With an Array of Storytelling From Both Artists, the Festival Spotlights Inspiring Narratives of Female Surfers.

The Women’s Surf Film Festival, a celebration of women in the surf community impacting through film, art, and photography since 2013, is making its California debut in Venice Beach and Ventura.

Featuring a diverse array of storytelling styles from established and emerging artists, the festival spotlights inspiring narratives of female surfers and their advocates. Curated by Lava Girl Surf, the event spans from Wednesday, Oct. 11, to Friday, Oct. 13.

The festivities commence at The Waterfront Venice with a reception and a two-hour screening. Throughout the week, the action continues at Deus Ex Machina, Venice, where attendees can participate in a free wellness session, engage in panel discussions, attend premieres, and enjoy screenings. The grand finale unfolds at Topa Topa Brewing Co., offering a night replete with vendors, culinary delights, music, refreshing beverages, and captivating film screenings.

Event Highlights

Wednesday, October 11 Film Screening The Waterfront Venice | 6 PM -10 PM | Tickets $25 Film Program:

• Riding the Rhythms (40 mins)
• Wahine & Waves (27 mins)
• REBORN (10 mins)
• WOMP (10 mins)
• Emergence (6 mins)
• Jamaica (5 mins)
• Momento (4 mins)
• Synchronism (3:36 mins) To attend, purchase your tickets here.

Thursday, October 12 Wellness Session: Authentic Self-Care with Lia Avellino Deus Ex Machina | 5 PM – 6 PM | Free Event (please RSVP) This one-hour experience hosted by Lia Avellino incorporates mindfulness, opportunities for connecting with bodily sensations, individual reflection, and group discussions. This unique combination empowers participants to leave with increased vitality and new approaches to life’s challenges. Register here to secure your spot.

Thursday, October 12 Reception, Panel Discussion & Film Screening Deus Ex Machina | 6 PM – 9 PM | Free Event (please RSVP) An evening filled with engaging discussions, film screenings, and a reception awaits at Deus Ex Machina. Immerse yourself in captivating surf narratives and join the conversation on the intersection of surfing, art, and empowerment. Delight in complimentary tacos and beverages. Guest Speakers:

• Ivana Bajic: Multimedia Producer and Author of “Nature of Surf Women”
• Natalie Small: Founder of Groundswell Surf Therapy
• Shelby Stanger: Author of “Will to Wild”
• Davina Grincevicius (Moderator): Founder of the Women’s Surf Film Festival Film Program:
• With the Tide: A Yakutat Surf Club Story (26 mins) – CA Premiere
• Unplugged (6:53 mins) – CA Premiere To attend, register here.

Friday, October 13 Film Screening Topa Topa Brewing Co., Ventura HQ & Brewery | 5 PM – 9 PM | Tickets $25 Film Program:

• Obsession (33 mins)
• Yama (23 mins)
• New Colors (20 mins)
• Art of Adapting (11 mins)
• Ur- Azala (10 mins)
• Lucky Star (4 mins)
• Let it Go (4 mins)
• Liquid Daydream (2:49 mins)

International Women’s Day Paddle Out (2 mins) Secure your tickets here to attend.

The post Women’s Surf Film Festival Making California Debut in Venice appeared first on Yo! Venice!.

This is what the oceanfront looks like when the sun is still rising.

@yovenicenews Watch the Venice Oceanfront rise with the sun #venicebeach #venice #california #morningroutine #earlymorning #losangeles #fypシ ♬ original sound – Yo! Venice

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It Features a Lineup of Master Classes and Educational Workshops Led by Accomplished Dance Professionals

The Santa Monica College Dance Department kicks off its Fall 2023 Masters of Dance series, featuring a lineup of master classes and educational workshops led by accomplished dance professionals. 

The series commences on October 5 with Ido Tadmor guiding a ballet technique class, focusing on core strengthening and transitions, followed by contemporary ballet phrase work.

The Masters of Dance workshops are open to the public, free of charge, and individuals can participate as active attendees or observers. Seating availability is limited and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

The workshops will be conducted in Room CPC 304 at the SMC Core Performance Center (CPC), situated on the main SMC Campus at 1900 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica.

