. Already, such efforts have helped change the public perception. “I’ve seen the industry change a lot in five years,” Jason said. “At first, people didn’t want the dispensaries there—they wanted to keep it under the table. Now, most often people look at us as doing a good thing for the community.” And, despite the Neighborhood Council proposal to move dispensary signs to the back door, Venetians continued to show their support for this increasing openness.

Though the agenda item was held over until the next meeting, they did take a straw vote. More than 90 percent of those present raised their hands in support of medical marijuana.

From MSNBC National News.

2009-03-13T10:34:00.000-07:00

Venice Beach mobile homeless shown on MSNBC National News. Bill Rosendahl is interviewed on the subject by Chris Jansen. Mr. Rosendahl talked about trying out the Santa Barbara solution regarding parking lots for the RV's. Take a look:

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

911 & You

2009-03-10T06:46:00.000-07:00

9-1-1 is for Emergencies!

Non-Emergency telephone number is 1-877-275-5273

Metropolitan Communications Dispatch Center

The Los Angeles 9-1-1 emergency telephone system was implemented in order to provide quick and efficient help to those in need. The design is simply a 3-digit telephone number that can be dialed from any telephone, regardless of area code. It can even be dialed from a disconnected phone, and the call is always free.

The Los Angeles 9-1-1 system receives approximately 3.5 million calls annually. However, 60% of these calls are not emergencies. This has caused the system to become critically over burdened which poses a threat to us all. You can help by following a few important guidelines.

9-1-1 should only be used for an emergency. An emergency is a crime in progress and/or a life threatening situation requiring the police, paramedics of Fire Department.

Obviously, there are many other situations that require police response, but they may not warrant 9-1-1 calls. Direct dialing the 1-877-275-5273 for non-emergency situations will ensure police repsonse without overloading the 9-1-1 system. Think before you dial 9-1-1

If you do have a 9-1-1 Emergency it is important that you remain on the line, even if you have dialed 9-1-1 in error. When a 9-1-1 call is received, the address and phone number from where the call is originating automatically appears on the computer screen at the Communications Center. If you dial in error and do not remain on the line, the dispatcher is required to dispatch officers to the location provided by the computer to confirm that o emergency exists.

When you call 9-1-1 for an Emergency, it is important that you remain calm and be prepared to answer the dispatcher's questions. The "WHERE," "WHAT," "WHO," and "WHEN" of the situation you are reporting are extremely important. Sometimes it may seem the questions are unnecessary, or may not make sense to you, but there are good reasons why they are asked. Patience will help process you call and get appropriate help to you as quickly as possible.

************************************
Important Telephone Numbers for Non-Emergency L.A.P.D. Asisstance.

1-877-ASK-LAPD
(1-877-275-5273)
or dial 3-1-1

1-866-452-2489
For routine City business and non-emergency services
http://lacity.org/

Other useful numbers:
L.A.P.D. Pacific Division phone number: 310-202-4502
Black & White car dispatch: 818-734-2223
http://www.lapdonline.org/

Abandoned Vehicles - 800-222-6366
Animal Regulations - 888-452-7381
Anti Drug Hotline (anonymous) - 800-662-2878
Bureau of Street Services - 800-996-2489
(street lighting, pot holes, bulky item removal, sewer, sidewalk & traffic signal repair)
California Highway Patrol - 323-906-3434
DWP - 800-342-5397
Graffiti Hotline - 800-611-2489

9-1-1 Facts

Quality of Life issue for Venice Residents......

2009-02-24T04:10:00.001-08:00

Venice votes to restrict overnight RV parking

Ricardo DeAratanha, Los Angeles Times

The overnight parking of vehicles like these, along 7th Street, has divided Venice residents.

via: Los Angeles Times

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-venice-parking24-2009feb24,0,424364.story
From the Los Angeles Times:

Venice votes to restrict overnight RV parking

The measure, which some residents have sought for more than a decade, needs Coastal Commission backing.
By Martha Groves

9:39 PM PST, February 23, 2009

A plan to restrict overnight parking won the strong support of Venice residents in a nonbinding election over the weekend. The plan still needs approval from the California Coastal Commission, which is expected to take it up in June.

Fed up with homeless people who live in cars and battered recreational vehicles parked along residential streets, many Venetians have for more than a decade urged the city of Los Angeles to create overnight parking districts that would limit parking in their neighborhoods.

On Saturday, more than 1,500 people -- a record turnout for a Venice Neighborhood Council election -- cast ballots on two competing nonbinding initiatives. The first, Initiative A, called on the neighborhood council to rescind its prior approval of overnight parking districts. That measure, backed by advocates seeking to protect the rights of those living in the RVs, failed 868 to 634.

The second, Initiative B, affirmed that Venice residents have the right to establish such districts. That measure passed 891 to 608.

The vote results were released Sunday on the neighborhood council's website.

The Los Angeles City Council has approved the parking restrictions, which had the strong support of local Councilman Bill Rosendahl, but the matter is far from over.

A few residents have appealed to the California Coastal Commission, which has jurisdiction over the areas of Venice closest to the beach. The commission indicated that it wants to take a closer look at overnight parking districts and their implications.

Because the commission is charged with maintaining the public's access to the coast, it wants to be sure there is enough early morning parking to accommodate fishermen, joggers, surfers and others.

"The first petitions for [parking districts] were signed in the community 12 years ago, and it's clear one can't wait to find a solution to where to put these RV dwellers," said Mark Ryavec, co-chairman of the neighborhood council's Homelessness and Vehicular Occupation Ad Hoc Committee.

That panel has been scouring the region for sites where groups of RVs can park.

"It's a difficult challenge," he added. "I'm encouraged by the vote and am cautiously optimistic that eventually the community will be able to improve their quality of life."

martha.groves@latimes.com

and Via The Venice WatchDawg:

What this all means is anybody's guess... Ask the Councilman.......
*******************************************************

"All the devils that disturbed me
And the angels that defeated them somehow,
Come together in me now" - - Winslow Leach

*******************************************************
Venice WatchDawg - - A big win for OPD

A bittersweet victory as the election was substandard and a number of
WatchDawg Readers emailed in that they were unable to vote because of
the lines and confusion - Pro choice forces won despite all of this
contentious BS as well as the anti-OPD people not telling the truth
about their goals, motives and agenda in their printed material. So,
what else is new.....

For those who want to know more, there is plenty more below. I want
to thank all who organized the positive effort, Georgann Abrams,
Stewart Oscars, Mark Ryavec, Pat Snyder, Marie Hammond and countless
others who spent hundreds of hours planning the promotion, but most of
all, I want to thank you WatchDawg readers who spent the time and took
the effort to make the City understand that Venice is NOT the
Beachhead Collective or the Venice Town Council who want to wind the
clock back to 1968. I personally am not comfortable with the OPDs,
BUT, I'll fight like hell for everyone's right to sign up for one. So
justice and democracy won - national socialism has to go back to dank
basements and gloomy coffee houses.

Meet the new Venice - Come on over and check out Oscars Wine
Establishment on the north side of Rose between Dimmick and Rennie,
yep, right across from the dead bakery lot with the motorhome wagon
train surround - Its just that kind of town.......

Best,

Rick Feibusch
Venice WatchDawg
************************************************************************
From: Georgann Abrams

Date: Feb 22, 2009 7:33 PM
This email is going out to friends and family and fellow Venice neighbors.

There were over 1500 ballots cast yesterday. Put simply, it was to
vote yes or no on OPD (Overnight Parking Districts) in Venice. More
came to vote than ANY Venice Neighborhood Council election EVER.
Voting was to be 12:30 to 3:30. The line started forming at 12:00 -
and wrapped all the way around the Venice library and down to the end
of the parking lot on Venice Blvd - ALL DAY.

People were still voting after 4:30.

OPD YES = 891
OPD no = 634 (counting about 200 non-residents)

Stewart (Oscars) and I started this 3 years ago and never could have
imagined what it has taken. This vote only means we know the real
residents of Venice are of like mind. Nice.

Georgann Abraham
________________________________________________________

CONGRATULATIONS AND THANKS TO ALL.!! I just returned from a walk to
clean up a huge pile of you know what. I cannot wait for my house to
cease being someone's toilet.

Much gratitude to all of the Veteran OPD organizers, Stewart,
Georgann, Mark et al. Thanks to all of you in this community for
fighting to maintain human decency and the freedom to have the RIGHT
TO CHOOSE. KEEP VENICE SAFE AND BEAUTIFUL.

Best,

Nikoletta Skarlatos
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

There was a line around the building and none of them looked homeless.
I was so proud of my fellow venetians. Fingers crossed on this
particular issue.

Celeste Chada
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Well, that was crap-ass disorganized debacle.

I casually walked over to the library a couple minutes after 12:30 to
find a line heading to the beach on the northside of the library.
I stepped in to line at 12:36 only to wait for the greeting 50 minutes
later. "Have you voted with us before." A friend asked "who is us."
And was promptly asked for all of his info. I, having voted in the
past, gave him my name and upon checking of the list was told not
according to our list. "Fill this out", way too much info being asked
for. I did not see my friend, he wasn't to happy about having to do
more than show his ID after waiting 50 some old minutes. I voted and
left.

When I got home a neighbor called to tell me it took him an hour and a
half in line to vote. But what we were not being told is that we
could have pre-registered online and then just walked to the front of
the line and voted. Not sure if that was true but others identified
themselves as pre-registered and went straight in.

http://www.grvnc.org/files/090127VNCRegistrationForm.DOC

I read the procedure after the fact and question why it said you had
to register on-site.

I'm sure however the vote turns out someone or more will complain that
there wasn't sufficient time for everyone that wanted to vote. That,
I will never know. This was an attempt for a neighborhood ADVISORY
council to gather an opinion by putting on the councils agenda for the
stakeholders to vote on. There is nothing that makes this an official
vote. If either of the factions wanted a better impact; an online
petition, not a vote, would have more substance.

Dru Lewis
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Three people called me yesterday by 1pm to say the line was going
around the library. We got there about 115p and stood in line for
maybe 10 minutes. Then Marie said she heard that if we had voted in an
NC election before, we needn't wait in line.

So I went to the front of the library to check, and asked Mark
Salzburg, OUTREACH CHAIR "if we've voted before . . ." and he
responded, "Yes, you can go right in, but don't tell anybody." We have
heard from quite a few people who stood in line, but couldn't wait,
etc. There needed to be a Pre-Reg and a New Voter line.

Carolyn Ward
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Maria and I had only a few free minutes to vote in the early
afternoon. The lines were horrendous, and we simply didn't have time.
Bottom line, we were disenfranchised because nobody told us we could
go right in. This was wrong.

The inability to vote by absentee ballot was wrong.

Permitting ballots to be counted elsewhere the next day was wrong.

Aldis Browne
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

And Yes, The whole thing was a mess, and yes, people who waited for
hours didn't have to and yes they made up the rules as they went
along.......

But, it is quite obvious that The Beachhead Collective, the RV
dwellers and the people who serve them were not able to sway anyone's
opinion about the acceptability of living freely in front of our homes
- This just in from the Venice Paper:

Permit Parking Vote Count Fiasco
Venice Paper Online

February 22, 2009. Venice—Never mind that 1,506 Venetians turned out
to vote, yesterday's plebiscite on whether permit parking should come
to the area could be thrown out due to alleged improprieties in the
counting of ballots.

According to Laddie Williams a previous officer of the neighborhood
council who stayed to watch the votes being counted, rather than count
the ballots on-site immediately after the vote--as previously agreed
to--a neighborhood council official chose instead to send the ballots
home in the custody of a colleague and for the count to continue
today. Williams told VenicePaper that the ballot box had already been
unsealed at that point.

Read more.........

http://www.venicepaper.net/pmt_more.php?id=439_0_1_0_M

*******************************************************

More comments:

Congratulations to all involved. The OPD opponents wasted a great deal
of everyones time, but it only serves to demonstrate the will of the
community on this matter. So much for their effort to overturn the law
concerning sleeping in vehicles on our streets...

It has long been clear that basic competence is too much to expect
from some of VNC's most regular volunteers. But to be fair, this is
more like student government. The City Charter set up NCs as play pen
for community activists...to keep us busy...advisory only...if an
elected official wants advice...or sometimes provide cover to do what
they see fit...

Steve Freedman
*******************************************************
What happened to the registrar running NC elections, or the DONE staff
with NALEO? Confirming actions and actvities, or is it 3 monkeys,
hear no evil, see no evil, and say no evil?

I was present at the Library and I can say that the letter Mr. Selan
writes is correct and we in the community are outraged at the process
that was not followed and the process was altered because on One
individual stating he was tired and the voting would continue tomorrow
at the Public storage in Venice at 11:00am.

The entire event was wrong and the community was outraged at the way
this handled. Please take this grievance that was filed tonight and
act on it and do ask for the individuals who filmed to give you a copy
and you will see the less then fair practice of Mr. Spiegel and the
event that followed. Please investigate and let the neighborhood see
that our elected officials will act when it is called for.

Please don't excuse this grievance we need assistance in a fair and
organized process and this was not the case at all yesterday! The
entire process was wrong and the way it was carried out was wrong
also.

Please as elected officials act now and act fast for this process and
the VNC needs help as Mr. Selan has been requesting for months and you
have done nothing just allowed this debacle to happen ignoring Mr.
Selan's numerous grievances over and over month to month. You all
know this because you receive the charge and you pass it to the locals
who has named numerous times and they dismiss each and everyone of
them with prejudice. Now you cannot ignore what happened yesterday
beca use this was done under a city charter that must be recognized
and this process was not followed and many irregularities were seen by
all who participated in the count.

We need DONE and the City of Los Angeles to come in and right a wrong
they have created by ignoring Mr. Selan, if you had of acted on one of
those grievances this may have been different but these individuals
are out of control and it is horrible for Venice.

What happened to the League of Women Voters who always ran the
election when the GRVNC had elections? The truth is no body really
cares because Mr. Selan has complained about Koslow and Spiegel for
years and no one has heard him. Now drunk with power these two have
exploded on the community and we are outraged!

The outcome doesn't matter because the rules that were agreed upon
were not followed this vote is null and void!

Let the grievance stand that Mr. Selan has filed and go forward and
DONE, Mayor, CD 11 act on it(Rosendahl) was present for awhile
yesterday at the Los Angeles Public Library in Venice. The whole
ordeal from the beginning was set up to fail and these so called VNC
members are not for the entire community no matter if homeless or RV's
or community.

Go to Venicepaper.net for one look or other local media not the
corporate because they report lies about Venice and the parking.

Laddie Williams
*******************************************************

"Back in the Sixties, when we said that we wanted
to change society, we should have been a little
more specific." - - Christopher Lloyd
(From the comic kiddie film, Camp Nowhere - 1994)

*******************************************************
Appointed VNC Grievance Chair and Appointed Election Chair Change
Election Rules The Reason "Election Chair States He is
Tired"

From:Rick Selan, Venice Neighborhood Council Voting Member

Re: Request for Ethics Investigation into VNC Election and Request for
Investigation of VNC Grievance Chair Walking Off Taking Unfilled
Ballots Already Signed By Poll Watchers

VNC Appointed Parliamentarian, LAUSD Trickster and VNC Appointed
Election Chair Ivan Spiegel Has Under Age Student Carry Filled Out
Ballots To Awaiting Toyota Rather Than Touching Ballots Himself.

For over forty years, this advocate has voted in hundreds of elections
throughout this country, but has never seen anything quite like the
way the VNC OPD election ended today. The rules called for all votes
to be counted today February 21, 2009. This did not happen. Appointed
Election Chair Ivan Spiegel went off on VNC Emeritus President Dede
Audet.

The election was held today from 12:30 P.M. to 3:30 P.M. at the
Venice library with numerous LAPD squad cars and police on the streets
and on the library grounds. This appeared quite intimidating to those
who wanted to vote. I received a call informing me to be careful as
there was a riot at the library. When I went to vote, there were
police everywhere but there were no problems. To this 30 year + Venice
resident, the police being out there appeared to be a tactic of VNC
and CD11 to create a fear that does not exist. This is pattern and
practice to continue "separate, but equal."

To better understand the dynamics of what took place after the police
left the election, one must understand the "less than clean" politics
in the VNC Grievance, Election and Rules Committee. Please understand
that the Grievance and Rules and Election Committee are made up of
Chair Ira Koslow, a LAUSD employee who denies all VNC Grievances
unilaterally as non-actionable based on prejudice. VNC Secretary Joe
Murphy, the former Chair also sits on the Committee with High School
Student Dexter O'Connell who has also served a s the grievance chair
following the same less than fair rules. According to Dexter
O'Connell, "Ivan Spiegel 'bamboozled' the grievance process by
applying great pressure on one individual to vote the Spiegel way to
keep the VNC grievance process unilateral so grievances are never
heard. That elected member then resigned as an elected member. Ivan
Spiegel has done similar "less than clean tricks" for the District
3-Mark Twain LAUSD Good Ol' Boys and Girls Club. His actions today
were not new nor unexpected for those who know the past.

With these facts in place, lets look at the election process around
5:30 P.M. after police were gone. According to those present, Ira
Koslow approached Ivan Spiegel to request that he take home all of the
ballots that were initialed by the poll workers but had not been voted
on. Mr. Spiegel gave Mr. Koslow permission to take these ballots home
with him. Why? What was Mr. Koslow to do with20these ballots?

At this point, I received a call to allow me to hear the yelling and
screaming inside the library as Mr. Spiegel decided he was tired and
rather than counting the votes tonight following the election rules,
he made the unilateral decision that the ballots, will be counted on
Sunday.

Mr. Spiegel attempted to throw Form er VNC President Dede Audet out of
the room as she attempted to explain the need to go to an all night
restaurant to count the ballots following election rules that votes be
counted today.

Strangely, Mr. Spiegel had opened the ballot box at 5:00 P/.M. aware
that the library closed at 6:00 P.M. When I arrived at the library the
yelling and screaming was still going on. There were those on scene
filming the "less than respectable scene" as Ivan Spiegel stated rules
cannot always be followed.

Rather than touching the ballots, Ivan Spiegel used the younger
brother of Rules Committee member Dexter O' Connell to carry the
ballots to an awaiting Toyota 5NIV092. I asked the driver her name.
She stated, "Right". Ivan makes the rules for VNC as the appointed
Parliamentarian.

Mr. Spiegel, now totally out of control, told those in front of the
library that the ballots will be counted at 11:00 A.M. at Extra Space
Storage on 2/22/09.

Mr. Spiegel's performance today threatening former VNC President Dede
Audet with being removed from the library for her suggestions and
his use of a 15 or 16 year old teenager to carry out the ballots
rather than do it himself is no different than that of gang leaders
who allow those under age 18 to carry out the crimes as punishment is
far less severe for those under age. Even after making it clear to Mr.
Spiegel that he was using a child to do his dirty work, he had the
younger sibling continue to carry the ballots.

This was not a happy day for the Venice Neighborhood Council and the
fair voting process. Why does this continue? These are major reasons
why VNC is less than functional.

Peace. Change. Hope.

In unity for accountability,

Rick Selan

Open Letter to Venice Residents.

2009-02-11T14:36:00.000-08:00

Via: Venice WatchDawg

An Open Letter to Venice Residents About Overnight Parking Districts

******************************************************************************

"Be who you are and say how you feel because those who mind

don't matter, and those who matter don't mind." - - Dr. Seuss

******************************************************************************

Dear Readers,

These two articles below will both explain why Venice is being overrun

with RV "live aboard" campers, while Santa Monica and the Marina are

not - and, why you should VOTE to retain the right to restrict

parking in

Venice at a special Venice Neighborhood Council election on Saturday,

February 21st at the Venice Public Library between 12:30 to 3:30

PM........

Best,

Rick Feibusch

Venice WatchDawg

***********************************************************************

Don't Lose Your Right to Choose!

An Open Letter to Venice Residents

About Overnight Parking Districts

by Georgann Abraham

Dear Venice Residents,

Lack of parking in Venice has long been a hot issue. This has been

made much worse in several parts of Venice by the increase in people

living in their RVs, vans and cars. To keep your block's right to

choose overnight parking permits for residents and guests, you must

vote in a special election held by the Venice Neighborhood Council on

Saturday, February 21st at the Venice Public Library (12:30 to 3:30

PM) .

This election is an attempt by non-residents who live in vehicles and

their supporters to take this right from the rest of us. Currently,

you have this right; it is afforded to residents all across the City

of Los Angeles including Venice. Two initiatives will be up for a vote

on the 21st:

Initiative A - - would deprive Venice residents of their right to have

restricted parking from 2-6 AM on their block. As it is, Venice

residents have a right to restricted parking, if, and only if, a 2/3rds

majority of their block wants it. Initiative A seeks to eliminate even

this very limited right to protect access to parking.

Initiative B - - would affirm your right of choice to have restricted

overnight parking if a 2/3rds majority on your block agrees.

How did we get to this point? Personally, I did not pay much attention

to people sleeping in vans and RVs in Venice until one day when I was

working in the front yard and heard my neighbor yelling at a woman,

who had been living in an RV in front of our homes, as she was about

to dump a very large bucket of urine and feces in front of our homes.

That's when I realized this is a problem, not just the harassment

that Venice residents endure from those who live in their vehicles,

but as a real and serious health issue – to residents and to those who

swim at Venice Beach – because the sewage dumped (or leaked) from

these vehicles goes straight to the shore.

Advocates of the RV dwellers will tell you that those who support

overnight parking restrictions are hateful and unsympathetic. This is

not the case. Some of those supporting residents' rights to set up

overnight restrictions are also participating in a Venice Neighborhood

Council Committee that is specifically working on ways to help people

who are homeless or as well as those who choose to live in vehicles.

This is a compassionate way of dealing with the problem. these

residents are working hard investigating resources already available

and brainstorming new and creative ways to help people get out of

unfortunate situations. I support the efforts of this committee.

Locals find that the hateful behavior is coming from some of the RV

dwellers. Really, what is more hateful than parking in front of

someone's home for days at a time and loudly partying all night, just

daring residents to do anything about it?

What is more hateful than throwing excrement on someone's property?

