STORM RAIN CAPTURE COMMITTEE
The purpose of the Venice Canals Association Storm Rain Capture Committee is to address the ongoing water quality challenges in Venice Beach caused by untreated storm water runoff. By advocating for and implementing comprehensive storm rain capture systems, the committee aims to improve public health, protect marine ecosystems, and enhance the overall quality of life for the Venice community. Through the integration of green infrastructure, modernization of storm drains, and public education, the committee seeks to reduce pollutants entering the ocean, mitigate the impacts of climate change, and ensure that Venice Beach remains a safe, clean, and sustainable environment for both residents and visitors alike.
Chair: Mark Galanty
BOAT PUMP PROJECT
The Boat Pump Project is something that neighbors do to help with the water in boats that fill with water and would otherwise sit stagnant. With a few helping hands we will flip the full boats or use the electric pump to get all the excess water out. This project helps support the health and beautification of our neighborhood.
Chair: Ricky Otterstrom
SECURITY PATROL COMMITTEE
Following the violent incidents in our neighborhood this April, a group of residents formed a committee to research how to establish a security patrol to provide protection for the canals area. Since the neighborhood is not unified by an HOA, it was our conclusion that the most effective way to provide comprehensive protection for the area is for the majority of homeowners/canals residents to contract with a private security company to provide security for their own properties: this would be in the form of a uniformed guard in a branded patrol car who would, in addition to being on call for those homeowners, circulate on foot through the courts and sidewalks during their shift, providing a visible security presence throughout the Canals neighborhood.
There are currently two private security companies operating in the Canals. The Security Committee has determined that if 200 residents/homeowners subscribe to a single security company, we can achieve a 16-hour/7-day-a week patrol presence. Alternatively, if residents’ choices divide the subscriptions between the two security companies, it may be possible to work with the companies to achieve a similar schedule of coverage. The Security Committee will be holding small focus-group meetings over the early Fall of 2024, with the goal of establishing a security patrol function by the end of 2024.
Chair: Susan Painter
THE VENICE CANALS FOUNDATION (VCF)
The Venice Canals Foundation is a public benefit nonprofit 501c3 established to beautify and maintain California’s public access lands located on 25th Avenue between the Venice Canals and Venice Beach. Built in 2010, the original Funding for the public access was provided by the Venice Canals Foundation, the California Coastal Conservancy, The City of Los Angeles, The Venice Neighborhood Council, The Venice Canals Association, as well as donations provided by the community.
Currently the Venice Canals Foundation maintains the park and easement through donations and community support. Neighbors and local community leaders voluntarily serve on the Foundation’s board of directors.
Chair: Mark Galanty
MEMBERSHIP
Our organization only exists because of our members. Your membership helps fund all of our activities and also maintain the canals. We hope that Canal Residents and Canal Adjacent neighbors become members. Members are added to our mailing list and we keep them up to date with all of the ongoing happenings. Join today and help support our vibrant community.
Chair: Renee Kaplan, Monnie Fanning
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
The Venice Canals are zoned as an “environmentally sensitive habitat area” (known as ESHA). The delicate balance of the canal ecosystem requires constant attention to assure we preserve our historic community and allow it’s natural habitat to thrive. The environmental committee monitors and acts on environmental issues affecting our community including water quality, an aging infrastructure and unchecked development along the boundaries of the canals that impact our sensitive, coastal dependent canal system.
Chair: Marjorie Weitzman
WEBSITE
The goal for our new website is to keep our Venice Canals committee informed, connected and safe. This is where you can see the flushing and maintenance schedule, learn about the history of the Venice Canals and about our current news, events, projects and committees. We hope you’ll also use the website to join the Venice Canals Association as a new member, to volunteer or to make a donation to support our work.
The development for our new website has been generously donated by canals resident Pamela Kerr.
Chair: Pamela Kerr, Dominique Hirschkron
FILMING
The Venice Canals are a popular location for filming in Los Angeles. Whether a small commercial shoot or a larger film production, film crews in our small community have an impact on residents. The VCA Filming Committee was formed to act as a liaison between our community and the filming industry to assure we are “film friendly” while also looking after the sensitive canals environment and minimizing disruptions to neighbors. All commercial filming in the canals requires a city permit and the committee works with FilmLA to facilitate production permitting.
Chair: Marjorie Weitzman, Renee Kaplan
KNOW YOUR NEIGHBOR
Join “Know Your Neighbor”, a new initiative by the Venice Canals Association!
Build a S.A.F.E. more resilient and interconnected community.
Security Art Friendship Events
Join us at: KYN.vca@gmail.com
Chair: Ramon Goni. Dominique Hirschkron,
INFRASTRUCTURE & MAINTENANCE
Chair: Mark Galanty
DELL AVE. BRIDGES REPLACEMENT PROJECT
The City of Los Angeles held a public meeting on August 27, 2024, regarding the Dell Avenue Bridges Replacement Project, attended by approximately 58 community members, including local officials and fire department representatives. The Bureau of Engineering is conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the four Dell Ave. bridges to assess their conditions and determine necessary improvements. Options for the bridges include no construction, rehabilitation, or full replacement. Although the bridges undergo routine inspections every two years and there are no immediate safety concerns, potential improvements could involve widening, enhancing pedestrian safety, updating for ADA compliance, and aesthetic upgrades.
The project will progress in several phases, starting with a detailed evaluation that includes geotechnical and structural assessments, expected to conclude by November 2024. Future phases, set to begin in late 2025, may involve environmental studies, design planning, and additional public engagement. Community feedback is encouraged, with a deadline for comments by September 26, 2024. Concerns raised by attendees during the meeting included preserving the bridges’ historic character, maintaining access for residents during construction, and the need for adequate safety measures for pedestrians and cyclists. The project is funded primarily through federal programs, with additional financial support from the City of Los Angeles. Community members are also encouraged to provide historical documentation related to the bridges.