The Fall 2023 Masters of Dance schedule is as follows:

• October 5 at 12:30 p.m.: Ido Tadmor: “Ballet and Contemporary Phrasework” — CPC 304 (main SMC Campus, 1900 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica). Esteemed Israeli dancer Ido Tadmor leads a ballet technique class emphasizing core strengthening and transitions, followed by contemporary ballet phrase work. Tadmor, renowned as a choreographer and judge in professional dance competitions, previously served as the Artistic Director of the Israeli National Ballet and performed as a principal dancer with acclaimed companies like Bat Dor Dance Company, Bat Sheva Dance Company, Scapino Ballet Rotterdam, and Lar Lubovitch Dance Company. He has collaborated with distinguished choreographers including Hans Van Mannen, Ohad Naharin, Alvin Ailey, Vladimir Vassiliev, and Robert North. This event is free and presented in partnership with the SMC Associates and SMC Dance Department.
• October 17 at 10:15 a.m.: Jillian Meyers: “Making and Moving for the Camera” — CPC 304 (main SMC Campus, 1900 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica). Emmy-nominated choreographer and dancer Jillian Meyers leads a master class that explores the tools and techniques crucial for capturing dance effectively with a camera, whether as a choreographer or dancer. Meyers has an extensive background in commercial, stage, film, and site-specific performance, having choreographed Hozier’s “Work Song” and danced on numerous Janet Jackson tours. She also served as an assistant choreographer for the award-winning film “La La Land” and recently contributed to the NBC series “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist” as an episodic co-choreographer. Meyers embraces various artistic disciplines in her innovative project “The Seaweed Sisters.” This event is free and presented in partnership with the SMC Associates and SMC Dance Department.
• October 26 at 12:30 p.m.: Holly Johnston: “Responsive Body: Movement for Radical Joy + Body Liberation” — CPC 304 (main SMC Campus, 1900 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica). Holly Johnston leads an exploration of the Responsive Body’s approach to movement, emphasizing social bonding, sensational pleasure, and radical joy through the RB Movement Map, which energizes dance expressions. Johnston is the visionary behind Responsive Body, a social movement and body liberation practice. She has received recognition as a Choreographic Fellow at the Maggie Allesee National Center for Choreography (MANCC), an ODC/Dance Company Theater Artist in Residence, and a SCUBA National Touring Artist. Her podcast, “A Space To Be,” delves into topics spanning culture, politics, embodiment, creativity, history, and shared futures. Johnston also collaborates with Contra-Tiempo Activist Dance Theater, contributing as a human performance systems and production ecologist. This event is free and presented in partnership with the SMC Associates and SMC Dance Department.

For additional information, visit smc.edu/dance or contact 310-434-4100 or 310-434-8763.

The post Free “Masters of Dance” Workshops and Classes Open by SMC appeared first on Yo! Venice!.

Remembering & Preserving a History Somewhat Forgotten 

By Nicholas Antonicello

Remembering and honoring a history that in some cases has gone unacknowledged or ignored, Venice locals inspired by the Japanese-American Internment Memorial located at Lincoln and Venice Boulevard are working hard to raise the necessary funding to erect the Mexican-American Traqueros Monument scheduled for unveiling in 2025 or early 2026.

I met with members of the committee last week led by Laura Ceballos, a Venice native and longtime community organizer and veteran’s advocate along with Jose Gonzalez, a 60-year Venetian and Darlene Rodriguez, a lifelong resident, mother and grandmother. Other members of the committee include Johnny Garcia, Jr. and Wendy Santiago, who attends Santa Monica College and is a graduate of Venice High School.

With a Go Fund Me page intact, the overall project is estimated at $350,000 with roughly $200,000 raised for this worthy cause.

The project started with a petition drive that resulted in the collection of 1,500 signatures and significant political support from US Congressman Ted Lieu, State Senator Ben Allen of Santa Monica, labor leader icon Dolores Huerta and significant backing by former LA councilmember Mike Bonin.

The proposal was approved by the Venice Neighborhood Council in 2020 and the Los Angeles City Council in 2021.

The sculptor commissioned for the monument is Jorge Marin and the entire project is currently in the permit process.

In many ways, gentrification that has transformed Venice so dramatically has erased the roots of these longtime residents who believe this project will retain and remember a crucial piece of Mexican-American history.

With a fundraiser scheduled for October 29^th, this monument and memorial will be the first of its kind in Venice as well as the Westside of Los Angeles.

The next event is the popular Car Show, which was attended by hundreds in the past and is a must Venice event for true locals and residents alike.