What is scarier than finding syringes, spent condoms and pornographic

material in your yard, hoping it won't be your children finding it the

next time? What is more inconsiderate than making the public sidewalk

one's personal patio and intimidating pedestrians to stay away?

Preserve Your Right to Choose –

o Vote No on Initiative A

o Vote Yes on Initiative B

Saturday, February 21st at:

The Venice Public Library

12:30 to 3:30 PM

The RV advocates are now so brash that they have proposed giving

vehicular dwellers "resident stickers," at $50 a year, to make it

legal for them to park in front of our homes YOUR HOME!!!. They are

demanding that these vehicles be exempted from the ban on living in

vehicles on city streets and the requirement that vehicles be moved

every 72 hours.

What would this do for the proliferation of RVs in Venice?

How much do you pay in rent, mortgage, and/or property taxes to live

in Venice? I don't think most Venice residents would have objected to

a few RVs in Venice if they were clean and moved frequently. But at

least one RV advocate literally passed out flyers around the city

inviting RV dwellers to live in Venice and instructing them on how to

evade the laws against living in vehicles and how to out-fox the

police!

Now, it is estimated that over 200 RVs and vans are on Venice's

streets and more arrive weekly. This puts a tremendous burden on

residents and we have had no choice but to pursue the overnight

restrictions.

This is not a "not in my backyard" reaction. It's ALL in Venice's

backyard. Did you ever notice that there are no RVs parked overnight

in Santa Monica or the Marina? Every beach community surrounding

Venice has nighttime regulated parking which has funneled ALL the RV

parking into Venice.

Whether or not you think an overnight parking restriction is needed on

your block, this election may be your last opportunity to say that

Venice residents deserve the right to choose for their own block and

not have this

possibility taken away from us.n We face an up-hill battle to maintain

this right. Due to the VNC's loosey-goosey voting

LIES:

The RV advocates blatantly lie about the overnight parking district

(OPD) process. They say that if the 5 OPD overlay zones are approved

by the Coastal Commission, everyone in Venice will then have to pay

for a parking permit.

TRUTH:

The truth is this is just enabling legislation to set the rules for

small block-by-block initiatives. As of now, only 40 blocks have

signed up out of over 500 blocks in Venice. If your block does not

circulate a petition to all its residents – renters and owners alike –

and garner 2/3rds signatures of every household, there will be no

restrictions on your block.

LIES:

The RV defenders also maintain that walk street residents will not be

allowed to have permits to park in restricted areas. The truth is that

ALL residents in each of the overlay zones will have the right to

purchase a permit in their district, including walk street residents.

They also inflate the cost of a permit, claiming that they cost

hundreds of dollars a month.

TRUTH:

A resident sticker is $15 per year, renewable four-month visitor

permits are $10, and nightly guest permits are $1. But this only comes

into play if your block signs up and approves restricted parking.

LIES:

The RV protagonists maintain that the proliferation of RVs is a

consequence of the current economic crisis. However, longtime

residents say they have seen the increase in RVs develop over the last

20 years. In TV and print news stories, RV dwellers have admitted they

have lived on our streets for years, long before the current financial

downturn. Residents have photos of the RVs on out streets going back

to the mid-1980s.

TRUTH:

Over the years, the inability of the police to effectively enforce the

ban on living in vehicles has attracted more people to this lifestyle

and has made Venice a magnet for RVs.

I urge you to come out February 21st to protect your right to set up

overnight parking restrictions if you find them

appropriate for your block.

Georgann Abraham,

RN, Venice, CA

For further information

go to: www.venicenc.org

or call: 310 569 4643.

**************************************************************

WHY THE RVs ARE ALL COMING TO VENICE

AND NOWHERE ELSE, HERE ON THE COAST

by Stewart Oscars

January 14, 2009

A Listing of Parking Restrictions on City Streets in the Coastal Zone

in the City of Los Angeles from the Northern Border of Los Angeles

south to the El Segundo Border

I recorded an inventory of the posted parking restrictions of the

streets of Los Angeles in the Coastal Zone from the Northern Border

(Surfview Drive) to the Border with El Segundo (South of West Imperial

Highway) on January 9, 2009.

I found that nighttime parking along the coast is restricted

everywhere except Venice (with the exception of three short blocks

totaling 6 or 7 parking places).

The following is the description of restricted parking in the survey area:

1) Between L A Northern Border and Santa Monica Northern City Border

(Castellammare and Pacific Palisades):

a) There is no parking on Pacific Coast Highway between the hours of

10 pm and 5 or 6 am (the am restriction varies by location).

b) Temescal Canyon has no parking 10 pm to 5 am.

c) Los Liones Drive has no parking 11 pm to 5 am.

2) Venice:

a) Pacific Avenue (from Navy St to Westminster St) has no daytime

parking 8 am to 8 pm but has nighttime parking. So parking is

actually increased at nighttime/early morning because parking is

allowed on Pacific Avenue from 8 pm to 8 am.

b) Two blocks West of Speedway have limited parking: Ozone Ave is

signed no parking 10 pm to 6 am. And Union Jack Street is signed no

parking 9 pm to 7 am.

c) Inside the Silver Strand at Via Dolce and Marquesas there is one

block signed no parking 2 am to 6 am.

3) Playa Del Rey to L A Border with El Segundo:

a) West of Esplanade on Convoy St. there is no parking 11 pm to 5 am.

b) Pacific Avenue from 62nd Avenue South to Culver Blvd on both sides

of the street there is no parking 10 pm to 6 am except for a short

section on the west side of Pacific north of the park.

c) Vista Del Mar south from Waterview the entire drive to El Segundo

both sides of the street have no parking 10 pm to 6 am.

d) Napoleon above Vista Del Mar has a one block section with no

parking 10 pm to 6 am.

Looking at the restricted street parking established in the Coastal

Zone in the communities surrounding Venice leads me to ask: with all

these precedents established, why are the residents of Venice having

such a hard time establishing less restrictive parking districts?

Preserve Your Right to Choose –

Vote No on Initiative A

Vote Yes on Initiative B

Saturday, February 21st at:

Venice Public Library

12:30 to 3:30 PM

********************************************************************************

*********

Westminster Elementary TREE PLANTING!

Please Join US! Saturday, February 21, 2009

from 8am - 1pm to plant some 35 trees as well as many vines and shrubs.

This is one step toward our MASTER PLAN of a Green School/Joint Use

Campus! (open to the community after school and on weekends.)

We will have a good group of folks out on that Saturday, rain or shine!

Tools and snacks will be provided. WE'd love for you to join us!

Please see attached promo/donation flyer.

Many thanks!

Coby Dahlstrom, Westminster Elementary PTA President

mrsdrdahl@yahoo.com

submitted by Linda Lucks

********************************************************************************

*******

From L.A.P.D. blog

2009-02-08T08:53:00.000-08:00

Beware On-Line Scam

Los Angeles: The purpose of this notification is to alert the public of the latest widespread computer on-line scam circulating throughout the city:

Individuals are searching computer websites, particularly “Craig’s List”, seeking employment. Once the unsuspecting individual submits their resume` to what appears to be a legitimate company, they receive a congratulation notification which purports to hire them immediately. Later, they receive an official package through the U.S. Mail or other private express shipping companies containing printed counterfeit checks, money orders, or cashier’s checks with a note that the enclosed monies is payment for services paid up front.

They are also told to deposit the checks into their personal account and keep a percentage for their services. The individual is instructed to wire a specific dollar amount by Western Union services to various locations. In all cases, the alleged companies are out of the country; however, the addresses on the printed checks, money orders, or cashier’s checks are located in the United States.

Anyone attempting to cash counterfeit checks, money orders, or cashier’s check, are subject to arrest and prosecution.

Some recipients have admitted that they were not given a specific job description and were aware that most employers do not pay you before services are rendered.

Detectives are asking the public to use caution and due diligence when applying for employment on-line. Ask specific questions regarding the job duties and wages. Anyone with information on this scam or receiving suspicious on-line employment should call Detective Yvonne H. Parker at Commercial Crimes Division of the LAPD, at 213-485-4131. After hours or on weekends, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 or by texting CRIMES (274637) and beginning the message with the letters LAPD. Tipsters may also submit information on the LAPD website www.lapdonline.org. All tips are anonymous.

http://lapdblog.typepad.com/lapd_blog/2009/02/beware-online-scam-.html

Public Health & Quality of Life Issue!

2009-01-26T13:16:00.000-08:00

Bill Rosendahl Los Angeles city councilman asked fellow council members Thursday to consider special zones for people who sleep in RVs and cars in Venice.

L.A. Councilman Bill Rosendahl said the overnight camping sites could be city property, church parking lots, industrial areas and other places away from neighborhoods.

The practice of the homeless using their vehicles as sleeping shelters has created a quality of life issue for people living in Venice neighborhoods. The homeless campers have been accused defecating and urinating outside as well as taking parking spaces away from homeowners.

via: nbc LA news

A Life Style or Economic Conditions?

Special zones urged for people who sleep in RVs, cars in Venice

2009-01-22T10:52:00.001-08:00

Via Los Angeles Times:

Special zones urged for people who sleep in RVs, cars in Venice
L.A. Councilman Bill Rosendahl says the sites could be city property, church parking lots, industrial areas and other places away from neighborhoods.
By Phil Willon and Martha Groves

January 22, 2009

Tough economic times have spilled onto the streets of Venice, which has become a favorite place to park for scores of otherwise homeless people living in cars and campers. The practice has ignited a mini-uprising among residents living in the pricey coastal community.

The number of cars and recreational vehicles has swelled so much over the last year that Councilman Bill Rosendahl, who represents the city's coastal areas, has proposed creating special zones away from neighborhoods where people can sleep in their vehicles.

"The community has been going ballistic," Rosendahl said. "They can't park their own cars. Some of the folks who live in their cars and in campers defecate and urinate outside and create other issues of quality of life and health."

His proposal, similar to programs in Santa Barbara and Eugene, Ore., would allow the cars and recreational vehicles to park in select "municipal properties, parking lots of churches or community-based organizations, industrial areas and other areas that would have minimal impact on residential communities."

Current city laws prohibit sleeping in a car or RV on the street.

"Let's stop kidding ourselves," Rosendahl said. "People are living in their cars. . . . So let's deal with the reality. In this economic downturn, it's even increasing."

Up to 200 people are living in campers or cars in the Venice area, which has many residential areas where overnight parking is not restricted, the councilman said. As part of his proposal, which is expected to be heard by a council committee within the next few weeks, neighborhoods in Venice would have the option of restricting overnight parking to residents who live in apartments and houses.

However, some Venice residents said they feared that Rosendahl's plan might also designate certain residential streets in the beach-side community as RV zones.

"We don't believe the solution is turning residential areas into urban RV campgrounds," said Mark Ryavec, who heads the Venice Stakeholders Assn., which recently submitted to Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and the council a petition with 237 signatures of residents opposed to Rosendahl's proposal.

Residents in parts of Venice have for years battled what they view as an incursion by RV dwellers. The tensions are particularly pronounced in and near the Oakwood section, a roughly one-square-mile area bounded by California Avenue, Lincoln Boulevard, Rose Avenue and Abbot Kinney Boulevard. Residents complain that some RV occupants defecate in alleys, party into the wee hours, and dump waste into gutters and storm drains.

Ryavec, co-chairman of a neighborhood council committee that is studying homelessness and RV living, said the panel has identified more than 20 "relatively isolated" sites in Rosendahl's 11th Council District that could each accommodate five to 10 RVs. They include an area across from the Dockweiler State Beach RV park, vacant rental-car lots in Westchester, and an RV and boat storage lot off Lincoln Boulevard. He said, however, that many RV dwellers "want to stay in Venice."

Terry, an RV dweller in Venice who spoke on the condition that her last name not be used because she feared retribution from residents, said more people have been forced to live in their vehicles because of the tough economy, the rash of condo conversions that have left many tenants without shelter and rules limiting overnight parking on certain streets in Santa Monica and Los Angeles' Westside.

Terry said Los Angeles police officers have proposed that she and others move their RVs to the area across from Dockweiler State Beach.

"That's 10 miles away," Terry said, as she exercised her dog near the Oakwood Recreation Center one recent evening. Her 1976 blue-and-white RV stood across the street. "These vehicles aren't going to make it down there."

She said such a move would be a hardship because her two teenage children attend school in the area; her daughter also works at a nearby restaurant. For the last three years, she and her children have lived in their car, a van and now the RV, which she said she bought for $850 when it was in fine working order.

Since then, she said, people that she suspects are Venice residents have sliced her tires, put gravel in her gasoline tank, stolen her son's clothes and dented the RV's door with clubs.

"We can't tell the police," she said, adding with a note of irony: "We're the criminals."

In Santa Barbara, another town along the California coast that has become a favorite locale for people living in vehicles, the city started an "RV Safe Parking" program four years ago as part of its outreach to the homeless.

Seventy-five people have received permits to participate in the program, parking their cars at night in various city and county lots, as well as some operated by churches. Under a city contract, the New Beginnings Counseling Center has an outreach worker check on participants at least twice a week, referring them to housing and job assistance programs as well as other services that cater to their financial, physical and mental well-being.

Participants are required to provide their own restroom facilities, either in an RV or a portable toilet if they have a car, said Gary Linker, executive director of New Beginnings.

They must also follow a list of rules, and there have only been a few complaints from nearby residents over the last four years, he said. Those who apply for the program -- there is a waiting list -- are interviewed by the outreach worker to make sure they qualify.

"We have to make sure people aren't traveling through on vacation. This isn't a KOA," Linker said.

Rosendahl said his proposal is limited to the coastal district he represents, since Venice has been "overwhelmed," but it directs the council to address the issue of RV and car dwellers on a district-by-district basis. He also emphasized that the measure was meant to "kick the process in gear," with the understanding that plenty of related issues still must be debated and resolved.

That includes whether to limit the RV zones to people who can prove they have roots in the area.

That became an issue in Ontario in 2007, when the city set up a secure "tent city" near the airport for the homeless, complete with bathroom and shower facilities.

When hundreds of people from outside the San Bernardino County city descended on the site, Ontario officials decided to limit it to people who could produce documents showing that they had lived in the city.

"There is not an easy answer," Rosendahl said. "But at least this raises the issue of homelessness to a higher level."

phil.willon@latimes.com

martha.groves@latimes.com

Homeless advocates sue Laguna Beach

2009-01-01T19:43:00.000-08:00

From the Los Angeles Times

The coalition accuses the city of enacting policies designed to harass the homeless and avoid building shelters. Officials counter that it wanted to help the homeless.

By Paloma Esquivel

December 24, 2008

Early last year, Laguna Beach city officials set about addressing homelessness in the upscale enclave. They assembled a task force to study the issue, installed parking meters to collect change for social services and assigned a police officer as a liaison for the community's homeless.

But on Tuesday, homeless advocates filed suit against the city, saying its real intent was to engage in a campaign of harassment while providing no long-term, city-sponsored shelters.

"City leaders have chosen to attempt to eliminate the homeless, rather than eliminate homelessness," said Mark Rosenbaum, legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California.

In a suit filed in U.S. District Court in Santa Ana, the ACLU -- along with Erwin Chemerinsky, dean of the UC Irvine School of Law, and the Newport Beach-based law firm of Irell & Manella LLP -- accuses the city of failing to have long-term shelters, criminalizing sleeping on the street and allowing police harassment for minor or unavoidable offenses.

The city's "treatment of mentally and physically disabled homeless people violates the clear mandate of the Constitution," said Chemerinsky.

The city's Homeless Task Force reported early this year that there are 45 to 55 homeless people in Laguna Beach. Almost all met the definition of chronic homelessness, and many have a mental or physical disability. According to the suit, the city offers no transitional or emergency shelter other than a cold weather shelter, which operates between December and March.

Assistant City Manager John Pietig said officials are looking to work with regional shelters, such as a transitional housing facility that opened in Tustin this fall, to house long-term homeless persons.

As for opening such a shelter in Laguna Beach, he said, the prospects are small.

"Our city is largely built out," Pietig said. "There isn't a lot of available land to build shelters, and the land that is available is very expensive."

Despite not providing sufficient shelter, the lawsuit alleges, the city refuses to rescind an ordinance that makes it illegal to sleep on the beach, in city parks, on public streets, in alleys or in a car parked at any place in the city.

"The ordinance effectively makes it illegal to be homeless in Laguna Beach," said Jill R. Sperber, a lawyer with Irell & Manella LLP.

Pietig countered that the city had not actively enforced the ordinance since February and is looking into revising it.

"We need to see if there is a better way to do it," he said.

The suit also alleges that police officers have actively engaged in a campaign of harassment against the homeless. In January, the city touted hiring Officer Jason Farris as part of an extensive outreach effort to build trust with street people and persuade them to get aid.

According to the suit, welfare checks by the officer and others are actually an excuse to interrogate the city's homeless, wake them in the middle of the night and early morning, demand ID and search property.

Jim Keegan, a homeless advocate who has lived in Laguna Beach for 10 years, said he has worked to feed and counsel the homeless for nearly 30 years.

"The proper reaction to their stories is tears. It should make you weep," he said. "The leadership of this city doesn't seem to feel that way."

Pietig sees it differently.

"This community has really taken the time and effort to come up with a comprehensive approach to dealing with homelessness," he said. "It's disappointing people are taking this opportunity to degrade the city and its efforts."

paloma.esquivel@latimes.com

Homeless Man Shot and Killed in Venice, California

2008-12-11T12:17:00.000-08:00

Homeless Man Shot and Killed

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is asking for the public’s help in identifying the person(s) responsible for the murder of a 50-year-old homeless man in Pacific Division.

On December 8, 2008, at around 7:40 p.m., the victim was in an alley behind 1600 Lincoln Boulevard, when an unidentified male suspect approached the victim and shot him with a large caliber handgun. The suspect then rode away on a bicycle northbound towards the corner of Lincoln Boulevard and Palms Avenue. The suspect is described only as a male.

The motive for the shooting is unknown at this time. The victim’s identity is not being released pending notification of next of kin.

Anyone who may have witnessed this incident, or may have information regarding it, is asked to call LAPD Pacific Division Homicide Detectives at 310-482-6316. After hours or on weekends, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 or by texting CRIMES (274637). Callers may also text “CRIMES” with a cell phone or log on to www.lapdonline.org and click Web Tips. All contacts are anonymous.

From the L.A.P.D. blog

Opponents of Venice Parking Permit Lose Appeal.

2008-11-25T19:02:00.000-08:00

Dealing the RVs Parked on our streets.

2008-11-20T15:21:00.000-08:00

As the numbers of RVs grow, the concern of the residents grow. It's a quality of life issue for the homeowners and renters of the neighborhood and a HEALTH HAZARD for all of us.

A motion By Councilman Bill Rosendahl
Councilmember, 11th District
Los Angeles, California

As a result of the current economic crisis, families and individuals are falling upon hard times
and are too often faced with stark and unpleasant choices, Many people have lost their jobs,
their homes, and their support network. Many people cling to stability by their fingernails, living
in their vehicles as they try to get back on their feet, or as a last-ditch effort to avoid sleeping on
the streets.

Current city law, however, effectively criminalizes living in one's vehicle on a publicly owned
street. L.A.M.e. Section 85.02 states: "No person shall use a vehicle parked or standing upon
any City street or upon any parking lot owned by the City of Los Angeles or under control of the
Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors as living quarters either overnight,
day-by-day, or otherwise," (Title and Section Amended by Ord. No.158,219, Eff. 9/19/83.)

In an effort to balance the quality of life of residents with social justice, other cities have crafted
more nuanced ordinances, still forbidding camping in vehicles on city streets, but creating
special zones where people can sleep safely in their vehicles, They have done so without
impacting the quality of life in residential neighborhoods, Communities practicing such a
balanced approach include Eugene, Oregon, and the County of Santa Barbara.

As the economy worsens and more and more people face poverty or homelessness, the time has
come for the City of Los Angeles to pursue such a balanced approach. The current ordinance
should be amended, creating a process that allows each councilmember to designate zones in his
or her district where people can sleep in their vehicles. These zones could include municipal
properties, parking lots of churches or community-based organizations, industrial areas, and
other areas that would have minimal impact on residential communities.

I THEREFORE MOVE that the City Council request that the City Attorney, in collaboration
with the Chief Legislative Analyst, draft an amendment to LAMC Section 85,02, modeled after
the Santa Barbara and Eugene initiatives, creating a provision for councilmembers to designate
discrete and distinct areas of their council districts where people would be allowed to park and
sleep overnight.

I FURTHER MOVE that the Chief Legislative Analyst explore funding opportunities that would
allow such specially designated areas to be matched with staffing, security, and social services,
as is done in Santa Barbara County.

PRESENTID BY, Bill Rosendahl
Councilmember, 11th District
Los Angeles, California

Bread & Roses Cafe on Rose Avenue.

2008-10-12T16:58:00.000-07:00

As seen on KTLA Channel 5

Bread and Roses Cafe
663 Rose Avenue
Venice, California 90291

SEPULVEDA Blvd. LANE CLOSURE

2008-09-13T08:34:00.000-07:00

ROSENDAHL & WEISS ADVISE DRIVERS OF TEMPORARY SEPULVEDA LANE CLOSURE

LOS ANGELES – Councilmembers Bill Rosendahl and Jack Weiss today announced that a southbound lane of Sepulveda Boulevard will be closed for the construction of a permanent debris collection fence on the east side of Sepulveda Boulevard just south of the Mulholland Tunnel. The debris collection fence will permanently address an ongoing hazard from rocks and debris falling from the steep hillside onto the street.

WHEN: Starting on September 22, 2008 for up to eight weeks, the lane will be closed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

WHERE: On Sepulveda Boulevard from Dartford Avenue to just south of the Mulholland Tunnel, one of the two southbound traffic lanes will be closed. Southbound motorists will experience delay. The existing single northbound lane will be maintained, but it will be shifted westerly.

WHY: The lane closure will accommodate the installation of a concrete K-Rail, which is necessary to ensure public and construction worker safety. The K-Rail will also act as a temporary debris collection barrier to protect motorists and bicyclists from falling rocks, and to protect construction workers from fast-moving traffic during construction of a permanent debris collection barrier at the base of the steep hillside, immediately adjacent to the curb.

