About the VCA
The Venice Canal Association (VCA) is a 501(c)(3) public benefit organization. Unlike a homeowner’s association (HOA), the VCA is a voluntary membership organization that includes residents, property owners, and community members dedicated to preserving and protecting the public areas of Los Angeles City’s Venice Canals waterways. The Venice Canals properties do not have CCC&Rs. The members vote for the 11-member Board of Directors, who meet monthly to discuss canal topics, or work on Canal events. The name reflects the VCA’s commitment to its diverse membership and its mission to maintain the natural environment and beauty of the Venice Canals. Serving the community for 49 years, the VCA’s protects and preserves this unique recreational wetland environment.
Ongoing accomplishments by the VCA include:
- Improving and protecting water quality in the North Venice Canals waterway system.
- Maintaining the beauty of the Canals by purchasing and replacing Saltbush (Atriplex) plants that serve as natural handrails along sidewalks. The Adopt-A-Plant program allows residents to nurture young bushes until they are ready for planting.
- Designing and installing unique signage for residents and visitors, including public signs to protect wildlife, directional signs, and rules and regulations for public safety.
- Purchasing trash receptacles and coordinating with the city for trash collection.
- Rehabilitating Linnie Canal Park and Duck Yard on Dell Avenue.
- Collaborating with the City to remove graffiti from signs and bridges.
- Installing filters on storm drains that empty into the Venice Canals to enhance water quality by reducing contaminants.
- Securing matching funds from the LA Board of Public Works for a beautification project that includes a formal “gateway” at the entry of the Canals on Dell Avenue, featuring a commemorative marker designating the Venice Canals as a historic landmark.
- Achieving recognition on the National Register of Historic Places due to efforts in historical and environmental restoration.
Our work is ongoing, and we look forward to many more years of serving our community. We sincerely appreciate the continued support from our members, as membership in the Venice Canals Association truly makes a difference.
our Board
Mark Galanty, President
Renee Kaplan, Vice President
Rita Silverman, Secretary
Monnie Fanning, Treasurer
Sarah Armstrong
Ramon Goni
Dominique Hirschkron
Ricky Otterstrom
John Schacht
Linda Shusett
Destry Steffensen
Emeritus:
Sandy Berens
Maggie Bright
CJ Cole
Bonnie Felix
Maxine Leral
Nadine Parkos
Howard Weisenfeld
Mark WoodcockT
The Venice Canals Association Board meetings are normally held the first Monday of each month at the home of a Board member.
VCA Amended and Restated Bylaws (May 31, 2016)