The fundraiser will take place at Oakwood Park, located at 757 California Avenue, with the gates opening at 8:00 AM and the event will commence at 10:00 AM and close at 5:00 PM.

Over 100 cars will be on display that will comprise classic, muscle and antique vehicles as well as a “community altar,” which will remember loved ones with photos and images as well as authentic Aztec cuisine.

Vendors, food and refreshments as well as a DJ and raffle will make for a great community event that all will enjoy for a great cause of remembering the trials and tribulations of the Mexican-American narrative.

According to Wikipedia, Traquero is a railroad track worker, or “section hand”, especially a Mexican or Mexican American railroad track worker (“gandy dancer” in American English usage).

The word derives from “traque”, Spanglish for “track”.

The Pacific Electric interurban system in the Los Angeles area was constructed and maintained by a workforce which was largely made up of traqueros.

Nick Antonicello is a 30-year resident who covers the history, culture and vibe of Venice. Have a story suggestion? Contact him via-email at nantoni@mindspring.com

The post Venice Shorts: Locals Raise Funds for Mexican-American Monument Honoring Traqueros appeared first on Yo! Venice!.

The Union Is Urging Hotels to Instantly Increase Hourly Wages

By Zach Armstrong

Santa Monica hotel workers at Fairmont Miramar, Le Méridien Delfina Santa Monica, Viceroy Santa Monica, Hampton Inn & Suites Santa Monica and Courtyard Santa Monica walked out on Monday following a stalemate in pay increase negotiations, the Los Angeles Times reported.

The strike comes amid efforts by Unite Here Local 11 to raise the salaries of hotel workers who are particularly impacted by a looming housing crisis. The union is partly urging hotels to instantly increase workers’ hourly wages by $5 before raising them by $3 annually for two consecutive years. 

Last week’s bargaining session between the union and hotel company representatives failed after the ladder provided no counteroffer to the former’s proposal that included lowering the total raise of $11 to $10.50, the Times reported. A lawyer for Southern California hotel managers told the newspaper that the union’s proposal “took the parties further apart.” Another representative for L.A. hotels said the contract’s cost increased by the union’s proposal of also making the start date sooner for hotels to contribute to a health and welfare fund.

UHL 11 represents approximately 32,000 workers across Southern California and Arizona employed in hotels, restaurants, airports, sports arenas, and convention centers.

The post Hotel Workers Go On Strike in Santa Monica Amid Negotiation Standstill appeared first on Yo! Venice!.

VSA Files “Friend of the Court” Brief With SCOTUS! 

By Nick Antonicello

The Venice Stakeholder’s Association led by its President Mark Ryavac has filed an amicus brief in support of the city of Grants Pass’ petition for the U.S. Supreme Court to review and overturn both the Johnson and Martin decisions, which currently prohibit municipalities in the Ninth District, including California, from enforcing ordinances banning camping on public property. 

The brief is attached or and be found here: Search – Supreme Court of the United States

The principal points made in the brief are the following:

The Ninth Circuit set an “infeasible standard” for the number of shelter beds that must be available before a municipality may enforce its ban on “lying, sitting or sleeping” on public property. The court also failed to adequately distinguish between an individual who is voluntarily homeless versus those who have no housing options and require public assistance. In addition, The court failed to understand that the encampments that resulted from Martin v. Boise are in many instances an actual barrier to the placement of housing, or to anticipate the negative impact of allowing camping on all types of public property and parcels that would have on neighborhoods like Venice Beach.

Ryavac, a longtime neighborhood activist, former government policy analyst and a 2017 candidate for the LA City Council, has been in many regards the only voice from a legal standpoint in protecting Venetians from the current homeless crisis here in the neighborhood and the city of Los Angeles.

The VSA President has maintained his consistent opposition to the controversial Venice Bridge Housing fiasco located on Main Street, while LA Councilmember Traci Park (CD-11) flip-flopped, and now supports the failed and flawed location that many believe was the initiative that has turned Venice into a “containment zone” for the homeless here in Dogtown.

It is estimated that over 500 unhoused individuals live within the boundaries of Venice, the largest homeless population in CD-11 and the second largest in all of Los Angeles after Skid Row.