Southbound motorists are strongly encouraged to use the I-405 Freeway as an alternative on weekdays--especially between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. For further information or concerns, please call the Bernards Brothers Inc. at (310) 476-3642. Also, please visit http://trafficinfo.lacity.org for up-to-the minute street surface conditions throughout the City.

Public Hearing on Thursday, August 28 th

2008-08-12T13:44:00.000-07:00

PUBLIC HEARING TO SAVE OUR NEIGHBORHOOD

OUR TIME IS FINALLY HERE

Please Note the address was originally published wrong this is the correct address:

Van Nuys City Hall
14410 Sylvan Street
Councilor Chambers, Second Floor

8:30 am

An official public hearing before the City of Los Angeles Planning Commission has finally been scheduled to hear community concerns regarding the Saint Joseph Center at Lincoln and Flower. For several years we have voiced our concerns that this operation is not appropriate next to a residential community. For several years Saint Joseph’s has promised to operate as a good neighbor, but they have not.

Our time has finally come for our voice to be heard as a community, in an official and public forum. Please come to this critical and final leg of this political and bureaucratic process, and let the City Planning Commission know of your concerns. 24 hours a day the community is impacted.

The community deserves better.

The homeless deserve better.

The City Planning Commission needs to know.

PUBLIC HEARING:
Thursday, August 28, 2008 Time: 8:30 AM
Van Nuys City Hall
14410 Sylvan Street
Councilor Chambers, Second Floor

The attached pictures say it all. It will only get worse, unless we voice our concerns NOW.

Información en Español acerca de esta junta puede ser obtendia llamando al (213) 978-1300.

Address Any Communication To:
CITY PLANNING COMMISSION
200 North Spring Street, Room 272
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 978-1300

For those who do not know the background for the hearing:

On October 18, 2007, the neighbors whose property abuts St.JosephCenter at its new location at 404 Lincoln Blvd. had a hearing before a Zoning Administrator, Ms. Pat Brown. The location at 404 Lincoln Blvd. is zoned as a Commercial property and St. Joseph Center applied for a permit to use the location as a Counseling and Referral Center. It is our contention that the offering of showers, laundry, mail pick-up and a “hang out” for coffee does not fit the described use of Counseling and Referral.

For that reason some members of the community appealed the Planning Department’s granting of a permit to St. Joseph Center and asked that this permit be retracted.

We were well-represented by counsel and many concerned community residents, some had to take the day off from work to attend but we feel this is an important matter concerning our quality of life in our neighborhood. This October hearing was to determine if our request for retraction of the use permit granted to St. Joseph Center as Office for the use of Counseling and Referral would be upheld.

We have not heard the result of this hearing which was supposed to be sent to us within 3 to 4 weeks after the hearing, instead this April 2008 we were notified that we have to appear again and have the hearing repeated. WHY we asked? We never got an answer.

St. Joseph Center was represented by George Milstein of Latham and Watkins who said his firm was representing St. Joseph Center “pro bono” therefore we felt it was important for the neighbors to also hire an attorney NOT "pro bono" but from the $ contributions collected from the neighborhood.

Prior to the hearing, our lawyer had requested that our evidence be heard by an “outside” zoning administrator. He had uncovered evidence that the chief of the Planning Department for Los Angeles, Michael LoGrande, had acted to assist St. Joseph Center gain their permit after our initial appeal had been supported by Building and Safety. Mr. LoGrande is the superior to all the zoning administrators, in effect signs their checks, and so it was felt that our community could not receive an unbiased hearing.

We were assured that Ms. Brown would consider our appeal based only on the merits of evidence and law relating to the existing zoning codes. She also stated that, although there were many people there to give testimony to the merits of St. Joseph Center’s work, that was not what the hearing was about, but that the hearing was related only to
application of use to existing zoning codes.

It seems the advocates for St. Joseph Center were not listening as they stood to give “sentimental” testimony anyway. We are well aware of the need for services to the homeless and needy. Our only contention is the legality and inappropriateness of the operation at Lincoln and Flower so closely located next to the residents.

We were assured that Ms. Brown is insulated from the political environment. Her position, as a ZA (Zoning Administrator) was likened to a Supreme Court justice in terms of being insulated from politics and firing.

We stated our case. We offered documentation and many pictures to validate our statements. We were well-represented by our lawyer and community members. We have nothing further to prove in the loss of quality of life, health and safety endangerment, etc. No one can dispute what has come to our community if they open their eyes and look!

Ms. Brown listened and was very focused, respectful and attentive to all speakers. We too, listened and were attentive. Some in the audience which were people St. Joseph Center brought made fun of some of our statements and in that sense were discourteous to our speakers and ultimately, after they had made their own statement, just walked out and did not listen to any of our opposing views and concerns.

We continue to be touched unpleasantly by the existence of the recreational vehicle population which has come to our very doorsteps. They are here because they want to be near St. Joseph Center which provides services to them, laundry, showers, mail pick up, food. The city has made no steps to provide an area and sanitation for the recreational vehicles to park, their best
effort is to keep reshuffling them.

We all feel the effect of St. Joseph Center as their clientele walks past our property . There are many of their clientele who are courteous and law abiding but many are not. St. Joseph Center has told us that 80% of their clientele has some sort of mental illness. How would you like to have 100 mentally ill people visiting your next door neighbor on a daily basis?

We have many complaints about the vomit, empty beer cans, broken vodka bottles and used needles and condoms which transients deposit in the very yards our toddlers play in on their way back to their vehicle or “spot” from lunch or an afternoon on the beach. Our children are getting used to having to walk over unconscious individuals lying in the streets, groups "chilling" with loud "party" goings on, violent outbursts, threats against passers by, insane screaming, urination etc.

Drive down Lincoln Blvd. between Rose Ave. and California and you can easily see what is going on.

Steering Committee
Venice SONIC

Parked RVs are straining patience in laid-back Venice

2008-07-06T09:37:00.000-07:00

From the Los Angeles Times

Parked RVs are straining patience in laid-back Venice

Residents of the famously tolerant coastal enclave are fed up with campers and other vehicles lining narrow thoroughfares. They say some occupants party into the wee hours and dump waste into gutters.....

By Martha Groves
Los Angeles Times Staff Writer

July 6, 2008

The pleasant climate and quirky vibe of Venice have long attracted the wealthy and destitute alike. Poets, painters and movie stars mingle with itinerant surfers and scruffy street dwellers in one big colorful tableau.

But in recent years the coastal enclave's laissez-faire attitude has faded, in large part because many Venetians who once prided themselves on their unflappability have gotten fed up with the dozens of dilapidated cars, recreational vehicles and campers that line their narrow residential streets, providing shelter for people who have lost their jobs, want to break into show business or simply enjoy living near the beach.

In addition to tying up much of the neighborhood parking, residents say, some RVs are hotbeds of drug use and prostitution. Residents report that occupants defecate in alleys, party into the wee hours and dump waste into gutters and storm drains. For a time, a man named Butch was leasing four parked RVs, none of which he owned, to a succession of occupants.

Some residents are pressuring the city of Los Angeles to restrict overnight parking on neighborhood streets in the hope of recapturing the curbs and reducing visual blight.

In a further sign of a shift in attitudes, the Venice Neighborhood Council recently declared that sleeping on the streets in vehicles of any kind was inappropriate. The council established a committee whose stated task is "to end vehicular living on city streets." Such thinking represents a marked departure for the council, which four years ago was dominated by a "progressive slate" whose agenda included stopping gentrification, building more low-income housing and helping the homeless.

The change is long overdue, said one Venice activist. "This particular community has not stood up the way others have and said, 'Sorry, you can't poach here. It's unacceptable to live on our streets and defecate in our gardens,' " said Mark Ryavec, co-chairman of the new committee. "What's going on is that a new majority in Venice is saying we really do not accept this."

For months, he and other activists have been pushing Councilman Bill Rosendahl, who represents the area, to find a solution to what has seemed an intractable problem. Rosendahl said he has been studying programs in Santa Barbara and Portland, Ore., that provide overnight parking spaces and services for RV residents.

In Los Angeles, it is illegal to live in vehicles on public streets, but police say the law is difficult to enforce. Officers must be able to peer inside vehicles for evidence that people are cooking and sleeping in them, but savvy occupants simply refuse to open the door.

The larger issue, Rosendahl said, is how to ease the situation for residents without stepping on the rights of individuals who choose or feel forced by circumstances to live in cars or RVs.

"Where do these campers go?" he said. "Society has to find ways to put them in places that don't criminalize them. It's challenging not just for me, but for other cities and regions."

Nikoletta Skarlatos, a Hollywood makeup artist, considers herself a dedicated Venice denizen willing to endure a variety of urban ills to live in the funky community. Increasingly, however, she views her eclectic pocket around 4th and Rose avenues as squalid and unlivable.

Some days, rusty RVs and campers line both sides of her block. Noisy transients gather at the corner dry cleaner, and inebriated indigents harass her. Topping all that is the daily ritual of cleaning up human feces by her garage door.

In April, Skarlatos led Rosendahl and two dozen neighbors on a tour of the streets and the H-shaped alley that many of them share. Residents pointed out signs on nearby commercial blocks that prohibited overnight parking. "Why do they get them and we don't?" they asked. (Rosendahl later ascertained that they were counterfeit and had them removed.)

When Rosendahl began listing his accomplishments on homelessness, residents shouted him down. "These people are not homeless," Skarlatos said. "They are here because they want to live near the beach and not pay taxes.

"They have plants and dogs and cats and beds and curtains and bicycles attached and TVs and radio and music," she added. "That to me is not a homeless person."

Many RV dwellers say they subsist on Social Security or disability checks and view mobile living as better than being in a shelter. Some have jobs, cellphones and e-mail accounts.

Frank August, 57, who works occasionally as a salesman, was standing outside his motor home on 4th Avenue one recent evening. Years ago, he paid $1,500 a month for a Venice apartment, but he has lived in the vehicle since he adopted an ailing pit bull and could not find a landlord who would rent to him.

"It's got everything, from wood floors to solar panels," he said of the motor home, which August said he parks on commercial blocks to avoid offending neighbors.

Under prodding from residents, the city of Los Angeles is considering whether to impose "overnight parking districts" throughout much of Venice. Critics say the program, which allows permit-only parking from 2 to 6 a.m., merely tends to move the problem to someone else's community.

At a contentious hearing last month held by the city's Bureau of Engineering, activists spoke on both sides of the issue. Critics said restricted parking proposed for five zones in Venice, including Skarlatos' area, would limit public beach access.

In a letter to the bureau, Steve Clare, executive director of the Venice Community Housing Corp., contended that restricted parking would deny access for late-night fishing on Venice Pier, late-night grunion observation and "the simple pleasure of walking along the Ocean Front Walk and the Venice canals."

He also called the proposed limits "a not very thinly veiled scheme to eliminate homeless people with vehicles from our community -- not by providing alternative places for them to park their vehicles, or housing that they so desperately need, but by denying them any public space to park overnight."

"They are members of this community, too, and we can't just pretend they're trash to be disposed of or to be run out and made somebody else's problem," Clare said in an interview.

Rosendahl said the overnight parking districts were being "fast-tracked" and should be in place by late August, unless they are appealed to the California Coastal Commission.

martha.groves@latimes.com
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-venice6-2008jul06,0,7026084.story?track=rss

They paved paradise and called it a parking lot!

2008-06-26T17:32:00.001-07:00

Support the OPD Overnight Parking District Permits. Meeting Tonight!

This is OUTRAGEOUS and a HEALTH HAZARD for all of us!

Human waste on our streets!

HEALTH HAZARD for all of us!

Human waste dumped in the storm drains!

HEALTH HAZARD for all of us!

Encouraging people to live on the streets is not kind!

HEALTH HAZARD for all of us!

Venice, California.

Submitted by a Venice Beach resident.

Public Hearing on Thursday, June 26th
6:00 pm

Location:
Westminster Avenue Elementary School,
1010 Abbot Kinney Boulevard,
Venice, CA 90291

If you have any questions, please contact Dorothy Meyer at (949) 930-7259.

SUPPORT

VOLUNTARY OVERNIGHT PARKING DISTRICTS
(OPDs)

L.A. seeing more people living out of their cars

2008-06-23T14:05:00.000-07:00

A link from the http://www.drudgereport.com/
Associated Press Story submitted by a Venice Resident

L.A. seeing more people living out of their cars

Jun 23 02:48 PM US/Eastern
By CHRISTINA HOAG
Associated Press Writer

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Having lost her job and her three-bedroom house, Darlene Knoll has joined the legions of downwardly mobile who are four wheels away from homelessness.
She is living out of her shabby 1978 RV, and every night she has to look for a place to park where she won't get hassled by the cops or insulted by residents.

"I'm not a piece of trash," the former home health-care aide said as she stroked one of five dogs in her cramped quarters parked in the waterfront community of Marina del Rey.

Amid the foreclosure crisis and the shaky economy, some California cities are seeing an increase in the number of people living out of their cars, vans or RVs.

Acting on complaints from homeowners, the Los Angeles City Council got tough earlier this year by forbidding nearly all overnight parking in residential neighborhoods such as South Brentwood.

But some people are just crowding into other parts of the city, including the seaside community of Venice, where dozens of rusty, dilapidated campers can be seen lined up outside neat single-family homes. The stench of urine emanates from a few of the vehicles, and some residents say they have seen human waste left behind.

"They're nasty and gnarly," said Venice resident Jeff Scharlin. "We've heard about drug dealing and prostitution in them. I've never seen it, but visually they're a blight and they take up parking space."

In Los Angeles, as in many other cities, it is illegal to live in vehicles on public streets. But the law is not easy to enforce. Police have to enter a vehicle to find signs that people are living there, such as cooking or sleeping, and occupants often refuse to answer when cops knock.

An easier way is to restrict overnight parking. In L.A., a first offense carries a $50 fine, and subsequent violations can cost as much as $100.

Parking-enforcement officers often give vehicle owners a warning and tell them to move on before issuing a ticket, and that usually solves the problem, said Alan Willis, a city transportation engineer. But other cities in the area are not as lenient.

"I had my motor home towed in Culver City. It cost me $500 to get it out," said Desiri Hawkins, who lives in a small RV in Venice. "I got ticketed in Santa Monica and had to go to court."

Tourist states with temperate climates, such as California and Florida, have long been magnets for the homeless. Los Angeles is the nation's homelessness capital, with an estimated 73,000 people on the streets. A survey of 3,230 homeless people last year in Los Angeles County found nearly 7 percent living in vehicles, according to the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority.

"It's trending toward an increase," said Michael Stoop, acting executive director of the National Coalition for the Homeless. "People would rather live in a vehicle than wind up in a shelter, and you can't stay on a friend's couch forever."

People living out of their cars or campers tend to be more well-off than the homeless on the street. They usually have jobs or disability checks that enable them to maintain an old camper but do not allow them to afford rent.

"For more working-class and lower-middle-class people, the car is the first stop of being homeless, and sometimes it turns out to be a long stop," said Gary Blasi, a University of California, Los Angeles, law professor and activist on homeless issues.

Some Venice residents are clamoring for overnight parking restrictions. But parking limits in oceanfront neighborhoods are problematic because the California Coastal Commission requires communities to accommodate surfers, fishermen and other early-morning beachgoers.

"The complaints are getting louder and louder," said Los Angeles City Councilman Bill Rosendahl.

For years, some cities such as Santa Barbara, Calif., and Eugene, Ore., have accommodated people who live out of their vehicles. Activists in Venice are looking at some of those ideas. Santa Barbara, for example, allows vehicles to stay from 7 p.m to 7 a.m. in church and city parking lots.

Knoll said she can barely afford to drive around with the rising price of gasoline eating away at the $950 monthly disability check she receives because of mental illness.

She said she is also sick of police waking her up in the wee hours by pounding on her vehicle with their nightsticks, and she is tired of fighting with residents who call her "lowlife scum" and hurl other insults.

"We need somewhere we can have a safe haven, where we won't be harassed," Knoll said as the wind from a passing car rocked her RV. "I never thought I'd be living like this, but I'm stuck. This is it for me."

Public Hearing on Thursday, June 26th

2008-06-16T18:11:00.000-07:00

Public Hearing on Thursday, June 26th
6:00 pm

Location:
Westminster Avenue Elementary School,
1010 Abbot Kinney Boulevard,
Venice, CA 90291

If you have any questions, please contact Dorothy Meyer at (949) 930-7259.

SUPPORT

VOLUNTARY OVERNIGHT PARKING DISTRICTS
(OPDs)

Please join your neighbors in supporting the establishment of voluntary overnight parking districts in Venice. After many years the City of Los Angeles has finally responded to residents’ desires to restrict overnight street parking in our neighborhoods to the people who live here (and our guests).

The City’s Bureau of Engineering will hold a mandatory public hearing to receive resident comments on Local Coastal Development Permits for four parking districts in Venice, basically for all of the area west of Lincoln Boulevard.

The restrictions would be just from 2 AM to 6 AM.

After the larger enabling districts are set up, the establishment of the actual restricted areas is left up to residents on a voluntary basis, street by street and block by block. If 66% of the residents on one side of one block submit a petition to the City to restrict overnight parking on that block, then the district will be set-up. If the 66% requirement is not met, then no restrictions will be put in place.

Once signs are installed, residents will be able to park in front of their house with a decal, which costs $15 per year, but anyone who parks without a decal will get a ticket. Each resident – in an apartment or house - can obtain up to three (3) annual decals and two (2) temporary (four month) permits; up to 10 one-night permits are available, too.

The hearing will be held at Westminster Avenue Elementary School on Abbott Kinney Boulevard. The hearing schedule is:

6:30 to 7:05 - Oxford Triangle
7:05 to 7:40 Presidents Row
7:40 to 8:15 West Venice (Windward Traffic Circle, Pacific Avenue, canals, etc.)
8:15 to 8:50 East Venice (Lincoln to Abbott Kinney, plus northern walk streets)

The hearing will only focus on Coastal Act issues of public access, recreation, marine environment, land resources, development and industrial development. Many other coastal cities have set-up these overnight parking restrictions, which have been found to be in conformity with the Coastal Act.

No one comes to enjoy the coastal zone at 3 AM in the morning and restricting un-permitted RVs from the coastal zone overnight will prevent them from leaving trash and human excrement on the streets, which currently is washed into the ocean.

Many of us who have lived in Venice for many years have twice participated in petition drives to set-up overnight restrictions, only to see the City drop the ball. We would ask you to please join us on the 26th to support the OPDs. If you can’t attend, please email Julie.VanWagner@lacity.org to indicate your support of the OPDs

Numerous other coastal cities have set-up these overnight parking restrictions, which have been found to be in conformity with the Coastal Act. No one comes to enjoy the coastal zone at 3 AM in the morning and restricting un-permitted RVs from the coastal zone overnight will prevent them from leaving trash and human excrement on the streets, which currently is washed into the ocean.

Many of us who have lived in Venice for many years have twice participated in petition drives to set-up overnight restrictions, only to see the City drop the ball. We would ask you to please join us on the 26th to support the OPDs.

VERY IMPORTANT!!!!!!!!!

Please ATTEND THIS MEETING!!!!!!!

If you can’t attend, please email Julie Van Wager to indicate your support of the OPDs.

Julie.VanWagner@lacity.org
or write:
City of Los Angeles, Bureau of Engineering
Environmental Management Division,
Attn: Julie Van Wagner
1149 South Broadway, Room 600
Los Angeles, CA 90015

E-mail: at Julie.VanWagner@lacitv.org
Fax: 21 31847-0656

The application, exhibits and other information relating to the case are available for your review
at http://enq.lacity.orq/techdocs/emq/EnvironmentaI Review Documents.htm.
If you have any questions, please contact Dorothy Meyer at (949) 930-7259.

LAPD Reserve Officer Task Force Deployed in Venice Beach

2008-06-14T07:53:00.000-07:00

LAPD Reserve Officer Task Force Deployed in Venice Beach

Venice Beach is a desired destination for travelers from all over the world, attracting thousands of visitors. The Office of Operations has selected Pacific Division as the location of the Reserve Task Force.

The task force of over 50 Reserve Officers will patrol Venice Beach as the LAPD strives to provide a safe and secure environment for residents and tourists alike. While quality of life issues and public safety around the Venice Beach Area will be the primary mission, crime suppression and vending enforcement issues will also be addressed.

For the past 60 years, the LAPD has encouraged Los Angeles residents to take an active role in protecting their community by volunteering for the Police Reserve Corps. Today, over 650 citizens are active Reserve Officers. These doctors, artists, pilots, business owners and industrial workers are effective spokespeople in their neighborhoods, providing valuable insight into the community for law enforcement. It is truly “Community Policing,” exemplified by the motto of the program: “To be a Reserve is to be twice a citizen.” What makes the LAPD program even more remarkable is that the standards to become a reserve police officer matches those required of full-time police officers.

For further information please contact Media Relations Section at 213-485-3586.

Learn more about the LAPD Reserve Corps by visiting http://www.joinlapdreserves.com

The City of Los Angeles is not paying attention to Venice.

2008-05-07T17:28:00.000-07:00

Dear Living in Venice Readers,

The City of Los Angeles is not paying attention to Venice. Even though the high value of land in Venice is bringing more money into the city coffers every year and Ocean Front Walk brings visitors from around the world, Venice does not seem to be worthy of serious attention.

The city apparently feels it is easier to pay the fines for E.coli contaminating the Pacific Ocean from the storm runoff drains than to face down the lawyers sent to protect the "civil rights" of RV dwellers who feel they are entitled to enjoy all of the perks of living in a city without paying rent or contributing to the cost of maintaining city streets or sewers.

For over a year now I have been visiting other cities that have programs for getting RVs, campers, and other kinds of vehicles used for sleeping off the streets. The Venice Neighborhood Council (VNC) sent one report to a number of city and county officials without receiving one response. Not one.

The demographic of Venice is not what it used to be. The beautiful homes I saw on the recent Garden Tour for Las Doradas tell me that Venice is a land of families who love their community and respect their neighbors. To neglect their right to live in a clean environment is a failure of the city to observe health laws.

In a blog to this site I see that some health official said the RVs parked on the street are not a health hazard. I would certainly like to know the name of that city official because I would love to lead a delegation to that official's office to demand proof. Any vehicle with holding tanks is a potential health hazard. To live in such a vehicle without a proper connection to a sewer is an insult to the community and to the city.

RVs and campers are not meant to be homes. These vehicles are for vacation traveling and parking at sites with hookups for draining holding tanks.

At the next Venice Neighborhood Council meeting I will present the results of a trip to Eugene, Oregon, another city with a program for dealing with, as they put it in their laws, "camping on the streets." I will ask the board to take the report home to read it over carefully and consider making a motion in June to send the report on to city officials again. Whether or not anyone agrees with what other cities do, the question here is: WHY ISN'T LOS ANGELES DOING SOMETHING ABOUT IT?

Another VNC board member and I tried to get some of the $500,000,000 Proposition O money for a study to determine the amount, source, and correction of contaminants and bacteria in the storm water runoff from Venice. VNC supported the effort, but it was rejected. So please do not think that VNC members haven't been trying.

One more thing, encouraging poor and sick people that there is a right to live in vehicles on the street is cruel and it has to stop.

The petition supported by Living in Venice just might do it. I hope so.

DeDe Audet
Living in Venice

Update: St. Joseph Center & the Zoning Law

2008-05-07T08:52:00.000-07:00

On October 18, 2007, the neighbors whose property abuts St.JosephCenter at its new location at 404 Lincoln Blvd. had a hearing before a Zoning Administrator, Ms. Pat Brown. The location at 404 Lincoln Blvd. is zoned as a Commercial property and St. Joseph Center applied for a permit to use the location as a Counseling and Referral Center. It is our contention that the offering of showers, laundry, mail pick-up and a “hang out” for coffee does not fit the described use of Counseling and Referral.

For that reason some members of the community appealed the Planning Department’s granting of a permit to St. Joseph Center and asked that this permit be retracted.

We were well-represented by counsel and many concerned community residents, some had to take the day off from work to attend but we feel this is an important matter concerning our quality of life in our neighborhood. This October hearing was to determine if our request for retraction of the use permit granted to St. Joseph Center as Office for the use of Counseling and Referral would be upheld.

We have not heard the result of this hearing which was supposed to be sent to us within 3 to 4 weeks after the hearing, instead this April 2008 we were notified that we have to appear again and have the hearing repeated. WHY we asked? We never got an answer.

St. Joseph Center was represented by George Milstein of Latham and Watkins who said his firm was representing St. Joseph Center “pro bono” therefore we felt it was important for the neighbors to also hire an attorney NOT "pro bono" but from the $ contributions collected from the neighborhood.

Prior to the hearing, our lawyer had requested that our evidence be heard by an “outside” zoning administrator. He had uncovered evidence that the chief of the Planning Department for Los Angeles, Michael LoGrande, had acted to assist St. Joseph Center gain their permit after our initial appeal had been supported by Building and Safety. Mr. LoGrande is the superior to all the zoning administrators, in effect signs their checks, and so it was felt that our community could not receive an unbiased hearing.

We were assured that Ms. Brown would consider our appeal based only on the merits of evidence and law relating to the existing zoning codes. She also stated that, although there were many people there to give testimony to the merits of St. Joseph Center’s work, that was not what the hearing was about, but that the hearing was related only to
application of use to existing zoning codes.

It seems the advocates for St. Joseph Center were not listening as they stood to give “sentimental” testimony anyway. We are well aware of the need for services to the homeless and needy. Our only contention is the legality and inappropriateness of the operation at Lincoln and Flower so closely located next to the residents.

We were assured that Ms. Brown is insulated from the political environment. Her position, as a ZA (Zoning Administrator) was likened to a Supreme Court justice in terms of being insulated from politics and firing.

We stated our case. We offered documentation and many pictures to validate our statements. We were well-represented by our lawyer and community members. We have nothing further to prove in the loss of quality of life, health and safety endangerment, etc. No one can dispute what has come to our community if they open their eyes and look!

Ms. Brown listened and was very focused, respectful and attentive to all speakers. We too, listened and were attentive. Some in the audience which were people St. Joseph Center brought made fun of some of our statements and in that sense were discourteous to our speakers and ultimately, after they had made their own statement, just walked out and did not listen to any of our opposing views and concerns.

We continue to be touched unpleasantly by the existence of the recreational vehicle population which has come to our very doorsteps. They are here because they want to be near St. Joseph Center which provides services to them, laundry, showers, mail pick up, food. The city has made no steps to provide an area and sanitation for the recreational vehicles to park, their best
effort is to keep reshuffling them.

We all feel the effect of St. Joseph Center as their clientele walks past our property . There are many of their clientele who are courteous and law abiding but many are not. St. Joseph Center has told us that 80% of their clientele has some sort of mental illness. How would you like to have 100 mentally ill people visiting your next door neighbor on a daily basis?

We have many complaints about the vomit, empty beer cans, broken vodka bottles and used needles and condoms which transients deposit in the very yards our toddlers play in on their way back to their vehicle or “spot” from lunch or an afternoon on the beach. Our children are getting used to having to walk over unconscious individuals lying in the streets, groups "chilling" with loud "party" goings on, violent outbursts, threats against passers by, insane screaming, urination etc.

Drive down Lincoln Blvd. between Rose Ave. and California and you can easily see what is going on.

Steering Committee
Venice SONIC

Carnival / Festival @ Penmar Park

2008-05-06T17:43:00.000-07:00

Carnival / Festival

May 9-11:

Free to the Public

Rides / Games / Food - Individual Fees vary

Location:

Penmar Recreation Center
1341 Lake St.
Venice, CA 90291
Office: 310-396-8735
Contact: Juan Guzman - Facility Director

Hours:

May 9-11

Friday May 9 - 3:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

*Saturday May 10 - 12:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

*Sunday May 11 - 12:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

*Penmar Child Care Center "Kids Corner" - 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Exciting Crafts for School Age Children!

***Sunday Performances - Folklorico Dance Group 12:00 p.m.
Live Bands - 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.***

Juan Guzman
Facility Director
Penmar Recreation Center
(310) 396-8735 (Office)
(310) 396-7561 (Fax)
juan.l.guzman@lacity.org

Deadline for signing RV petition extended.

2008-05-03T12:32:00.000-07:00

The deadline for signing the petition regarding the Recreational Vehicles permitted to park indefinitely on our streets has been extended through this weekend.

There are more than 200 signatures collected so far, this issue is concerning a lot of us here in Venice. These vehicles are parked all over our neighborhood with no regard to the residents quality of life. Buckets of sewage dumped trash left behind and blocking residents parking.

ENCAMPMENTS ON VENICE PARKING LOTS

2008-04-30T06:01:00.000-07:00

PLEASE COME OVER TO RAVENSWORK AND SIGN BY WEDNESDAY!

Ravensworth Studios
1611 Electric Ave
on the corner of Electric & Palms
from 9:00am til 6:00pm through Wesnesday.

Venice Stakeholders Association

YOUR SIGNATURE IS NEEDED TO STOP HOMELESS VEHICULAR ENCAMPMENTS ON VENICE PARKING LOTS AND DRIVEWAYS.

In recent months, the Venice Neighborhood Council has created two working groups to address various local homeless issues. These groups were set up as task forces rather than committees because VNC believed that TFs were not subject to Brown Act requirements and were consequently easier to operate. (Recently, the City Attorney indicated that such task forces are subject to the Brown Act.)

The VNC Homeless Task Force is chaired by Steve Clare. Its goal is to “recommend for consideration by the VNC [ideas] that recognize that unhoused neighbors are members of our community, address concerns of either/both housed and unhoused community members, [and] can accomplish within a reasonable period of time either by collective action of community members or with realistic support from others including nonprofits, corporations, foundations and local government.”

The VNC Vehicular Living Task Force is chaired by Dennis Hathaway. This task force seeks to develop a neighborhood program to assist those living in vehicles in Venice by locating religious organizations and other property owners - INCLUDING THE CITY AND ITS PARKING LOTS - willing to allow vehicle/camper dwellers to legally, safely, and at no cost, sleep in local parking lots and even residential driveways in Venice(and throughout the City) and to provide sanitary facilities and garbage disposal service for these vehicles. The Vehicular Living Task Force has drafted an ordinance permitting overnight sleeping in vehicles, contrary to existing LA City ordinances which prevent this.

These two task forces have met quietly for several months without publicizing their meetings to the community at large. The meetings have been attended primarily by homeless folks and those that provide services to the homeless. For the most part, though homelessness is a very public problem with undeniable impact on Venice residents, VNC discouraged interested Venice stakeholders from participating in such meetings.

When active Venice stakeholders did attend the meetings of either committee, it was clear that their input was not appreciated by either task force.

In response to the proposed parking lot ordinance, several members of the Venice community have drafted a letter to send to City officials expressing our concern that this ordinance, if adopted, would make Venice even more of a magnet for homeless than it now is and would create tawdry "gasoline alleys" in areas of Venice.

The transient RV Dwellers want no rules!

2008-04-30T05:59:00.000-07:00

The transient RV Dwellers wish to live legally on Venice Streets & Parking Lots!

Please take the time to show your opposition to this concept .....
The RV Task-force formed by Venice Neighborhood Council is going to ask the city of Los Angeles to allow RV camping at designated parking spaces and public lots in Venice.

But they have not mentioned how they will deal with the RV's that will follow.................will Venice become another Ontario????

Please sign a petition against this nonsense at:

Ravensworth Studios
1611 Electric Ave
on the corner of Electric & Palms
from 9:00am til 6:00pm through Wesnesday.

It is at the reception desk.

A Petition about Transient RV's

2008-04-29T17:51:00.000-07:00

April 28, 2008

Dear Sirs:

We are writing to express in the strongest terms our opposition to the proposed ordinance currently under consideration by the Venice Neighborhood Council's RV Task Force which would allow any person (or persons) to sleep over-night in recreational vehicles parked anywhere in the City of Los Angeles, on public or private property, with the permission of the owner.

This ordinance is an invitation to destruction of neighborhood zoning and density limits in the City of Los Angeles and will certainly produce "gasoline alleys" in various parts of Los Angeles if passed.

While we are concerned about the increasing incidence of homelessness and current economic conditions that cause some people to opt to use their vehicles as residences, encouraging the practice is self-defeating for these individuals and our communities. We have experienced in Venice all the problems that come from some of the individuals who camp in their vehicles: crimes such as muggings, theft and burglary, drug sales, late night noise and drunkenness, trash, and feces and bottles of urine on our front lawns (not to mention the loss of sorely needed street parking). We do not want to encourage this behavior by passage of this ordinance.

Further, we object to the unrepresentative nature of the RV Task Force, which is not drawn from a cross section of our community, but represents largely service providers and the homeless. The meetings of the Task Force have intentionally not been broadcast to the Venice stakeholders, and the Task Force has operated outside of the public notice requirements of the Brown Act.

As the cities of Santa Barbara and Ontario have seen, special areas for the homeless’ vehicles and campers quickly exceed their capacity and create unsanitary and unsafe environments. If additional controlled environments are needed to accommodate RVs (and/or vehicles) in the City, such as the County facility at Dockweiler Beach, then we would support the development of such additional facilities in similarly isolated locations like Dockweiler, and in other locations at a distance from residential neighborhoods.

Under no circumstances do we support the use of public parking lots or the parking lots of religious institutions, within 1000 feet of residential or commercially zoned property, for the parking of vehicles permitted for over-night occupancy.

Thank you for your attention to our concerns.

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa
Los Angeles City Hall
200 North Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012
mayor@lacity.org
Phone: (213) 978-0600
Fax at (213) 978-0655

Councilman Bill Rosendahl
Los Angeles City Council
200 North Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Councilman.Rosendahl@lacity.org
(310) 575-8461

Michael Newhouse
President, Venice Neighborhood Council
Riley & Associates CA/NV
1875 Century Park East, Suite 1000, Los Angeles, CA 90067
MIKE@MIKEANDRUTHIE.COM
(310) 399-5515

The Brown Act, what is it exactly?

2008-04-29T06:02:00.000-07:00

California Codes Government Code Section 54950-54963

This is the law that requires public access to meetings and requires the elected officials to let the public speak.

In enacting this chapter, the Legislature finds and declares
that the public commissions, boards and councils and the other
public agencies in this State exist to aid in the conduct of the
people's business. It is the intent of the law that their actions be
taken openly and that their deliberations be conducted openly.

The people of this State do not yield their sovereignty to the
agencies which serve them. The people, in delegating authority, do
not give their public servants the right to decide what is good for
the people to know and what is not good for them to know. The people
insist on remaining informed so that they may retain control over
the instruments they have created.

54950.5. This chapter shall be known as the Ralph M. Brown Act.

IMPOSTERS POSING AS UTILITY SERVICE WORKERS

2008-04-24T11:29:00.000-07:00

LADWP & LAPD WARN CUSTOMERS OF IMPOSTERS
POSING AS UTILITY SERVICE WORKERS

LAPD and LADWP Urge Residents to Call for Verification of Employment Before Agreeing to Service

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) together with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) warn residents to be aware of imposters posing as LADWP personnel who make unexpected service calls as a way to gain access to personal property in order to rob or steal from the occupant(s). According to police, the suspects work as a team. While one imposter diverts the attention of the resident, the other imposter ransacks the home for valuable items.

Nothing is more important to the LADWP than to assure our customers of the integrity and professionalism of our service personnel whose employment is easily confirmed with one call to 1-800-DIAL DWP, said H. David Nahai, chief executive officer and general manager of the LADWP. As with any stranger, don't open your door to anyone claiming to be an LADWP worker without getting the name, employee number and name of supervisor first. Then, please call us to verify his or her employment and purpose of visit. We're here to help.

All LADWP employees wear or carry an ID badge and, with rare exception, have no need to enter ratepayers' homes to read meters, turn on or off equipment or other activities. Furthermore, there is little reason for an employee to enter a customer's home except for a pre-scheduled service call at the customer's request.

Con artists pose as utility personnel to gain access to homes under numerous pretexts. The public is encouraged to report any of these actions directly to the LADWP and any incidents to their local law enforcement.

LADWP, the nation's largest municipal utility, services about 1.4 million electric customers and 680,000 water customers in Los Angeles. For more information, please visit www.ladwp.com.

www.councilmanrosendahl.com
City Hall (213) 473-7011
West LA (310) 575-8461
Westchester (310) 568-8772
April 24, 2008

Contact: Nate Kaplan 213-473-7011
Councilman Bill Rosendahl
200 N. Spring Street, Room 415
Mailstop 218
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Rhonda Meister steps down

2008-04-12T16:03:00.000-07:00

From the Argonaut
Reader's Comments:

Paul T. wrote on Mar 6, 2008 7:18 PM:
" St. Joseph's Day Center does very little to get most of the chronic homeless off the streets. They enable the substance abusers and mentally ill to continue on the street. They have no concern for the neighbors who must put up with people defecating on their fronts steps.

Three times I've had to clean up the human excrement left by one of St. Joseph's clients. We need a shelter with rules of conduct, not a drop in center with coffee and donuts for anyone able to amble in. .. Paul "

Rhonda Meister steps down as director of St. Joseph Center

BY BETSY GOLDMAN

Early influences set Rhonda Meister on a path that would make a difference, not only in her life, but in the lives of many others.

She grew up on a farm in central Illinois, where the nearest town had a population of 1,350. There was deep sense of community, where people felt connected and helped each other out. Her parents had a strong commitment to social justice and to the belief that every person is valuable and their gifts are needed.

"Those two experiences impacted how I viewed people and life," she says.

After studying psychology and social work, Rhonda went to divinity school "at a time when I thought women would be ordained in the Catholic Church."

She ended up specializing in ethics and public policy.

"Both focus on community," she says. "How do we get as much equality for all of us as possible?"

At the same time a former school colleague needed a case manager for a family shelter in East Los Angeles, a friend originally form Los Angeles was moving back to L.A., so, in 1983 Rhonda had a job and she and her friend found an apartment in Venice.

"I happened to be one of the few people in the United States who hadn't heard of the Venice Beach reputation," she says.

Rhonda kept driving by "this little building on Fourth and Rose" and noticed all the activity, oftentimes with lines of homeless people. One day she decided to see what was going on. It turned out to be opportune, because the building was St. Joseph Center and they were looking for a homeless program case manager.

St. Joseph Center was founded in 1976 by two Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet who began providing advocacy and referrals and assisting families with the basic needs of food, clothing, and job readiness. From the very beginning, the sisters saw their task as one of renewing hope in all people and empowering them to take steps to heal their lives.

When, in 1984, Rhonda became case manager, there were 12 employees, headed by the co-founder and director, Sister Marilyn Rudy.

Toward the end of Rhonda's first year, Sister Marilyn announced that she was taking a year-long sabbatical and asked Rhonda to be acting director.

"Little did I know that she would never come back," says Rhonda.

There were two main programs, Family Services and Food Pantry, plus a small homeless program, when Rhonda became permanent director in 1986.

Today, St. Joseph Center is a multifaceted organization employing close to 100 paid staff and benefiting from the dedication of more than 400 volunteers annually. It is a significant presence on the Los Angeles Westside through its ten programs and eight different locations, all of which continue to respond to the wide-ranging needs of homeless and low-income families and individuals in the community.

There is now an integration of services so clients don't have to go to different places for assistance.

The construction of a new facility primarily for family-based programs and administration scheduled to be completed in the next couple of months will ensure that St. Joseph Center continues to be up to the task of addressing the community's needs for decades to come.

There are certain continuing situations that Rhonda feels still have to be addressed. The homeless issue has long been a volatile one in Venice. Rhonda remembers the mid-'80s, when homeless advocate Ted Hayes brought his tent encampment to Venice Beach. She cites the recent ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) lawsuit that basically gives homeless people the right to sleep on a sidewalk.

"I truly wish there were more change in the fact that homeless people had enough housing, rather than being on a sidewalk, but having shelter," she says. "Now with rents going so high there is a real pull on between people on the street and families trying to scrape together enough money to stay in housing to pay the rising rents. How do we create a space that works for everybody that is here?"

Rhonda also remembers that when she started working at the center there was a focus on immigration status. People who didn't have documents were fearful that they would get picked up.

"I think there is at this point — I hope — the will to actually address the immigration issue in a way that makes sense to society and makes sense to the people who are here and really contributing to society."

Now, after 22 years as director, Rhonda has handed over the reins.

"The new building brings a sense of newness and new vision and it seemed the right time to bring new leadership and really start everything new," she says.

She will stay involved with the center as a member of the board of directors.

The experience and knowledge that Rhonda have accumulated will help plan her future. She will do some consulting while taking the time to decide what lies ahead. At this point, she knows her work will be in the nonprofit arena, possibly in public policy. Whatever it is, she will be on the side of those who have the greatest necessity to improve their lives.

The legacy that Rhonda leaves is what she wishes her successor to retain. That is "to continue the commitment of St. Joseph Center to those who are the poorest and the most in need and continue to reach out and make a difference in the community and work to bring about change."

To know Rhonda is to love her. As much as she will miss the center's staff, volunteers and supporters, they will miss her even more. Few people bring as much commitment and dedication in making a difference to help others, and, to her credit, always exemplifying grace under fire.

"Realizing Possibilities" is the theme of St. Joseph Center's May 3rd annual fundraising dinner dance. It celebrates the success and achievements of clients as they strive to overcome the cycle of poverty and attain stability and self-sufficiency. Rhonda will be honored with the "Hope Through Empowerment Award" for her leadership and service.

Information, Valerie Harwin, (310) 396-6468 ext. 336.

News from Bill Rosendahl

2008-03-28T13:02:00.000-07:00

VENICE BEACH BOARDWALK ORDINANCE
Public Input Sought
3/27/08

The latest version of a proposed revised ordinance regulating commercial vending and noise on Venice Beach is moving and there are several important public meetings scheduled where you can offer your feedback.

Following Councilmember Bill Rosendahl’s February Town Hall meeting on the draft ordinance, crafted under the supervision of a federal judge, changes have been made to the proposal incorporating many suggestions from members of the community.

You can go to the "Hot Topics" section of www.councilmanrosendahl.com to download the current drafts of the ordinance, program rules, and space allotments for activities on Ocean Front Walk.

You can comment on this proposal at the following meetings:

9:30 a.m., Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Board of Recreation and Parks Commissioners
Westwood Recreation Complex,
1350 South Sepulveda Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90025.

2 p.m., Wednesday April 2, 2008
City Council's Arts, Parks, Health & Aging Committee,
Room 1010, City Hall
200 N. Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012

10 a.m., Wednesday, April 9, 2008
City Council Meeting
John Ferraro Council Chambers
3rd Floor, City Hall
200 N. Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Note: This meeting date is tentative.

What has changed in the draft ordinance since the February Town Hall?

Zones regulating certain types of activity have been interspersed along Ocean Front Walk.
All but five larger performance spaces are 10’ by 8’
The boardwalk layout creates separate zones where amplification is prohibited or permitted to mitigate noise traveling into residential corridors.
Spaces for vending of “expressive items” in Windward Plaza have been eliminated to mitigate noise concentration and congestion.
The number of spaces for “expressive activity” has been reduced from 120 to 100.
There are 100 spaces remaining for vending of “expressive items”.

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More information: click here
From GRVNC (Grass Roots Neighborhood Council)
http://www.grvnc.org/node/866

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From The Argonaut

Friday, March 28, 2008 Last modified: Thursday, February 14, 2008 10:46 AM PST
Revised ordinance regulating noise and vending on Venice Beach Boardwalk receives mixed reactions

BY VINCE ECHAVARIA

Giving another shot to a Los Angeles City ordinance regulating vending and noise on the Venice Beach Boardwalk, city attorneys say that a revised version should be able to withstand legal challenge.

But many of those familiar with the Venice Beach Boardwalk — also known as Ocean Front Walk — scene see the new proposed law continuing to pose some problems there.

Los Angeles Municipal Code section 42.15, which regulates vending and the time, place and manner of public expression activities on the west side of Ocean Front Walk, was approved by the City Council in January 2006 but has since faced legal challenges related to First Amendment rights.

The City Council requested the city attorney in July to prepare an ordinance repealing certain portions of the law related to the vending of items that have "more than nominal utility apart from their communication" and noise regulation.