It was Park’s predecessor, former councilmember Mike Bonin who in concert with former LA Mayor Eric Garcetti came to Venice to shore up support for the controversial proposal that was met with overwhelming opposition with some 500 people in attendance to oppose the presentation three years ago at a hostile meeting of residents at the Westminster elementary school.

It was that meeting that spelled the political demise of Bonin here in Venice and created a void for new leadership that allowed for Park’s candidacy to challenge the two-term incumbent. Park narrowly defeated fellow Venice attorney Erin Darling by a slim, 52-48% margin running on the promise to address the issue of homeless encampments last November.

Nick Antonicello is a thirty-year resident of Venice who covers the issue of encampments and homelessness here in Venice. Have an encampment in your neighborhood that needs to be addressed? Contact Antonicello via e-mail at nantoni@mindpspring.com

The post Venice Shorts: Venice Stakeholders Association in Support of Anti-Camping Legislation appeared first on Yo! Venice!.

“Motorhome Madness” Has Residents Seeking Help From la City Officials

By Nick Antonicello

The mobile motorhome dilemma plaguing the northside of North Venice Boulevard across from the Library has residents exhausted by the lack of action by city officials.

The picture was taken last week and this motorhome has been in the same place for weeks as trash continues to accumulate from those occupying this particular RV.

According to sources, a member of the homeless community continues to break-in to the laundry room located at 560 Grand Boulevard where windows have been smashed to gain access and sleep inside.

Now the door has been disabled and locals have had to deal with urination and defecation on the floor on multiple occasions according to the same source.

The area residents have reached out to the appropriate city officials with no response as of this writing.

The more things change, the more they stay the same when it comes to homelessness here in Dogtown.

Nick Antonicello is a thirty-year resident and covers the homeless and encampment crisis here in Venice. Know of an encampment in your neighborhood that continues to go unaddressed? Contact Antonicello via e-mail at nantoni@mindspring.com Please enclose the exact address and images of the encampment.

The post Venice Shorts: RV’s Occupy North Venice Blvd – Urination and Defecation Obvious! appeared first on Yo! Venice!.

A Classic Covered Porch Leads Into a Reception Room Featuring a Stone Fireplace

Two adjacent lots, featuring a restored Craftsman residence and an adjoining lot featuring two charming 1-bedroom cottages, are being offered for $3.9 million as a single package.

At 2203 Marian Place, you’ll discover a sprawling four-bedroom home that has been cared for for nearly 120 years. The expansive interiors showcase exquisite original details, including gleaming hardwood floors. Oversized windows and landscaping infuse the home with an abundance of natural light and outdoor views.

A classic covered porch welcomes you into a spacious reception room featuring a stone fireplace and coffered ceilings. The oversized living and dining rooms are adorned with bay windows and intricate wedding-cake plaster details. The kitchen is a chef’s delight, equipped with upscale stainless-steel appliances and custom cabinetry. The cozy family room and sunroom offer a seamless connection to the tranquil park-like grounds surrounding the residence.

For more information, go to https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/2203-Marian-Pl_Venice_CA_90291_M19111-47348?from=srp-list-card.

The post 120-Year-Old Property on Market for $3.9M appeared first on Yo! Venice!.

Brazilian Walnut Floors Exude Sophistication

This five bedroom property at 5106 Pacific Ave is on the market for $3.5 million.

Upon entry, one is immediately captivated by the sunken living room, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that expertly frame the tranquil Ballona Lagoon. A welcoming fireplace adds to the cozy ambiance, and an adjacent waterside deck provides the perfect setting for outdoor relaxation. Inside, the interior boasts a modern design, with high ceilings and strategically placed skylights flooding the space with natural light. Transparent walkways seamlessly connect the various areas of the home, while Brazilian walnut floors exude an air of sophistication. Chic European-style windows and finishes elevate the overall aesthetic.

The chef’s kitchen is equipped with top-of-the-line Miele and Sub-Zero stainless-steel appliances, a Viking range with an oven, and a convenient wine cooler. It seamlessly flows into a dining area and a den featuring a striking circular fireplace, offering versatile spaces for both entertainment and relaxation.

For more information, go to https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/5106-Pacific-Ave_Venice_CA_90292_M28927-45265?from=srp-list-card.

The post Marina Peninsula Home on Market For $3.5M appeared first on Yo! Venice!.

A Smaller Two-Story Structure Featuring Five Residences Is Also Proposed

Plans for a mixed-use development set to grace the corner of 26th Street and Wilshire Boulevard were unveiled for the Santa Monica Architectural Review Board, Urbanize LA reported.