City attorneys say they have prepared a revised version of the ordinance that restricts vending activity on the west side of the boardwalk, with certain exemptions, and regulates noise, while protecting First Amendment rights.

Among the exemptions are performance artists, people vending items such as newspapers, leaflets, bumper stickers and buttons, and people vending expressive items created by the vendor, or items that are "inextricably intertwined" with a political, philosophical or religious message, according to the ordinance.

"We feel very confident [...] that the ordinance will pass legal muster," city attorney spokesman David Michaelson said at a town hall meeting on the revised law in Venice Thursday, February 7th.

The ordinance divides the available space on the boardwalk into areas known as "P-zones" and "I-zones." P-zones cover areas for performance and the vending of items such as newspapers, bumper stickers and books created by the vendor. I-zones cover areas for the vending of expressive items created by the vendor, such as compact discs, paintings and sculptures, or those that are inextricably intertwined with the vendor's message.

Permits issued by the city Department of Recreation and Parks are required to use spaces in the I-zone and in the P zone during peak season. Another change with the revised law is that the selling or exchanging of any space is subject to criminal enforcement.

Violations of the regulations will result in an infraction on the first and second offense and a misdemeanor on subsequent violations.

According to the ordinance, noise cannot exceed 75 decibels from a distance of 75 feet or 96 decibels from a distance of one foot on the boardwalk between 9 a.m. and sunset. Amplified noise on the boardwalk is prohibited between sunset and 9 a.m., according to the revised ordinance.

Federal District Court Judge Dean Pregerson has supervised a mediation process to help the city craft the compromise ordinance that regulates noise and vending while respecting First Amendment rights. Pregerson recently held a final conference on the proposed ordinance, but before the law is considered by the City Council, 11th District City Councilman Bill Rosendahl wanted to ensure that the law was fully vetted by the community.

Captain Joseph Hiltner of the Los Angeles Police Department Pacific division, which will enforce the boardwalk regulations, noted that the ordinance is still a work in progress.

"This is a working document; it's not final," Hiltner said.

At a town hall meeting on the revised law, people familiar with the boardwalk, including residents, performers and vendors, said they were not convinced that the new law is an improvement from the old one.

"This ordinance is not yet ready to be an ordinance," said Bill Greenslade, who added that the law could face further litigation. "Venice needs protection and support, it doesn't need prosecution and punishments."

Resident Jim Smith argued that the ordinance should be crafted with the input of people who know the boardwalk scene.

"I would urge you to dump this and convene a cross-section of people to frame the ordinance the way we want it," Smith said.

Resident Paul Carey predicted that the new ordinance would not be enforceable and added that it would destroy one of the city's jewels.

"The boardwalk is the last place in the community where radical self expression exists," he said.

Some offered their support for the proposal, particularly with the noise regulations, as they can hear music coming from the boardwalk throughout the day.

"The noise travels up the walkstreet and I can hear music inside my house all throughout the weekend," said Lisa Smith, a resident who lives along a walkstreet.

"Some of the performers do not respect the residents. It's gotten way out of hand."

Others, such as resident Stephen Fiske, offered some suggestions for those crafting the ordinance to make it more workable. Fiske suggested adding the word "expressive" to items that inextricably intertwined with the vendor's message.

"You should design an ordinance that is simple," Fiske told the town hall panel.

Rosendahl acknowledged that crafting an improved vending ordinance is a "challenge," but he is hopeful that the city will approve a law that protects First Amendment rights and preserves the spirit of Venice.

"We want to be as free and open as possible," Rosendahl said. "The key is to listen to everyone and to try to craft something that works for everybody."

Rosendahl Empowerment Panel

2008-02-08T08:33:00.000-08:00

For Immediate Release

February 7, 2008

Contact: Nate Kaplan, 213-978-0770

ROSENDAHL EMPOWERMENT PANEL
HOLDS WORKSHOP ON RENTERS’ RIGHTS

WHO: Councilmember Bill Rosendahl's Empowerment Congress, Affordable Housing/Renters' Rights Committee

WHEN: Saturday, February 9, 2008, 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

WHERE: West Los Angeles Municipal Building - Hearing Room 2nd floor
1645 Corinth Avenue (between Iowa and Santa Monica Blvd.)
Los Angeles, CA 90025
(Parking available behind the Municipal Building)

WHAT: In an effort to address the loss of affordable rental housing and the dislocation of renters due to condominium conversion projects in Councilmember Bill Rosendahl’s district, the Affordable Housing/Renters' Rights Committee of Rosendahl’s Empowerment Congress is sponsoring a teach-in on rent control, evictions, the Ellis Act, relocation, leases, and other affordable housing issues.

The event will provide information useful to renters if they live in housing that is rent-controlled, the target of present and future development , or if they want to know more about municipal and state resources that serve to protect the rights of all renters.

"Renters make up 62% of the residents in my district," said Councilmember Rosendahl. "Yet, they are at an enormous disadvantage -- in terms of information and resources -- in getting their fair share and in getting people to honor their rights. I applaud this committee of the Empowerment Congress for organizing this workshop."

Development-based evictions will be the major focus of the workshop’s broad program, covering the law, issues and resources that pertain to renting in the City of Los Angeles.

"In this district, tenants of some 800 rental units were evicted and forced to relocate in 2006," said Mindy Meyer, Chair of the Affordable Housing/Renters' Rights Committee, "and while the number varies every year, loss of affordable rental housing persists as a serious problem in our district."

Eight housing experts will be presenters at the event. Among them will be a representative of the City's Department of Housing to explain the resources available to: process renter complaints; inspect rental properties for safety and code violations; and for taking action against non-compliant landlords.

The subjects to be covered include: leases; rental agreements and lease attachments; a developer's application to upgrade property or convert to condos; a tenant’s opportunity to influence processes/appeals; tenants' rights, evictions and the Ellis Act; protections for preserving affordable housing; opportunities for affordable housing development; the future of renters in Los Angeles. There will be plenty of opportunity for questions from workshop attendees. "Part of the American Dream is to own a home, not to rent one," said Ken Marsh, a member of the committee producing the event, "With the majority of our population renting and many preferring to," he continued, "renters need to be informed and to weigh in on the issues that directly and exclusively affect them. This event will provide the information renters need to exercise their rights and begin to stand as equals in the American Dream with homeowners."

Refreshments will be served and Spanish translation provided.

All attendees will be given a copy of the Renters' Rights 101 Workbook, containing notes on subjects discussed during the event as well as other useful information.

The event is produced by the Affordable Housing/Renters' Rights Committee of Councilmember Bill Rosendahl's 11th District Empowerment Congress

For further information and/or to RSVP, contact Ken Marsh at 310-903-2173 or email at kmarsh@ca.rr.com.

###

The Urine Test

2008-01-28T09:54:00.000-08:00

The Urine Test

Like a lot of folks in this country...I have a job. I work, they pay me.

I pay my taxes and the government distributes my taxes as it sees fit.

In order to get that paycheck, I am required to pass a random urine test, with which I have no problem.

What I do have a problem with is the distribution of my taxes to people who don't have to pass a urine test.

Shouldn't one have to pass a urine test to get a welfare check because I have to pass one to earn it for them?

Please understand, I have no problem with helping people get back on their feet.

I do on the other hand have a problem with helping someone sitting on their butt and using drugs

Could you imagine how much money the state would save if people had to pass a urine test to get a public assistance check?

(Sent to us by a Venice Resident)

DAY OF SERVICE FOR MAR VISTA, VENICE, AND DEL REY

2008-01-21T15:17:00.000-08:00

www.councilmanrosendahl.com
City Hall (213) 473-7011 West LA (310) 575-8461 Westchester (310) 568-8772

For Immediate Release
January 20, 2008
Contact: Nate Kaplan, 213-473-7011

MAYOR VILLARAIGOSA, CONCILMEMBER ROSENDAHL TO HOST 2008 DAY OF SERVICE FOR MAR VISTA, VENICE, AND DEL REY

Who: Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa
Los Angeles City Councilmember Bill Rosendahl
When: 8:00 am to 2:30 pm, Saturday, January 26, 2008

Where: Mar Vista Recreation Center
11430 Woodbine Avenue, Mar Vista, 90066
(NW corner of Palms Blvd. and Sawtelle Blvd.)

What: Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa and Councilmember Bill Rosendahl will host the 2008 Day of Service at Mar Vista Recreation Center. Residents of Mar Vista and the surrounding neighborhoods will join with community members to work together on nearly 50 separate projects to benefit the local neighborhoods. The goal of the Day of Service is to address community needs, provide public education and strengthen community partnerships.

Registration opens at 7:00 am at Mar Vista Recreation Center. The Kick-Off Ceremony begins at 8:00 am. Community service projects will run from 8:20 am to 12:30 pm. Free lunch and entertainment will be from 12:30-2:30 pm. Entertainment will feature local bands, stilt walkers and youth martial arts demonstrations.

The Day of Service is a great opportunity for community involvement, and a way to engage and connect local resources and assets-both human and organizational-from schools, businesses, neighborhood councils, community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, City departments, the offices of public officials, and parent and youth groups.
Since the first Day of Service four years ago, the City of Los Angeles and its community members have worked hand in hand to rehabilitate neglected homes of senior citizens, create art in local parks, and plant gardens throughout the City. Church groups, community organizations, office workers, and school children have participated in numerous service projects that benefited hundreds of non-profits and their local neighborhoods. Whether it's planting trees, painting murals, cleaning streets or volunteering in retirement homes, anyone can participate in Day of Service as long as they are willing to give their time.

In the cooperative spirit of service and giving back to the community, churches and temples, business and labor, schools and parents, non-profits and every single individual in the community are encouraged to participate at the 2008 Day of Service. The event will bring together members of every religious denomination, racial and ethnic group, and neighborhood across the City to work together for the improvement of our communities.

Project #
Project Name
Location
RSVP Email
1. Grand View Elementary- Beautification Project
3951 Grand View Blvd.
volunteer@lacity.org

2. Grand View Parkway-
Landscaping Updgrade
3228 Grand View Blvd.

FULL

3. Hilltop Neighbors Assoc. CERT Org.- Maintenance
3321 Grand View Blvd.
FULL

4. Ballona Creek- Clean-up
5070 Slauson Ave.
volunteer@lacity.org

5. Planting on Slauson & MVFC- Landscaping
5070 Slauson Ave.
volunteer@lacity.org

7. Alley (off Bradson Pl.- paralled to Slauson)- Clean-up
5070 Slauson Ave.
FULL

9. Mar Vista Family Ctr. Preschool- Roof Repair & Maintenance
5070 Slaouson Ave
volunteer@lacity.org

13. North Venice Little League Field- Landscaping & Maintenance
3321 Grand View Blvd.
volunteer@lacity.org

14. Richland Ave. Elementary School Mural- Painting
11562 Richland Ave.
volunteer@lacity.org

15. Shelter Animal Advocacy Fund- Help with adoptions
Mar Vista Park
FULL

16. S. MV Neighborhood Assc. Mar Vista Alleys- Clean-up
3826 Grand View Blvd
volunteer@lacity.org

17. S MV Neighborhood Assc. Public Library- Landscaping & Maintenance
12006 Venice Blvd.
volunteer@lacity.org

18. Venice Blvd. Beautification Project #1- Landscaping & Maintenance
Corner of McLaughlin & Venice
volunteer@lacity.org

19. Venice Blvd. Beautification Project #2- Landscaping
Parkway outside bowling alley on Venice & Grand View
volunteer@lacity.org

20. Venice Blvd. Beautification Project #3- Landscaping & Clean-up
Beethoven St. & Venice Blvd. area outside stores
volunteer@lacity.org

21. Venice Blvd. Beautification Project #4- Weeding
Venice, from Beethoven- McLaughlin
volunteer@lacity.org

22. Stoner Ave. Elementary School- Clean-up, weeding, and landscaping
11735 Braddock Drive
volunteer@lacity.org

23. Venice High School- BB Tournament
13000 Venice Blvd
FULL

24. Venice Blvd. Streetscape Improvement Assc.- Weeding
Median on Venice Blvd. Between Centinela & Beethoven Street
FULL

25. Venice High School PTSA- Landscaping
13000 Venice Blvd.
volunteer@lacity.org

26. VenMar Neighborhood Assc.- Planting
Mark Twain Middle School 2224 Walgrove Ave
volunteer@lacity.org

27. Westminster Ladybug Learning Ctr.- Planting
Westminster Ave. Elementary 1010 Abbot Kinney Blvd
volunteer@lacity.org

30. Richland Ave. Elementary School Garden- Landscaping
11562 Richland Ave
volunteer@lacity.org
31
Venice High School- weeding & planting
13000 Venice Blvd
volunteer@lacity.org
32
Mar Vista Rec. Ctr. Hockey Rink Shed- Maintenance
11430 Woodbine Street
volunteer@lacity.org

33. Mar Vista Rec. Ctr. Hockey Program- Clean-up & Maintenance
11430 Woodbine Street
volunteer@lacity.org

34. Mar Vista Gardens- Clean-up & Landscaping
4901 Marionwood Dr.
volunteer@lacity.org

35. Mar Vista Gardens- Clean-up & Planting
4901 Marionwood Dr.
volunteer@lacity.org
36
Mar Vista Gardens- Painting Project
4901 Marionwood Dr.
volunteer@lacity.org
37
MVCC Rose Committee- Planting
11430 Woodbine Street
volunteer@lacity.org
38
Ballona Institute- Tours
322 Culver Blvd., Suite 317
FULL
39
Mar Vista Rec. Ctr.- Painting & Landscaping
11430 Woodbine Street
volunteer@lacity.org
40
Richland Ave. Elementary- Paint & Maintenance
11562 Richland Ave
volunteer@lacity.org
41
Venice High School Swimming Pool- Pool dedication event
13000 Venice Blvd
volunteer@lacity.org
42
Walgrove Ave. Elementary- Landscaping
1630 Walgrove Ave
volunteer@lacity.org
43
Mar Vista Rec. Ctr.- Planting
11430 Woodbine Street
volunteer@lacity.org
44
Outreach to Mar Vista Apt. Residents- flyer distribution
Mar Vista Community Council
volunteer@lacity.org
45
Venice Community Housing Corp.- Painting
701 Vernon Ave
FULL
46
Friends of Mar Vista Library- Book Sale
12006 Venice Blvd
volunteer@lacity.org

If you would like to participate in 2008 Day of Service event on Saturday, January 26, 2008, please e-mail your name to volunteer@lacity.org and specify which project number you would like to help out with. For further questions, contact Stephen Cheung at stephen.cheung@lacity.org.

# # #

This message was sent to petrova@petrova.com by:

Councilman Bill Rosendahl
200 N. Spring Street, Room 415
Mailstop 218
Los Angeles, CA 90012

COMMUNITY DAY OF SERVICE

2008-01-21T10:20:00.000-08:00

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED - COMMUNITY DAY OF SERVICE

City Wide Day of Service - focusing on the Communities of Mar Vista, Venice and Del Rey

SAT. JAN. 26, 2008 7:30 AM-1:00 PM

Breakfast, Lunch, and T-shirt to all volunteers!

** Mar Vista Recreation Center (Palms and Sawtelle) - On Site Registration, Kick Off Event and Community Fair **

For more information call or email (213) 922-9737 or volunteer@lacity.org.

On Saturday, January 26, 2008, the Offices of Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa and Councilmember Bill Rosendahl will host the 2008 Day of Service at the Mar Vista Recreation Center and Park. Residents in Mar Vista and the surrounding neighborhoods will join with community members to work together on more than 30 separate projects to benefit the local neighborhoods. The goal of the Day of Service is to address community needs, provide public education and strengthen community partnerships.

Your support and participation are vital to this community effort. We hope you'll join us on this community work day in making Mar Vista a more beautiful and welcoming place for all. Please forward this email to friends and neighbors and lets show the City of Los Angeles the community spirit of Mar Vista! A list of the projects for the day are listed below and a volunteer registration form is attached too.

If you have any questions, please contact Stephen Cheung, in the Office of Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa, at 310.479.3823 or via email at stephen.cheung@lacity.org.

I hope you'll help us show the City of LA what a spirited and active community Mar Vista is by coming out to participate in the Day of Service! It should be a wonderful time. A number of local Mar Vista artists will be performing at the lunch time community celebration. We hope to see you Saturday!

Best Regards,

Board of Directors – Mar Vista Community Council

Community Police Academy Announcement

2008-01-08T09:57:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year, announcing Community Police Academy

The Los Angeles Police Department invites you to attend our Community Police Academy!

On January 23, 2008, Operations-West Bureau and Operations-Central Bureau will conduct a Korean Community Police Academy for all community members.

The eleven-week course will be held at the Korean Education Center located at 680 Wilshire Place, Los Angeles, 90005. The class will meet each Wednesday evening between 6:30 and 9:30 pm. The course will conclude with a graduation ceremony on April 2, 2008.

Through the Community Police Academy, enrolled students will be encouraged to build a lasting partnership with the Department, with the ultimate goal of reducing crime and improving the quality of life in our neighborhoods.

Each community member must meet the following criteria:

•Must be 18 years or older;
•Live or work in Operations-West Bureau;(yes, Venice is in it)
•No prior felony convictions;
•No outstanding warrants;
•No pending criminal cases; and
•Must be approved by an Area Commanding Officer.

Interested citizens should contact the Community Relations Office of their local police station;

Pacific Area (310) 202-2890

For any additional information please contact the Operations-West Bureau,
Community Police Coordinator, Officer Rayney Arnold at (213) 473-0277 or
Special Event Coordinator Sergeant Baker at (213) 485-2651.

Side note: I took this course 10 years ago and found it to be very informative. If you have the time, I highly recommend anyone taking it.
You will be amazed at all the things you learn and the misconceptions that will be corrected. -CW

Choosing their lots in life

2008-01-02T10:59:00.000-08:00

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-rvhomeless31dec31,1,1679955.story
From the Los Angeles Times

COLUMN ONE
Choosing their lots in life

A strict Santa Barbara program lets people live in their cars. For some it's transitional, but others are happy with their spot on the asphalt.

By Steve Chawkins
Los Angeles Times Staff Writer

December 31, 2007

SANTA BARBARA — Two or three nights a week, a 29-year-old ex-Peace Corps volunteer named Shaw Talley rolls through the parking lots in his old Volvo wagon, offering help where he can. In spaces where others see a handful of battered RVs and vans, Talley sees lives playing out, for better or worse.

Here, a Vietnam vet suffers from war wounds that keep him in constant pain. There, a man in a van plays classical music on his violin. Here, a diabetic gives himself an insulin shot under the dim glow of his dome light. There, a quiet middle-aged woman eases into her old Lincoln for the night, resting up for another day in customer service at a big-box store. In the glare of a street lamp, she relaxes with a book before closing her eyes.

All are beneficiaries of the city-sanctioned Safe Parking program, which allows people to live -- sometimes for years -- in cars or RVs in about a dozen parking lots that belong to the city, the county, churches, nonprofits and a few businesses in industrial areas.

In the course of a week, Talley, a caseworker for the program, checks in with most of his roughly 55 charges. Some need doctors, some need jobs, some need car repairs. On top of such daily concerns, Talley helps them through the laborious process of applying for low-income housing, though a few prefer a more-or-less permanent berth on the asphalt.

"It's not my job to judge them because they might want to live in their vehicles," said Talley, who volunteers at a hospice during his off hours and plans to attend graduate school in social work next year. "I'm here to give them options."

The five-year-old program, administered by the New Beginnings Counseling Center, is one of just a few across the United States. It is being considered as a possible model by neighborhood groups in the increasingly costly Venice area, where parking on congested blocks has been made even tougher by an influx of street campers.

"The streets aren't meant for living -- it's not acceptable," said Mike Newhouse, president of the Venice Neighborhood Council, which, with Los Angeles City Councilman Bill Rosendahl, is studying the Santa Barbara program. "And most folks here think it's not acceptable that anyone should be forced to live in a vehicle."

In Santa Barbara, a place of legendary affluence where fixer-uppers can cost more than $1 million, nobody knows just how many people are living illegally on four wheels. Last year, Talley took it upon himself to do an informal census, driving around one evening looking for telltale signs of vehicular habitation: towels draped over windows, condensation fogging windshields. Within hours, he counted 249 makeshift homes.

"Mostly, they try to stay invisible," Talley said. "They don't want to get hassled by the police. They don't want to be victimized by thugs."

Talley, who has the sunny good looks of an extra in a surf movie, is unrelentingly positive. He speaks of "the higher self" within everyone and draws on his Peace Corps stint for inspiration: "When I go up to a vehicle, it's like going to some hut in Paraguay and clapping my hands before I enter, saying, 'Hey, I'm here!' "

Still, the job drains him. In his closet-size office at the Salvation Army in Santa Barbara, he sometimes cringes at the stories he hears. "They're crying in front of me, they're telling me about being raped on the streets, about all sorts of things -- and a little piece of me dies," he said.

On the wall hangs a license plate, an artifact from the ancient Volkswagen bus that one of Talley's first clients lived in for years. Talley helped place the man -- an ex-lawyer who had attended West Point -- in low-income housing. He drove him to a Los Angeles VA hospital for knee replacement surgery. He even got him a $1,000 check from a state program that pays motorists to scrap polluting vehicles.

"I just kept thinking that this guy could be my grandfather," Talley said.

Addicts show up from time to time, asking for a parking permit. One man was obsessively picking at himself -- the mark of a meth user. When Talley told a couple to wait while he fetched a drug-testing kit, they vanished.

"If they're not taking themselves or their hygiene seriously, I'll pass them on," he said. "I'll say, 'You need to go to detox. We're not going to help you hurt yourself.' "

New Beginnings runs the program on an annual budget of about $105,000, drawn from city and county funds as well as private donations.

It does not cater to the poorest of the poor. Participants must have auto insurance, driver's licenses and vehicles sound enough to drive off the lots during daylight hours. They must also agree to rules: no loud music, no alcohol, no drugs, no overnight visitors, no cooking outside the vehicle.

No showers are provided, and though only a few of the lots have portable toilets, using parking-lot shrubbery as a bathroom is grounds for immediate expulsion. No more than five vehicles are allowed in each of the lots, which are located downtown and in the outlying areas of Goleta and Isla Vista.

City officials say the program has generated few complaints, most of them from one resident who owns property near one of the lots. It hasn't ended illegal camping on Santa Barbara's streets, but police say it presents no major problems and offers security and hope to those involved.

Some of the lot-dwellers work steady jobs. More than half were living in the area for years before some combination of bad luck, bad choices, booze, drugs or mental illness bounced them onto the streets.

In 2004, an ex-welfare worker named Boyd Grant bought a 31-year-old RV after selling the Carpinteria mobile home he could no longer afford to maintain.

By day, he's the unofficial caretaker of the Goleta fishing pier and has successfully lobbied Santa Barbara County for a small grant to fix the place up. At night, he's at home in the parking lot of a local food bank.

When Talley knocks on his door and calls his name, the 63-year-old Grant tells him things are going fine. The surgery for the bladder cancer went OK; ditto the double-hernia operation. He describes a week of recovery at a Motel 6 the way a middle-aged couple might describe their house after the kids leave for college: "I didn't know what to do with all that space."

Grant reads Buddhist philosophy under his rig's solar-powered lights and taps the latest news from the pier onto his website. It's a far cry from the exhausting cat-and-mouse game he used to play with the police -- finding a parking spot every night, dousing his interior lights when the sun went down, keeping himself still to avoid attention.

In the neatly kept RV he calls his "monk's cell," Grant argues that more local governments should allow single people to live this way.

"We can't afford to put everyone in a stick house," he said. "This is a reasonable option."

Not everyone agrees. Though she voted last spring for a modest expansion of the program, Santa Barbara Mayor Marty Blum said she worries about the city giving tacit approval to housing that can be squalid. She also fears exacerbating the homeless problem.

"The homeless community has a tremendous communication network," she said. "If they tell each other that it's OK in Santa Barbara, that's not the message we want to give out."

In 2000 -- two years before the program's inception -- the city felt so besieged by the mobile homeless that police wrote more than 200 illegal-camping tickets in just a few months. The Safe Parking program was begun only after homeless advocates mounted successful legal challenges to the aggressive enforcement policy.

"Who isn't drawn to Santa Barbara?" asked Talley, who grew up in the city before attending Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania. "I mean, give me a break -- it's Santa Barbara! Homeless people are going to keep coming here, and we have to engage them instead of looking the other way."

At 73, Bob Coyle didn't come for the ocean views. After a turbulent past of heavy drinking, a bad divorce and ruptured family relationships, he wound up in an Isla Vista church parking lot because he has a daughter in the area. Besides, he said, his daughter's place was too crowded and "I didn't have anywhere else to go." When he wanted a shower, he would drive his cluttered van to his daughter's house. When he needed a bathroom, he would use one at a nearby park.

Five years ago, the former home remodeler had a stroke. Last summer, he underwent a six-hour operation to replace a blocked artery in his leg. Grant, his fellow RVer, paid for a week's stay in a motel.

"Amazing what that guy did for me," said Coyle, whose face is as weathered as his van. A few weeks ago, Coyle, who gets around only with great pain, moved into $300-a-month senior housing that Talley helped him nail down. Beforehand, he worried about finding furniture for the place, about appliances, about the rent.

"I keep telling Shaw I'll get there just in time to die," he would say, only half joking. "Shaw keeps telling me not to worry."

In the last couple of years, Talley figures that he has helped at least 35 people move from their vehicles into subsidized apartments. Even after the move, he checks in with them frequently, helping them deal with landlords, neighbors, monthly payments -- skills that can fall away with life on the streets.

Earlier this month, Linda Turner, 66, found a spot in a new low-income senior housing project. For eight years, she had lived in a van crammed with pillows, stuffed animals, self-help books and memories. A basket held the ashes of her cat. There were framed photos from happier times: Turner when she was a white-gloved flight attendant, and when she was in a Bavarian dance troupe. Another was of the son, now 37, whom she hasn't seen in years.

She's had dramatic ups and downs. One downward spiral was triggered, she said, by an attorney who was embezzling her life's savings. A choral singer, she likens her life to the powerful operatic work "Carmina Burana" because "it can be seen as musically confusing but also exciting."

Turner used to work in interior decorating but now gets by on Social Security and supplemental SSI payments -- a source of income she didn't have until Talley gave her the paperwork and helped her fill it out.

With a loan from New Beginnings, Turner recently headed for Washington to retrieve her great-grandmother's settee and other heirlooms. Over the years, she has paid $14,000 to store them.

"It's kept my hope going that one day I'd have a place," she said.

Not everyone wants that.

"There are hard-core cases where people who have moved into their vehicles are -- for very private and idiosyncratic reasons -- devoted to them," said Peter Marin, a longtime Santa Barbara activist.

In 2002, Marin's Committee for Social Justice won city approval for the parking program, which was modeled on one in Eugene, Ore. Marin said his group merely wanted safe parking spots for the homeless, but it was more politically palatable to "regularize" them with placement in conventional housing.

One man, who requested anonymity, said he has lived in vans off and on for 25 years, partly because coming up with rent every month can be so stressful that it triggers his chronic fatigue syndrome.

He said he feels some shame about it.

"Some RVers are just drunks, living on the street, letting their sewage tanks overflow and giving all of us a bad name," said the man, who wears a dark suit every day to his minimum-wage job in the tourism industry. "I deal with some high-end people, and if they knew I lived in my van, I'd feel about two inches tall."

That's not a big concern for Harley Hill, 27, and Megan Connelly, 23, a couple from Oregon who can afford their expensive raw-food diet and all-natural clothing partly because they live with their two small children in an RV they bought for $2,300.

Last spring, Connelly gave birth to baby Theo in the RV, parked at the county office complex. A landscaper at UC Santa Barbara, Hill has medical benefits, but he and Connelly both wanted the kind of privacy that's rare in bustling hospitals.

"We'd studied what to do, but we had a list of emergency numbers just in case," said Hill, slicing tomatoes, peaches and Spanish sheep's milk cheese for an evening repast by candlelight -- a necessity after a fuse blew. "In a hospital, people keep coming in to check on you. But here at home, it was quiet, we could focus."

They're not sure how long they'll call the parking lot home. After all, they were en route to Mexico when Santa Barbara drew them in last year. "We're kind of nomadic by nature," Hill said. "Next stop could be South America -- who knows?"

In the meantime, most of their parking-lot peers will pursue more modest dreams.

Talley will help them navigate a three-year waiting list for apartments, advise them on how to save money, get them to medical appointments and point them to stores that have good deals on secondhand blankets and camping toilets and day-old bread. Rowdies and rule-breakers will be tossed out, at least for a while.

"It's a constant give-and-take," Talley said. "It's a huge deal that organizations allow us to use their parking lots at night. They're saying we trust you, we trust your clients."

steve.chawkins@latimes.com

L.A.P.D. Pacific Division HOLIDAY TOY GIVEAWAY

2007-12-14T17:42:00.000-08:00

ROSENDAHL TO JOIN LAPD FOR HOLIDAY TOY GIVEAWAY

Who: Los Angeles City Councilmember Bill Rosendahl
Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD)
Santa Claus and his reindeer

When: Saturday, December 15, 2007
5:00pm-9:00pm

Where: Pacific Community Police Station Parking Lot
12312 Culver Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90066

What: Los Angeles City Councilmember Bill Rosendahl will join the Los Angeles Police Department for the second annual Holiday Carnival and Toy Giveaway.

The event will feature music, refreshments, free toys for children, and tons of real snow.

The Los Angeles Police Department held a toy drive for the last three months in preparation for the holiday giveaway.

The event is free and open to the public.

Skid Row in Rehab....

2007-11-19T08:01:00.000-08:00

From the Los Angeles Times.......

"Myth: People live on the streets because they can't find housing.

Reality: Many people are there because they choose to live without responsibilities."

.......The LAPD estimates that there are between 50 and 140 empty shelter beds on a typical night on skid row.

Skid row in rehab

After decades of squalor, the area is finally changing thanks to the LAPD's new tactics.

By Heather Mac Donald
November 18, 2007

Until this year, skid row presented a scene of squalor and depravity that had no equal across the country. Sidewalks were impassable, covered with bodies, human waste and infectious bacteria. Makeshift tents and cardboard-box encampments lined the streets. Prostitution and drug use and trafficking were open and shameless.

Even addicts were amazed at the scene. Fifty-year-old Vicki Williams arrived from Las Vegas in December 2005 with a heavy habit. "I couldn't believe what I was seeing," she said. "People getting high on the streets like it was legal. Anything you can imagine, I've observed: Women walking down the street buck naked; people stabbed in front of me."

Employees of the area's export-import businesses and food-processing plants often had to step around feces, discarded hypodermic needles and hostile encampment residents in order to enter their workplaces.

Yet for 25 years, homeless advocates and civil liberties groups fought every effort to restore sanity to the 50-square-block area. Any time the police embarked on a law enforcement campaign, anti-police litigators hauled the LAPD into court. In 1999, the doyenne of downtown homeless agitators, Alice Callaghan, picketed the opening of a skid row drop-in center intended to provide the homeless a path to rehabilitation. Callaghan likened the facility to an internment camp. Officers who tried to get mentally ill, diseased addicts into treatment were accused of harassing the homeless. It was hard not to conclude that the advocates wanted the homeless to stay maximally visible.

Now, the situation has changed. The Los Angeles Police Department's Safer City Initiative -- under which 50 additional police officers were assigned to the neighborhood to reduce crime, fight drug dealing and crack down on quality-of-life offenses -- has begun to bring safety and assistance to people living on the streets and in the SROs and missions. The number of people sleeping on downtown streets declined from a peak of 1,876 in mid-September 2006 to just over 700 in recent months, according to police. "We've broken the back of the problem," says LAPD Chief William J. Bratton.

Yet the homeless industry and lawyers who specialize in taking on the LAPD continue to attack the initiative as a cruel effort to punish the poor. This charge is a grotesque misrepresentation of what is really happening, a mythology that is utterly unsupported by the facts.

Myth: The police are criminalizing homelessness and poverty. Reality: The police are targeting crime.

Before the Safer City Initiative began, skid row was a place of ruthless predation and violence. In May 2006, for example, a mentally ill woman who had repeatedly resisted offers of housing and services was stomped to death by a homeless parolee. Every time addicts trying to break their habit stepped outside, they entered a drug carnival of shameless proportions. Dealers fought for control of turf and terrorized the elderly.

In recent months, under Safer City, that atmosphere has been changing. During the first half of 2007, there were 241 fewer victims of violent crime in skid row, and over 12 months, serious crime dropped by 32%.

Most skid row arrests result from aggravated assaults and drug trafficking -- not from violations of the city ordinance banning sleeping or lying on the sidewalk. Moreover, the police offer everyone picked up for a misdemeanor the option of entering rehabilitation instead of going to jail, as part of a program called Streets or Services, or SOS. (Arrestees who have been convicted of violence in the last five years, are registered sex offenders or have outstanding warrants against them are not eligible for SOS. This modest safety precaution disqualified three-quarters of the misdemeanor arrestees over the last year, a measure of the true nature of the skid row street population.)

Amazingly, almost a quarter of eligible arrestees opt for jail, even though SOS requires a mere three weeks in a rehab-and-housing program in order to purge an offense from one's record. Why? Because the lure of the streets is simply more powerful. Of those who did enroll over the course of the last year, only 16% stayed for the offense-clearing 21 days, and only 1% lasted 90 days.

Myth: The police are abusing the homeless. Reality: The police are the most constant source of help in the area, and the homeless know it.

If the Safer City Initiative were in fact the travesty that critics claim, the reception that Cmdr. Andrew Smith and his officers get when they travel the streets would be far different from the love-fest that currently greets them. One afternoon this August when I walked through the streets with Smith, a wizened vagrant on 5th Street shouted: "Hey, man!" and gave him a fist-to-fist handshake. As a drug bust was enfolding on Crocker Street, a middle-aged woman, reeking of beer, approached Smith. "You got promoted," she beamed. "I thought you did wonderful. The next step is chief."

The foot soldiers of downtown's Central Division enjoy a similar rapport with the street population. An alcoholic woman smiles at Officer Deon Joseph as he ambles down San Julian Street, once the heart of skid row depravity. "How are you, Officer Joseph?" she says. He asks her, "What are you seeing down here?"

"Everyone but the right guy," she responds. "The streets are getting a little cleaner, though." Many vagrants call officers by their first names, part of the complex web of formal authority and personal connectedness that defines police-community relations on skid row. Since Safer City began, the homeless have started approaching officers on the street or in the station house to seek assistance, a mark of how the officers are perceived.

Myth: People live on the streets because they can't find housing. Reality: Many people are there because they choose to live without responsibilities.

"If someone wanted to get off the streets, they could," said a supervisor at the Volunteers of America drop-in center who asked not to be identified. "They're out there by choice."

Robert Tapia, a former methamphetamine dealer who now works security at the Union Rescue Mission, said: "They don't want to abide by the rules -- no hats, no alcohol." Tapia encourages mission "guests" to enter rehabilitation, but they usually refuse. Ken Williams, now in recovery, came from Long Beach to skid row a decade ago to indulge his crack and alcohol habits. "I didn't want to get off the streets because I didn't want to conform to any rules," he recalled.

The LAPD estimates that there are between 50 and 140 empty shelter beds on a typical night on skid row. But outreach workers who try to persuade people to use the shelters say they are turned down more often than not. Advocates for the homeless have crafted a series of dodges to deny this fact. UCLA law professor Gary Blasi claims, for instance, that it's unfair to expect someone to take up the offer of shelter when doing so requires "splitting up with your spouse and giving up everything you have." But by all accounts, the number of married couples on skid row is extremely small. And the Central City East Assn. funds and operates a warehouse where people can store nearly every kind of possession for free.

Myth: The homeless oppose the Safer City Initiative. Reality: Although the civil liberties groups and homeless advocates clearly oppose the police presence in skid row, many of the people I met on the streets want more policing, not less.

Jimmy, a middle-aged ex-convict, says he has "seen a lot of things change" since getting out of prison in 2003 for attempted murder. "There's less crime; women are not getting harassed the way they used to." But he'd like even more law enforcement. "They're missing some things that are going on," he said.

The Safer City Initiative has saved more lives in a year than decades of litigation by homeless advocates ever achieved. Skid row's officers are dislodging a culture of anarchy that allowed crime and violence to flourish at the expense of people trying to get back on their feet. Halting Safer City would return skid row to the brutal law of the jungle and help only drug lords and other predators.

Heather Mac Donald is the author of "Are Cops Racist?" and is a contributor to City Journal, from which this article is adapted.

This is quality of life for everyone!

2007-10-09T10:37:00.000-07:00

"Homelessness, and quality of life issues, are dividing the liberals and the progressives ........."

"We go out to drive the kids to school," ........."and there's human poop between the cars."

'Enough is enough,' S.F. says of homeless
Residents of a famously liberal city appear to be changing views.....

This article appeared on page A - 1 of the San Francisco Chronicle

C.W. Nevius
Tuesday, October 9, 2007

San Francisco - the liberal, left-coast city conservatives love to mock - could be undergoing a transformation when it comes to homeless people. Although the city would still be a poor choice for a pep rally for the war in Iraq, indications are that residents have had it with aggressive panhandlers, street squatters and drug users.

"Maybe there has been an epiphany," says David Latterman, president of Fall Line Analytics, a local market research firm. "People have realized they can hate George Bush but still not want people crapping in their doorway."

Consider the case of David Kiely, who has lived in the South of Market area for 18 years. He bought a home when prices were low and now lives there with his wife, Jenny, and their three boys, ages 7, 4 and 1. Kiely insists "we're not some white, yuppie parents saying we can't take this." In fact, he says, they donate to programs for homeless people at Glide Memorial Methodist Church and the food bank at St. Anthony Dining Room. But he's finally saying "enough is enough."

"I don't expect it to be Cow Hollow or Pacific Heights," he says. "But the other day Jenny is bringing the kids back from the park, and some guy is standing on the corner throwing up on himself."

Trent Rhorer, executive director of San Francisco's Human Services Agency, is at ground zero for homelessness concerns. He's heard it from local residents at meetings, he's read the polls, and he noted the huge response to Chronicle columns about the homeless people and intravenous drug users in Golden Gate park. Like others, he thinks there's been a change in the way San Franciscans think the homelessness problem should be approached.

"I don't think this is a conservative or liberal thing," he says. "This is quality of life for everyone. What research has shown and what we have seen from visits to cities like Philadelphia, Chicago, Portland and New York is that you need to combine good social outreach with law enforcement."

That means something more than an offer of help, which often is declined anyhow. (One city official estimated that nine out of 10 say they are not interested in a shelter or housing when approached.)

"Maybe," Rhorer says, "you just need a guy with a badge standing over them and saying, you can't stay there any more."

That's tough talk for a city that's been known as a friendly place for those down on their luck. And in previous years it would have been a political non-starter. When Mayor Frank Jordan tried to push homeless people off the street with his "Matrix" program, the crackdown got much of the blame for his failure to win a second term.

But this has the feel of a new day in San Francisco.

"Homelessness, and quality of life issues, are dividing the liberals and the progressives in this city," says David Binder, a statistical analyst and founder of David Binder Research. "The liberals will say we've got to get tough on the homeless and the progressives are more old-line liberal."

How that debate will come out is anyone's guess, but it is hard to disagree with Latterman's blunt assessment, which is, "People are just pissed. For the first time, even the left is saying they've had enough."

In an informal poll by SFGate.com, 90 percent of respondents said Mayor Gavin Newsom's crackdown South of Market was a great idea.

Latterman points to the neighborhood uprising in the Haight when it was proposed that a needle exchange program be moved to the Hamilton Methodist Church. When some 200 residents showed up, mostly to protest the idea, it was shelved.

"One sample doesn't make a trend, but it is telling," says Latterman. "C'mon, they live in the upper Haight. They're liberal by definition."

But they are also, in many cases, homeowners and thus have a sense of ownership and emotional investment. That's another part of what has caused this sea change in thinking. From TIC (tenants in common) units, to condominiums, to luxury townhouses, the city has created the potential for an influx of buyers, despite the downward trend in home sales in much of the country.

Cathy Pickering, assistant project manager for the San Francisco Redevelopment Agency, suggests a look to South of Market, which is within Newsom's pilot program to issue citations to vagrants on the sidewalks and streets. What once was an area of old warehouses now is booming.

"As you travel around South of Market," she says, "there is no doubt there has been a huge increase in residents."

Some of them are young couples, able to buy into their first home. And some might be empty nesters who have sold their home in the suburbs, following the national trend and moving to an urban center. But either way, they can understand the objections of a father like Kiely.

"We go out to drive the kids to school," he says, "and there's human poop between the cars."

There must be many who are as fed up as Kiely, because politicians like Newsom are taking a tough stand. In an election year, you can bet he wouldn't go out on an unpopular limb. Now it will be interesting to see how the Board of Supervisors, traditionally progressive and more pro-homeless people, will react.

One proposal that could come from the Newsom administration is some form of a "sit-lie" law. Rhorer says the idea is "that you can't be in the same place on the sidewalk for longer than a certain time." (Even Berkeley has a version of that for Telegraph Avenue.) That would create howls of protests from the advocates for homeless people (and it should be said that such laws have had mixed success), but usual arguments against strong action against vagrants might not be as effective with the new mind-set of city residents.

"This isn't the war in the Iraq," says Latterman. "We've been fed that line for a long time. If you support this, you're a Bush supporter. You're a fascist. Maybe people are fed up with that."

Sound off: Have something to say on this story? Call (415) 777-6268 to comment for an Open Mic podcast on sfgate.com.

How you can help

-- To volunteer to help provide services to the homeless, call Project Homeless Connect: (415) 255-3908.

-- To contact authorities about specific problems related to vagrancy and the behavior of a homeless person, call the city's services hot line: 311.

C.W. Nevius' column appears on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday. His blog C.W. Nevius.blog can be found at sfgate.com. E-mail him at cwnevius@sfchronicle.com.

http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/10/09/MN9RSMAJ9.DTL

This article appeared on page A - 1 of the San Francisco Chronicle

© 2007 Hearst Communications Inc.

C o m m u n i t y M e e t i n g !

2007-10-07T08:50:00.001-07:00

C o m m u n i t y M e e t i n g !

Thursday, October 11, 2007
7:00 - 9:00PM
Penmar Park in the small gym on Lake St.

Meet & Greet Our New LAPD Pacific Division Police Officers

* New Commanding Officer - Captain Joe Hiltner

* New Patrol Captain - Captain Justin Eisenberg

* New Senior Lead Officer - Thomas Wicks

When: Thursday, October 11, 2007 - 7-9 PM

Where: Penmar Park in the small gym on Lake St.

S.L.O.'s (LAPD Senior Lead Officers) maintain and promote a continuous liaison with members of the residential and business communities, council district staff, and community organizations. S.L.O.'s are patrol officers, problem solvers, mentors, leaders, and community mobilizers.

They are also responsible for monitoring crime trends and participating in area crime reduction activities. It is very important to work together with our L.A.P.D. officers to keep our
neighborhood safe and address our quality of life issues that come up. We support our officers and work closely with all govermental entities.

This meeting is sponsored by:
Penmar Neighborhood Association,
Living in Venice Neighborhood Watch,
and Venice SONIC.

Longtime Venice political activist,

2007-09-30T08:19:00.000-07:00

Obituaries
Rudolph Axford,
Longtime Venice political activist, car collector,
and Marina Boat owner dies 9-7-07 at 79
by Rick Feibusch

Longtime Venice Beach neighborhood activist, wooden boat owner/restorer, and Boardwalk character, Rudolph Axford, passed on this month after a lengthy stay at the VA Services facility in Brentwood for a heart condition. Axford, consumed by many interests; from his gleaming varnished wooden sailboat, "The Dolph'n," and a series of Model A Fords that he often drove daily, and a collection of Julian Ritter artwork, was most concerned about his first love. Venice, California.

Rudolph's Venice roots go back to days of Abbot Kinney's "Venice of America" at the last turn of the century. Kinney contracted with Axford's Grandfather, Miguel Lopez, who owned a paving company in Mexico, to come north and pave the streets of the new community Kinney was building by the sea. The equipment and the skilled workers were transported here by horse and wagon.

Miguel Lopez was known to his workers as "Don Miguel" and laid the first asphalt down on Speedway Ave. or "The Speedway," as it was known at the time. Later on he became a nursery supplier. The grandparents, Miguel and Luisa, later moved into a house in Venice where Rudolph spent many happy summer days as a child.

His mother, Louisa, had married his father, a German mechanic/commercial garage owner and was bringing up the family in Vernon, in East Los Angeles. With easy access to tools, know-how, and the scrap yard of old Ford parts stashed behind his father's shop, Rudolph and his five brothers were some of the first California hot rodders, just before WWII.

Axford went into the US Navy in 1944 and was discharged around 1946. According to family reports, Rudolph's voluntary early induction into the Navy was because his mother, Louisa apparently misrepresented his age in order for him to be accepted at the age of 16. They had to chose between the Navy or Juvenile Hall. It seems he was in a lot of trouble for hot rodding up and down Whittier Boulevard!

After the war, Rudolph worked at a number of jobs and set up a number of small businesses from Real Estate, and aftermarked auto accessories, to trading in fine arts and classic cars. He was the right man, at the right place, at the right time while working as a salesman for Ford, when the two-place Thunderbirds were introduced in the mid-1950s, selling them to the many Hollywood stars who were waiting in line for them. His love of T'Birds and Model A's followed him for life. In fact, Rudolph met his wife, Buddy Ann when she was the T-Bird turntable spokes-model at the LA Auto Show.

Along with his real estate and automotive interests, Rudolph was occasionally called to serve the military over the years. He was an adviser for the Central Intelligence Agency in the early 1970's and traveled to China (two weeks before President Nixon) and Viet Nam in 1972. His last advisory tour was "Desert Storm," a decade ago.

Rudolph returned to Venice and the Marina in the mid-1970s. He bought a run-down house north of Rose, a few houses south of the Santa Monica border. As he slowly remodeled his little cottage, he realized that other neighbors started doing the same, so he organized his neighbors to get the junk cars off of the lawns and engines and car parts off the parkways. Soon lawns and landscaping spread on Fifth. He helped form the North Venice Community Group that was one of the first groups to bring shade trees and gentrification to Venice, a legacy that can be seen today in the lush, mature trees and beautiful homes on Fifth Ave, north of Rose.

Axford stayed active until the end, working tirelessly with the later North Beach Neighborhood Assn, and Rose Ave. Working Group to improve the quality of life in the Rose Avenue area. He also was a friend and strong supporter of the late Pearl White and the many projects and plans she envisioned for Oakwood and all of Venice.

A political conservative in the Venice sea of liberal thought, Rudolph often brought a different point of view to the table, especially on the subjects of property rights and unearned entitlements. He always wanted to see Venice safe, clean, well managed, and successful commercially - and was quite pleased with the changes he saw over the last few years.

He is survived by his children, Randolph and Fern Williams of Marina del Rey, Brandon and Jill Williams of West LA and Mike and Pandora Wan who presently live in Japan.

A memorial service will be held at the Veterans Administration on Tuesday, October 2nd at 10:30AM LA National Cemetery, 950 South Sepulveda

Suspect Runs Away after Pointing Gun at Officers

2007-09-26T09:13:00.000-07:00

News from the L.A.P.D. blog.

Suspect Runs Away after Pointing Gun at Officers

Los Angeles: An unidentified suspect pointing a gun at officers is still outstanding after a long search early Sunday morning.

On September 23, 2007, at about 3:25 a.m., officers were patrolling the Oakwood area of Pacific Division when they heard what they believed to be shots fired. A short time later, the officers heard a radio call of "Shots Fired" in the area of 6th Avenue and Broadway Avenue. The officers responded to the area but were unable to locate any suspects or any evidence of shots fired.

The officers continued to patrol the area and were at the 600 block of San Juan Avenue when Officer Bambrick observed a male Black suspect dressed in dark clothing with a black bandana tied across his face.

The officers stopped, exited their police car and attempted to make contact with the suspect. The suspect ran over two fences landing to the rear of the 600 block of San Juan Avenue. As the officers entered the rear courtyard area, the suspect stumbled and pointed a handgun in the officer's direction. An officer-involved shooting occurred and the suspect ran over another block wall and escaped eastbound in the rear alley.

During a search conducted by Metropolitan Division K9 officers, the suspect's handgun was recovered.

No officers were injured during the officer-involved shooting, it is unknown if the suspect was hit by the officer's gunfire.

Officer Bambrick, 36, has been with the Department for 9 years and 8 months.

Force Investigation Division personnel responded and are investigating the shooting.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Pacific Division Detectives at 310-482-6313.
On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).

ROSENDAHL FIGHTS COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT OF VA PROPERTY

2007-09-08T10:02:00.000-07:00

Councilman Wins Local Advisory Panel Support for Community, Veteran Position

LOS ANGELES- Standing up for veterans and for his constituents, City Councilmember Bill Rosendahl is rallying support for a ban on commercial development at the West LA Veterans Administration campus.

Rosendahl won unanimous support this week from the CARES Local Advisory Panel for no commercial use or development of the sprawling VA property, which the federal government has been eyeing for more than a decade as a potential source of revenue.

"This is sacred, hallowed ground," Rosendahl, an army veteran, said. "It is intended to benefit veterans. Sacrificing it to commercial development would betray our veterans, and would needlessly subject Westside communities to even more traffic gridlock."

The CARES panel, of which Rosendahl is a new member, is a community-based advisory panel to the VA. Formed several years ago, the group met for the third time this week to consider proposals for use of the campus. Hundreds of veterans and Westside residents turned out to object to commercial use of the property, and to demand that the VA engage in a formal Master Plan process.

Both groups applauded Rosendahl's efforts.

"What Councilmember Rosendahl did was very heroic and desperately needed," said Jackie Freeman, Co-Chair for Veterans Coalition for Veterans Land. "The Coalition is supportive of the Councilmember's efforts to ensure that there are only direct services to veterans at the VA campus. Any commercialization would hinder that goal."

"Citizens for Veterans' Rights stands strongly behind the leadership of Councilmember Bill Rosendahl," Keith Jeffreys, President, Citizens for Veterans' Rights said. "His motion guides the CARES process toward providing veterans with the best possible services at the VA."

The Rosendahl motion complements federal efforts by Senator Diane Feinstein and U.S. Rep. Henry Waxman, who have been pushing legislation that would forbid commercial development of the property.

The panel also approved a second Rosendahl motion, calling for the investigation of existing commercial, or "enhanced use" leases at the VA Property. The VA has entered into several such leases at the property, including lease agreements with Enterprise Rental Car and Fox Entertainment Group.

While urging the VA to halt commercial development, Rosendahl praised James Nicholson, the outgoing secretary of veteran affairs, for recently designating three buildings for homeless services and 16 acres of campus land for the Veterans Park Conservancy, breaking ground on the Fisher House, and approving construction of a columbarium at the national cemetery for the cremated remains of veterans.

The designation of the buildings for homeless services, conceived and championed by Santa Monica City Councilman Bobby Shriver and strongly supported by Rosendahl, will allow for the WLA VA's highly regarded Comprehensive Homeless Center, led by William L. Daniels, MSW, LCSW, to design and implement long-term therapeutic supportive services for chronically homeless veterans.

The Fisher House provides temporary housing for the families of patients receiving medical care at the VA. The project, which broke ground during the summer, was strongly supported by Rosendahl.

"Secretary Nicholson did the right thing by veterans," Rosendahl said. "I thank and applaud him for his leadership."

Rosendahl also complimented Feinstein, Waxman, and County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky for their efforts to help protect the VA property.

The West Los Angeles Veterans property encompasses approximately 388 acres, on the north and south sides of Wilshire Boulevard, west of the 405 freeway. In 1888, the land was deeded to the federal government for exclusive use of veterans.

Santa Monica Social Service gets a gift of $750,000

2007-08-16T06:55:00.000-07:00

Step up on Second.org mission statement:

Step Up on Second involves individuals with severe and persistent mental illness in developing opportunities to reintegrate into the community. Step Up is dedicated to long-term support of people in recovery and their families, offering quality housing, educational, social and work experiences. Step Up is committed to increasing public understanding and acceptance of mental illness.

Press Releases
http://www.stepuponsecond.org

SANTA MONICA, CA: Step Up On Second, a model program offering housing and comprehensive services to the mentally ill, has announced a gift of $750,000 from the Annenberg Foundation to fund the construction of its new facility, Step Up on Fifth. The gift, the largest from a private foundation in Step Up’s history, brings Step Up closer to meeting the critical need for housing Santa Monica’s homeless mentally ill.

The Annenberg Foundation joins the George W. Hoag Family Foundation, which provided a lead gift of $500,000 late last year to make the dream of building additional housing units on Santa Monica’s Fifth Street a reality. Other notable gifts recently received include a $400,000 grant from the Weingart Foundation and a $300,000 gift from the Ahmanson Foundation. In addition, $14.6 million has been committed to the project from the City of Santa Monica and the State of California Tax Credit Allocation.

“Step Up on Fifth is helping to solve a critical problem that affects the entire community,” says Leonard Aube, Managing Director of the Annenberg Foundation. “This new facility will expand the reach of Step Up, giving more people who are homeless and suffer from mental illness a safe and well-managed place to call home.”

“As a part of this community we are well aware of the need for mental health services and the issues of limited capacity for housing,” says Chuck Smith, Executive Director of the Hoag Family Foundation. “Having been involved with Step Up for several years now, we’ve seen firsthand what a wonderful job they do with this client base. We believe that the Step Up on Fifth campaign serves a significant community need and is a project that is both attainable and sustainable."

The waiting list for permanent, supportive housing at Step Up On Second is currently three to five years long. Step Up on Fifth will provide additional housing in a five-story residential apartment building containing 46 single-room occupancy (SRO) units on an existing 50’ x 15‘ parking lot.

The project will provide homes for individuals living with persistent and chronic mental illness. Eighteen units are designated for individuals who are homeless and mentally ill and an additional 15 units will be for those who are mentally ill and have been homeless for one year or more. The project will cover a total of 23,000 square feet on five floors.

Step Up on Fifth will be located at 1548 Fifth St. in downtown Santa Monica, close to Step Up on Second’s main facility. Construction on Step Up on Fifth began March 1, with a groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for March 14. The facility will be completed in 2009.

“This support means that Step Up on Fifth will be a home for many years to those who today are living on our local streets because of their mental illness,” says Tod Lipka, CEO for Step Up on Second. “We are so thankful to have the support of so many for the capital campaign for Step Up on Fifth. With these generous gifts, we have exceeded the goal of the capital campaign, originally $2 million, by $600,000 to date.”

For the past 20 years, Step Up has been a recognized leader of services to individuals with mental illness in Santa Monica. Step Up provides free comprehensive support to the mentally ill and has demonstrated that it is part of the solution in the Santa Monica community.

“If it weren’t for Step Up I would not know where I would be. They are my family and I am so grateful for the help I have received from them, when I had no where left to turn,” a Step Up participant says.

Step Up has operated an existing 36-unit SRO residential apartment building at Step Up’s Second St. location for the past ten years and has helped hundreds of others find permanent housing throughout Los Angeles County. Step Up on Second is a major contributor to the Santa Monica community working tirelessly since 1984 to provide help, hope and a home to those in our community who have no where left to turn. “Housing is the cornerstone of stability for all of us, including individuals who have a mental disorder. Everyone deserves a place to call home,” says Lipka.

###

Toilets for the Working Class

2007-08-09T10:05:00.000-07:00

The Housing Authority "has spent $2,500 on a toilet. This is frustrating and disturbing,"

"Is there really a lack of funds or are they just being spent on the wrong priorities?"

From the Los Angeles Times

City official calls for audit of Housing Authority

The agency places three employees on leave during an investigation of possible bid-rigging and the installation of overpriced bathroom fixtures.

By Jessica Garrison and Ted Rohrlich
Times Staff Writers

August 1, 2007

City Councilwoman Janice Hahn called for an audit of the Housing Authority of the city of Los Angeles, citing a Times report last week pointing to bid-rigging and installation of pricey toilets.

"I am constantly fighting to get more funding for services, like summer jobs and community center hours, for the residents of our housing developments. Now I read in the L.A. Times" that the authority "has spent $2,500 on a toilet. This is frustrating and disturbing," Hahn said.

Separately, City Controller Laura Chick announced that she already had planned to send auditors to the department to determine what parts of the agency need further scrutiny.

Meanwhile, the housing authority placed three employees on leave late Monday while their involvement in the scandal is investigated, sources said. The three were not identified.

The developments follow an article in The Times on Saturday about a housing authority manager who directed about $800,000 in contracts to his brothers and three politically connected firms without competitive bidding or after rigged contests.

The manager, Victor Taracena, was fired earlier this year after housing authority officials investigated his contracting practices. His case was referred to the Los Angeles County district attorney for possible prosecution.

Taracena's attorney, Marshall Rubin, has said that his client denies wrongdoing. Rubin on Tuesday declined to elaborate, saying he had not recently had a chance to speak with his client.

The newspaper also found that the authority overpaid for many items — about four times more than the county housing authority does to buy and install toilets and about 10 times what the county agency pays to buy and install grab bars. The overspending on those items alone cost the agency more than $130,000.

The installations were intended to make public housing more accessible to disabled people and the overspending could delay some projects.

Housing authority Executive Director Rudolf Montiel said he had spoken with Hahn and looked forward to working with her and the controller, Chick. But he defended the agency's financial controls.

Even the tightest controls, he said, won't "keep opportunistic employees from defrauding the agency. It happens here and it happens ... all the time in other city agencies."

Montiel came to the agency three years ago in the wake of a series of mismanagement and corruption scandals that had the agency on the brink of federal receivership.

He said he has moved aggressively to reform the agency's financial procedures and improve its practices. Dozens of staffers, including Taracena, have been fired or placed on leave. Several have been referred to the district attorney's office for criminal prosecution.

But Hahn, whose district includes housing projects such as Nickerson Gardens and Jordan Downs, said she believed the authority needed more scrutiny from city officials.

The authority, a free-standing agency run by a mayor-appointed commission, receives almost all its funding from the federal government.

But Hahn said that when the authority cuts programs or wastes money, the city sometimes must step in. Her motion noted several examples. In 2002, the Los Angeles Police Department had to step up patrol of the city housing projects after the authority cut its police force.

More recently, she said, city officials have had to push the authority to keep computer labs and community recreation centers at the projects open after cuts.

"Is there really a lack of funds or are they just being spent on the wrong priorities?" she said.

jessica.garrison@latimes.com

ted.rohrlich@latimes.com

A man asleep in the back seat of his car involved in a shooting.

2007-08-06T11:39:00.000-07:00

From the L.A.P.D. Blog

August 06, 2007

Man with Rifle Shot by Officer

Los Angeles: an officer shot A man who was armed with a rifle.

On August 2, 2007, just after 4 a.m., Pacific Area Officer David Kater responded to a call of a group drinking in the area of 3900 Moore Avenue in Venice. Upon arrival the officer did not see the group, but was directed to a parked SUV by a person who had called.

Officer Kater approached the SUV and saw a man asleep in the back seat with what appeared to be a rifle in an upright position leaning against the back of the front seat. Officer Kater backed away and requested additional officers to respond. When the additional officers arrived, Officer Kater and three officers approached the SUV and ordered the man out. The man opened his eyes, but continued to ignore the officers’ commands, which were given in both English and Spanish. The man suddenly leaned forward and placed both of his hands on the barrel of the rifle. Officer Kater saw the man attempt to arm himself and an officer-involved shooting occurred.

The man has been identified as 28-year-old Norberto Estrada. He received a gunshot wound to the right forearm and was taken to a local hospital where he was treated and released.

Officers recovered a rifle style BB gun from inside the SUV.

Estrada was arrested for Assault without a Firearm on a Police Officer. He is being held on $50,000 bail.

Officer Kater is 38 years of age and has been with the Department for one year and eleven months. None of the officers were injured.

Force Investigation Division personnel responded and are investigating the shooting.

COMMUNITY ALERT

2007-07-26T10:34:00.000-07:00

PACIFIC AREA
LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE PACIFIC AREA CRIME ANALYSIS DETAIL
________________________________________________________________________________________________

BURGLARY FROM MOTOR VEHICLE
DONT BE A VICTIM!

CRIME INFORMATION:

The Pacific community has recently seen a sharp increase in burglaries from vehicles. The suspects will target vehicles that are parked on the street, in parking lots, apartment complex parking areas, and residential driveways. In order to gain entry, the suspects will smash or pry a vehicle window or enter vehicles that have been left unlocked. The suspects take any property that is visible from outside the vehicle including, but not limited to, IPODs, cell phones, cameras, and laptop computers.

IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT YOU TAKE THE FOLLOWING PRECAUTIONS:

Always lock your vehicle.

Always roll up and secure all windows.

Do not leave items of value in plain sight in your vehicle.
If you can not take property into your home or workplace, secure it in your trunk.

Do not leave detachable stereo faceplates in your vehicle.

Do not leave garage door openers in your vehicle.

Equip your vehicle with an audible alarm that is activated upon attempt at entry.

Always report suspicious activity in your area; Call LAPD-Pacific Division at

(310) 482-6334.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT
PACIFIC AUTO DETECTIVES AT (310) 482-6313.

Prepared by: Pacific Crime Analysis Detail
Date: 07/23/07
CAD#: 070720
CAS#: 14070723-1

Shooting Leaves Man in Critical Condition

2007-07-22T17:17:00.000-07:00

Shooting in Venice on Lincoln Blvd. at the Lincoln Liquor Locker.

From the L.A.P.D. Blog

Shooting Leaves Man in Critical Condition

Los Angeles: A 20-year-old Los Angeles man was seriously injured following a shooting in front of a Venice liquor store.

On July 7, 2007, at around 6:00 p.m., the victim was leaving the Lincoln Liquor Locker at Lincoln Boulevard and Zanja Street. Two suspects confronted him and his friends.

One suspect was armed with a handgun and shot the victim multiple times. The suspects left in a silver, possible Prius Toyota, parked nearby.

The victim was transported to a local hospital with grave injuries. He remains hospitalized in critical condition. There were no other parties injured.

This crime occurred during daylight hours, during a busy time of day, and on a heavily traveled street. Detective Lubreras said, "We believe that there are witnesses out there who have information that could help us solve this crime. We want them to know that they can call us and remain completely anonymous."

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call Pacific Homicide Detectives Joe Lumbreras or Kevin Ryenolds at 310-482-6343. After hours and on weekends, phone the 24-hour toll free Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAW-FULL (529-3855).

The Mobile Street Dwellers in Venice

2007-07-19T11:19:00.000-07:00

Claudia Martin is our Venice area LA City Neighborhood Prosecutor. She is working with our LAPD Senior Lead Officers, Heidi Llanas, Theresa Skinner, and Robin Richard to try to help Venice clean up our continuing problem of illegal RV's/campers/vans/vehicles parked on our city streets and used as living quarters.

She is asking us to help her. We need to witness these acts and document them and then report them to her as she is creating a running log of these acts for use as evidence as cases come up when arrests are made.

If you wish to help in this endeavor, the first thing to keep in mind is
PLEASE BE SAFE. DO NOT PUT YOURSELF IN DANGER.
We are witnesses not enforcement people.

Ms Martin is asking concerned citizens to record and email her at:

<Claudia.Martin@lacity.org>,

The following information would be helpful concerning people lodging in their RV's and other vehicles:

license plate number.
vehicle description.
street address location.
description of person(s) living in vehicle.
detailed information of activities.
time of activities.
if the vehicle has moved, does it have a schedule?
how long has it been parked in this location?
as much other pertinent information as possible.

A couple more things:

Ms Martin is asking us to become witnesses. That means putting our names on our reports and being willing to testify if needed. You can still do anonymous reports to add to the data base. However actual witnesses carry much more weight with all city agencies involved.
keep copies for your own records.
reports from multiple sources are great, especially if they track the movements of the vehicles.

******************************
Ms. Martin had been doing and excellent job let's all help her help us.
******************************

Contact information:

Neighborhood Prosecutor, Pacific
Claudia Martin
Chuck Sewell
1645 Corinth Avenue, Room 103
Los Angeles, CA 90025
(310) 575-8745
neighborhood@atty.lacity.org

Schwarzenegger seeks to cut mental services for homeless

2007-07-17T08:50:00.000-07:00

Let's invite the governor to Venice and take a look at the hundreds of mentally ill people roaming our streets and alleys, urinating , defacating threatening, screaming for help.

Please Governor DO NOT save money on this so much needed program! Instead of cutting this program we need to expand it! This is a quality of life issue for both residents and the street dwelling mentally ill population.

Saving money will turn out to cost us more money in the long run we think this is "penny wise and dollar foolish". 90% of our fire department's calls are to handle the mentally ill, we feel this is a terrible waste of our precious resources.

Please contact the Governor and voice your opinion http://www.govmail.ca.gov/

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-mental14jul14,1,5591271.story?track=rss
From the Los Angeles Times
Gov. seeks to cut mental services for homeless

Schwarzenegger says ending the acclaimed program would save $55 million annually toward $3-billion budget gap.

By Lee Romney and Scott Gold
Times Staff Writers

July 14, 2007

A nationally lauded program that has helped thousands of mentally ill homeless men and women break the cycle of psychiatric hospitalization, jail time and street life is now on Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's list of budget cuts.
The governor has proposed eliminating Integrated Services for Homeless Adults With Serious Mental Illness, which receives $55 million annually, as part of his attempt to close a budget gap estimated at more than $3 billion.

Mental health advocates, clients and concerned legislators are lobbying fiercely to save the program, which served as the blueprint for California's ongoing efforts to radically retool the state's mental health system.

They have pledged to sue the administration if they fail, contending that the cut would violate the 2004 voter-approved Proposition 63, which aimed to remake the state's mental health system in the image of the homeless program's "whatever it takes" style of treatment, and prohibits the state from reducing mental health funding below its commitment at the time the measure passed.

Proposition 63 channels funds from a 1% income tax on Californians earning more than $1 million a year to mental health care and will ultimately bring billions of dollars into a starved system. But advocates fear that the gains will be neutralized if successful existing programs are cut with the other hand.

"If we don't succeed" in stopping the cut, "it sends a signal to the state government and county governments that they can do similar things," said state Sen. Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento), an author of the legislation that created the homeless program and Proposition 63.

If the program is eliminated in the coming days or weeks, as many as 4,700 men and women could face a return to homelessness, advocates say.

The proposed cut comes three years after Schwarzenegger praised the program in his budget for creating "significant savings at the local level." In the eight years since it was instituted, it has substantially reduced costly hospitalization and jail time for participants, while increasing the number of days they are able to work.

Among them are people like Karen Balsamico. For most of a decade, Balsamico bounced around the streets, homeless shelters and hospitals of San Rafael and San Francisco, tormented by schizophrenia and weakened by heart disease and diabetes.

In 2001, a caseworker plucked the quiet woman from a psychiatric emergency room and enrolled her in a state-funded program that is so successful it has been held up as a national model.

Today, Balsamico, 57, rents her own apartment and works at a food pantry. She has a caseworker, peer counselors and a web of other medical and psychiatric workers available to her at any time for emotional support, medication adjustments — or just about anything else.

"This program has given me confidence and stability," Balsamico said recently. Without it, "I'm afraid I could get lost in the crowd again."

In a form letter response to those who have flooded Schwarzenegger's office with pleas to save the program, the governor justified his proposed cut, saying that the homeless mentally ill program "was one of the few voluntary or non-mandated programs available for consideration for reduction."

Department of Finance spokesman H.D. Palmer said the governor has not made a final decision on eliminating the funding.

But Steinberg said he is hopeful that Democrats will refuse to approve a budget unless the funding is restored.
Proposition 63 included language that prohibited the state from cutting existing "funding levels for mental health services below current levels" as the new money poured in. It also forbade counties to use millionaire tax funds for existing programs.

The governor's office argues that halting the money for the homeless mentally ill program would not violate Proposition 63 because the state's overall dollar commitment to mental health programs has not decreased from 2004 levels. The state was required by the federal government to increase funding for a children's mental health Medi-Cal program in response to growing caseloads.

State officials have suggested that counties could "cushion the blow" of the cut — not by illegally restoring funds to the homeless mentally ill program with Proposition 63 money, but by using it to create comparable programs.

But Proposition 63 money can only be spent after lengthy community input, and current funds are already committed elsewhere. Advocates fear that any new program would come too late.

"You're dis-enrolling some people while reaching out to others," said Marin County mental health Director Bruce Gurganus, whose county would lose $1.4 million if the state program ended, leaving Balsamico and others in limbo and nearly wiping out gains from the $1.8 million in Proposition 63 funds Marin County has received in the last year. "Does that make any sense?"

The program at stake was created as a $10-million pilot project in 1999, enrolling 1,000 people in Los Angeles, Stanislaus and Sacramento counties. It achieved almost immediate successes. Within six months, participants had registered a 75% reduction in hospitalization and significant declines in time spent on the street or in jail.

The Legislature expanded funding to $55 million for 34 counties. Proposition 63 was the next step.

The philosophy was simple: Services had previously been rigidly targeted to addressing one component of a client's problems — mental illness, for example, or addiction or housing. But many severely mentally ill people needed coordinated help that addressed a host of problems.

The new funds allowed counties to treat the whole person, starting with the notion that stable housing is key to wellness. Substance abuse, chronic medical conditions, job training and education — all are managed along with psychiatric needs in a centralized way, tailored to each individual.

The program changed everything for Daniel Peters, who bottomed out after moving to Los Angeles from Boston in 2001. Struggling with psychosis and rage, broke and on the run from creditors, he became homeless.

With medication and intensive guidance, he is now stable, on disability and in his own apartment. But he worries about the proposed cuts.

"The first thing that would happen is that people would go right back to using" drugs and alcohol, he said. "Second, people would land right back in prison. And then, the last thing — people will die. I'm just telling you the truth. People will have no place to turn."

Marvin J. Southard, mental health director of Los Angeles County — which receives nearly a third of the state funds and serves 1,700 people — called the program "stunningly effective" and said he'll search for a way to compensate if it is cut. But that effort would come in the midst of a financial crisis that already has the department curtailing services elsewhere.

Jim Preis, executive director of Mental Health Advocacy Services, a public interest law firm serving Los Angeles County, said that in the end, "clients are going to get much less than they are getting."

Most smaller counties have already frozen new admissions and are scrambling to wean existing participants off housing subsidies. Tehama County, in Northern California, last year received $733,000 in state funding for its program — more than its $709,000 allotment of Proposition 63 funds, mental health Director Ann Houghtby said. Of the 54 men and women in her program, 23 will lose their housing if the cuts go through.

The county's Proposition 63 money is already earmarked to provide help to youth and the elderly. And even if a homeless program is eventually created with the new tax, by law parolees are excluded from any Proposition 63 services.

That has left people like Larry Chaney staring into a void. Beaten by his stepfather and abandoned by his father, Chaney began drinking and using methamphetamine as a child.

It wasn't until a recent prison stint, after years of burglaries and other legal run-ins, that Chaney was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.

He now has a room in a five-bedroom home rented by the program. Stabilized on psychiatric medication, he said, his urge for street drugs all but vanished.

"All I knew was how to do drugs and criminal activity," said Chaney, 43, who received help applying for disability and is reestablishing ties with his 7-year-old. "The program here, it just teaches you to live life on life's terms."

Soon, Chaney could find himself with no housing (there is no homeless shelter in Tehama County) and no money (his disability has not yet come through). If he falters and fails to check in with the parole clinic, he will be in violation of his parole, subject to being sent back to prison.

Chaney said: "I'm scared. I really am scared. I know how to live that other lifestyle, but I don't want to go back to it."

lee.romney@latimes.com

scott.gold@latimes.com

The price of loving Venice

2007-07-16T09:23:00.001-07:00

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-hoffmann16jul16,0,4299157,full.story?coll=la-home-local
From the Los Angeles Times

The price of loving Venice

A real estate broker who is an integral part of the colorful beach town embraces its diversity, even though it nearly cost him his life.

By Carla Hall Times Staff Writer

July 16, 2007

THE confrontation took place just inside the front entrance of the dream house in Venice that Jack Hoffmann had been painstakingly renovating for three years.

A homeless man, strong from bodybuilding, whipped out a knife and thrust it twice into Hoffmann's chest. Then he sliced across Hoffmann's throat. When Hoffmann raised his arm defensively, the man cut across it as well. Then he speared Hoffmann's back with the knife, nicking his liver.

Hoffmann wondered: Is this it?

And then: I haven't even finished the house.

He chuckled softly at the memory. "I thought, yeah, I'm not ready to go."

Hoffmann is the owner of the Venice Properties real estate brokerage, a purveyor of cutting-edge lofts, houses and studio and commercial spaces that sell for millions. And he is part of the cast of characters that has made Venice the colorful mix he has loved so much — and still loves, despite his violent encounter.

Hoffmann represented architect Frank Gehry when he bought Venice land for his own dream house; he counts artists among his friends and collects their pieces for his home; and he presided over the Venice Action Committee in the early 1990s when the group of local business owners and residents wanted to beautify Venice and lobby for better services from the city of Los Angeles.

"It's like he's the mayor of Venice or something," his friend artist Chuck Arnoldi said.

But it's a town with rough edges where diversity among residents means artists and entrepreneurs rub elbows with hard-toiling renters, gang members and troubled, sometimes drug-addled, street people.

Hoffmann's attack rattled friends and neighbors accustomed to convenient, even self-conscious, relationships with the homeless who frequent the streets and alleys of Venice, often acting as informal security for homes and businesses. The incident was a raw reminder that Venice's gritty street chic sometimes gives way to violent crime.

Tall and muscular at 51, Hoffmann bears a faint white line of a diagonal scar across the front of his neck, a reminder of the attack on July 20, 2005.

"It was just this close to the jugular," he said of the throat wound. "But yet I have very fond memories of it in a way."

His words are startling, even more so because he utters them so matter of factly. He's talking not about the experience of having a knife pushed through internal organs by a crazed man but about the sense of life in the moment when it might be taken away.

"It was just so intense and so clarifying and so real. I see why guys end up hanging around Elks clubs and VFW centers after wars, because what they face brings them to such a deep awareness of the human experience that there's almost no one else they can relate to."

According to Hoffmann's friends, the attack did not change him. He remains the philosopher-real estate broker that he's been for years, usually clad in neat-fitting T-shirts, casual slacks and gym shoes.

On this day, he stood in the airy, art-filled office of his real estate brokerage, pointing out landmarks on an aerial map of the community. He seemed to possess an encyclopedia's worth of knowledge about Venice and can tick off a list of who lives where and how long they've been there and who has left.

In his mind, he doesn't merely sell property. "I want to sell people foundations that propel them into life, rather than roofs to shelter them from it," he said.

SOME of the community activists who have done battle over the years with high-end developers moving into Venice are a little more prosaic about Hoffmann than he is about himself. "He's a real estate agent. What can I say?" Carol Berman said, laughing. The 70-year-old longtime Venice resident, who lives in a government-subsidized apartment, has been on opposite sides of issues from Hoffmann. But she also calls him "a decent guy" who helped her out with nuisance problems in the neighborhood.

Hoffmann's involvement in the community may be what keeps the activists from reviling him. That, and his ability to talk to just about everyone.

"One of the things that's a pain about working out with him at the gym is he's always talking to people," said Arnoldi, Hoffmann's workout partner at Gold's Gym. "I tell him, 'We're not here to sell condos; we're here to work out.' "

But Hoffmann is voracious about conversation. "Jack just has a great sense of what's going on in the neighborhood," said his friend Tony Bill, a director and producer who bought his house through the broker.

Hoffmann may be one of the best-known real estate brokers in Venice, but he's not trying to be the biggest.

Hoffmann said he turns away clients he doesn't feel simpatico with and regularly dictates to the ones he agrees to take on.

Indeed, Hoffmann has been something of a real estate counselor to rising artists over the years, urging them to buy properties they might have second thoughts about.

"He has been a conscience with real estate," said artist Guy Dill. "He's not just gathering up a property and dumping it to the first bidder. He gathers it up and finds an artist who will advance the property."

Hoffmann has also helped the Venice Community Housing Corp., which provides affordable housing to lower-income residents, to acquire property and has contributed financially to the organization.

Nonetheless, Hoffmann has a Darwinian view of real estate. He calls the lament that Venice is no longer affordable to the artists and people who give it its character "an old song."

"When houses were $6,000 down here, some people couldn't afford them. Nothing is new. That's the standard. Does it shift people around? Yes. That's the nature of a capitalistic system."

He hasn't convinced the passionate contingent of longtime residents who fight the sprouting of multimillion-dollar condos.

"His blind spot is he loves Venice and he loves the — quote — character of Venice," said Berman, who has sparred with him over development. "But I don't think he realizes he's instrumental in taking away the very thing he supposedly loves about Venice."

Tibby Rothman, editor and publisher of VenicePaper, said she personally likes and respects Hoffmann — she said he has given her moral support in addition to buying ads — but her editorial page doesn't always agree with him. "You don't interfere with the flow; that's what he believes," Rothman said. "Do I think that's what's best for Venice? No. Does Jack support a newspaper that has an editorial page that occasionally disagrees with him? Yes."

HOFFMANN discovered Venice as a boy, surfing its waves. It was always an escape. More than two decades ago, he made it his home.

At the age of 30, his first marriage over, Hoffmann moved into a tiny $500-a-month oceanfront apartment. He was broke, fleeing a soulless sales job and getting sober after a drug and alcohol problem. Always intrigued by buildings, he began to learn about architecture and the real estate business — and Venice.

"It was a magnetic draw," he said. "It fit in so many ways."

When his young daughters visited, he turned their walks around Venice into adventures. (One is now a writer in L.A.; the other is a lawyer in the Bay Area.) "We went to the seediest coffee shops because I wanted them to see the homeless, that they were real people who were doing things differently. The homeless down here to me were an extension of the beatniks and the bikers."

But it's been a long time since the homeless were just "beatniks and bikers."

According to Hoffmann, the man who attacked him arrived in the U.S. from Cuba on the 1980 Mariel boatlift and had spent time in prison in this country. When they met, Hoffmann was overseeing the renovation of the dream house on Market Street, a vast expanse with brick walls that he bought in 2000 for $420,000.

Hoffmann says his attacker "was kind of loopy," full of talk about Jupiter, but he was also effective at scaring off would-be vandals. When he adopted the back of Hoffmann's property as a home, Hoffmann let him stay. He even agreed to pay for the man's badly needed dental work if he could get himself to a dental clinic. But when the man began to menace the neighbors and get agitated with Hoffmann, the broker told him he couldn't stay there any longer.

In four seconds, Hoffmann had six knife wounds and was cornered, his back to the front door, which his attacker had locked. Suddenly, a worker on scaffolding above the roofless building peered down and yelled the man's name. Hoffmann's attacker looked up, stunned. "And I just took off running as fast as I could," Hoffmann said. He got out the back door into the alley.

The man Hoffmann identified as his attacker — Aurelio Mesa, now 48 — has been jailed since he was arrested shortly after the attack and charged with attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon. According to Deputy Dist. Atty. Belle Chen, Mesa has entered a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity and awaits trial.

Hoffmann spent five days in the hospital after the attack. His doctor, marveling at his patient's luck in avoiding life-altering injury, told him, "The first thing you have to do when you get out of here is go to Vegas."

Instead, he went straight back to the house to check on its progress. "It was important for me to complete what I started that day," he said.

Hoffmann, whose brief second marriage ended a few years ago, plans to move into the house with his current girlfriend, Laura Meckling, 34, an agent at Venice Properties. He hopes the renovations will be completed this summer.

ON the brick wall near the back entrance where Hoffmann fled, there is a splash of reddish brown color. It is Hoffmann's blood. He instructed his workers not to wash it off.

"It changed the community here," Dill said of the attack on Hoffmann. "We've all tried to use the people who were on the street — 'Can you watch this? Here's 20 bucks.' Not any more…. There isn't that willingness to be open. We were so frightened for Jack. It was a wake-up call."

Hoffmann acknowledged that the experience changed at least one thing about him: He won't give money to homeless people. The handouts, he theorized, do nothing to help people improve their lot. "The guy who stabbed me — I had given him money, freedom, latitude," he said, smiling ruefully.

But the broker said it never occurred to him to give up his house on Market Street after he was attacked there. "What's a little incident?" he quipped. His house, he said, "actually, I think, means more" now.

His irreverent take on the attack can be surprising, but he explained it this way: "People talk about putting their blood, sweat and tears into a project. I really did shed blood over it."

carla.hall@latimes.com

From the L.A.P.D. Blog

2007-07-13T12:27:00.000-07:00

An article by Senior Lead Officer Deon Joseph LAPD Central Division. He talks about the quality of life for both the homeless and the residents around the homeless. Big issue for us here in Venice.

The homeless population has a huge affect on the residents that they live around it becomes the quality of life issue for both sides street dwellers and residents.

"......Like any community, they desire litter free streets, and responsible behavior from those who live, work, or visit this area...."

We too Living in Venice would like to have litter free and most of all human feces and urine free streets and alleys this affects all of us who live work and visit this area.

The street dwellers use our streets as their toilets we feel this is a huge health problem for all. We urge our city health department to address these issues seriously.

".....human waste on the sidewalk, creating one of the unhealthiest environments in the City of Los Angeles..."

A Skid Row Cop's Opinion - 6

To Feed or Not to Feed, An Important Question.

Hello again. I am Senior Lead Officer Deon Joseph. I am the Lead Officer of Skid Row. My duties do not just include crime prevention, but the quality of life issues that affect the homeless community. Many people outside of the skid row realm tend to look at this area as a quasi community. The thing they fail to realize is that there are good law-abiding people here whether they are street dwellers or residents of low income housing who see skid row as a true community in every sense of the word. Like any community, they desire litter free streets, and responsible behavior from those who live, work, or visit this area.

Community members voice their concerns to me on a daily basis. One of their major concerns is the feeding of the homeless by outside groups. Their hearts are in the right place, but the results of their activities contribute to the poor quality of life for the skid row community.

Throughout the week, and particularly on the weekends, large groups of caring individuals come from all over the county to drop off food and bags of clothing on Skid Row to those they perceive to be in need of such items. These individuals come from all faiths and walks of life to do their good work.

But they never hang around long enough to see the aftermath of their activity. They are oblivious to the realities of the skid row area. My goal in writing this as in all of my writing is to educate people, not embarrass them or ridicule their good intentions (unless I discover their intentions are not good at all). It is being done to show them how they can be of better service to this community in a more responsible and orderly fashion.

One of the myths surrounding the skid row area is that the homeless here are starving. I am sure you have heard public service announcements on radio stations and television depicting the people here as being malnourished and without clothes.

The truth is that no one goes hungry on skid row. Within my area there are several missions that serve food three times a day to the poor and homeless members of our community. The average person on skid row can eat up to four times a day. Within these shelters, anyone who desires to drop off clothing to the homeless can do so. Since I have worked in skid row, I have never observed anyone die of starvation or go without clothing unless they did so of their own free will, or as a result of mental illness or drug addiction.

Though these truths exist, homeless feeders still come down to skid row by the dozens and give out paper bags full of food, and throw plastic bags full of clothing onto the sidewalks. They do not recognize that one of the driving forces keeping many of the homeless on skid row is the flourishing narcotics trade. When they are finished doing their good work, the homeless individuals in question remove their halos and begin bartering their food items and clothing for narcotics. Since most of them have already eaten, most of the containers and food provided to them end up on the sidewalk and street, where rats, and other vermin feed throughout the night. The clothing ends up spread throughout the corridors of my designated area, causing skid row to look like the city dump. When these streets look like a dump, people are more inclined to dump other items such as sanitary napkins and human waste on the sidewalk, creating one of the unhealthiest environments in the City of Los Angeles. Sometimes glass items are given to the homeless in the form of soda or other refreshments. These items are later used as weapons that cause injuries to other homeless individuals. Fights often break out over these items as they are being distributed, not because they are desperate for food or clothing, but because they trying to find the best item to sell for money in order to buy crack cocaine, heroin, or marijuana.

There are also environmental issues to be considered, such as biodegradable and non-biodegradable items ending up in storm drains throughout the area and hurting our environment.

These are just some of the ugly images that community members, service providers, and officers are faced with long after the feedings are done. Central Police Officers in partnership with community members have tried to express these concerns to numerous groups that engage in this activity. All efforts have fallen on deaf ears, primarily due to the perception that law enforcement is somehow against helping the homeless, and desire to 'criminalize' anyone trying to do something that in their mind is positive for a marginalized social class. This is far from the truth. Some cities across the nation are creating ordinances, and laws that would prohibit homeless feeding. We believe that these laws are extreme, insensitive, and send a message that those helping the needy deserve punishment. Yet, when our words of truth continue to fall on deaf ears, the end result becomes enforcement because we cannot allow this activity to continue and cause the decay of the skid row area.

Enforcement is not the direction we seek to take on these issues. We are seeking voluntary cooperation with these groups. We desire for feeding groups to come to the table with us and discuss this important issue. If you do not believe the things I say because of my uniform (which I proudly wear none the less), we will have community members, and service providers who help the homeless on a 24 hours basis at our meeting, who will tell you how this activity hurts their community.

Service providers have offered to open their doors to allow groups to work out of their facility and volunteer their services to help the homeless. In doing so, two things would occur: First, more homeless individuals would go to the missions for the services they need. Secondly, food items and clothing would be distributed in a more orderly fashion, which would minimize fights, and improve the quality of life on the streets of skid row.

If you do not desire to work with the missions, I would ask that you be more responsible for your actions by sticking around and cleaning up after every feeding. Pick up the clothing left on the street after the homeless have had their pick. Community members have been placing trashcans on street corners throughout the skid row area to assist you with that.

In closing, it has been the goal of the Safer Cities Initiative to better the lives of the skid row community through enforcement, enhancement, and outreach. Your LAPD Central Officers are one small part of the solution to end homelessness by releasing the grip of crime in the area that keeps many homeless people on an endless downward spiral. We welcome the open hearts and minds of anyone with the desire to assist us in this effort in a humane and sensible way that does not hurt the lives or quality of life for the homeless community.

As always, I offer challenges to those who may not agree with me to come and see for themselves the things that I speak of. I am particularly asking those that engage in homeless feedings to please contact me at 213-793–0740 or E-mail me at 32511@lapd.lacity.org. I along with the City Attorney and Skid Row residents would like to meet and dialogue with you in the near future. Please understand that we are not against you. We want to help you do your good work here.

Sincerely,

Senior Lead Officer Deon Joseph
LAPD Central Division.

2007-06-22T17:00:00.001-07:00

L.A.P.D. Officer needs help...

2007-06-22T09:05:00.000-07:00

Los Angeles Police officer needs our help. A fundraiser luncheon is being held, please help.

When: Wednesday June 27th, 2007
What Time: 11:00 am to 4 pm
Where: Pacific Division Police Station back parking lot.

Detective Melissa Mora has aggressive Cancer and presently unable to work. Let's all pitch in and help. Mexican luncheon featuring 3 tacos, choice of Carne Asada, Chicken & al Pastor (pork), rice and beans, dessert and soda. Suggested donation $10.00

They will also have a silent auction, donated from business' in Pacific Division: Gift baskets, watch, gift certificates etc.

If you have any questions, please contact Lt. Mossler @ 310-482-6344 or Officer Heather Erhardt, 310-482-6402.

Submitted by Chris Williams.

Submitted by Venice Residents Outraged!....

2007-06-22T08:08:00.001-07:00

Nice one huh? This beauty usually resides on Hampton near the Brick House Diner.

City of Los Angeles we deserve better than this!

Pictures submitted by John Costillo a long time Venice Resident.

Hey our Venice homeless sleeping it off, after high on drugs.

Drinking homeless walking by alley.

Venice homeless buying his beer and walking drunk at Rose Ave, . and Lincoln Blvd.