The proposal, a brainchild of Mark Leevan Investment Co., is planned for 2600 Wilshire Boulevard which currently houses a New Balance store. The envisioned development encompasses a new four-story building featuring 40 apartments situated above 12,293 square feet of ground-floor commercial space, along with parking capacity for 101 vehicles. In addition, a smaller two-story structure featuring five residences is proposed for construction in the current parking lot situated across an alleyway at the property’s rear. The exterior is planned to incorporate a steel frame, complemented by composite wood infill panels on the upper floors and board-formed concrete panels on the lower levels, Urbanize reported.

Leevan has committed to allocate five of the new studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments as affordable housing for very low-income tenants.

The post 40-Unit Mixed-Use Project Proposed for 26th Street Intersection appeared first on Yo! Venice!.

In Addition to Vacant Driver’s Seats, Waymo Is Also Free of Emissions

By Zach Armstrong

Free and fully autonomous car rides will be offered for one upcoming week to those residing or visiting the Santa Monica and Venice neighborhoods of Los Angeles. 

As the first stop on the Los Angeles tour of Waymo One, a 24/7 driverless ride-hailing service from autonomous vehicle company Waymo, tickets will be granted for autonomous rides throughout the city. Tickets will allow Westside riders access from Oct. 11 through Nov. 18 to costless rides that will be available all day-long. Interested participants can get tickets by joining its waitlist online or through the Waymo One app. 

Ahead of Waymo’s wider service launch, the tour will continue through Century City, West Hollywood, Mid-City, Koreatown and finally throughout Downtown Los Angeles.

In addition to vacant driver’s seats, Waymo is also free of emissions with its all-electric rides. The company boasts environmental and traffic advantages of this including helping cities meet climate goals, support shared mobility, give people a chance to travel emissions free, delivering more emission-free miles per vehicle and connecting more to public transit thus reducing congestion.

More information can be found at https://waymo.com/blog/2023/09/waymo-one-tour-LA.html.

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Simultaneously, a Series of Luxurious International Clothing Brands Have Set up Shop in the Outlet Mall

By Zach Armstrong

Within or around the high-end retail outlet of Palisades Village, four stores in three months have decided to mark their days of doing in-store operations. 

Bellezza Exsuitie Lingerie, a luxurious intimate apparel store for women along Vía De La Paz, expects its interior to be completely packed up by the end of this week as it moves operations online. The Pacific Palisades location served as the company’s exclusive boutique. It sells a wide array of lingerie, shapewear, lounge & sleepwear, and other accessories. This included bras as expensive as $110 and with an approximate price range between $20 and $160. Its online store is already live. 

This adds to a tally of retail shops, either within the “Village” outdoor shopping center or in close proximity, that have closed or plan to close their doors since the midst of Summer. In late June, fine stationery and gift store Black Ink held its final day of in-store purchases. Owner and former CBS news producer Patti Black said of the closing that even after the Swarthmore Ave store had its biggest sales year, “it was just time.” Collection Antiques and Books along Antioch Street and pizza outpost Roco Pizza located within Palisades Village, also announced an end to operations this month with the ladder launching operations just five months prior.

Simultaneously, a series of luxurious international clothing brands have set up shop in the outlet mall including the Parisian Isabel Marant and high-end sunglass retailer Jacques Marie Mag. A new retail location for French luxury fashion house Saint Laurent is expected to open soon along Sunset Boulevard directly across Starbucks, along with an upcoming spot for Stockholm-based TOTEME adjacent to the Diptyque store and across the Bonjour Fete.

“We will still be offering the Palisades all the lingerie needs they have,” said Bellezza management in an email. “Also will be having pop up shops. Anyone who signs up for emails with us will receive an invite.”

The post Another Local Retailer Surrounding Palisades Village Closes Its Doors appeared first on Yo! Venice!.

The Task Force Would Recommend the to Use Vacant Parcels for Interim Homeless Shelter

By Nick Antonicello

Retired attorney and longtime advocate of removing encampments from the streets of Venice, Community Officer Clark Brown was able to secure nearly 130 signatures to place his petition before the board to establish a citizen task force to recommend the City of Los Angeles use vacant parcels at LAX for interim shelter for the homeless as well as RV and vehicle dwellers.

Brown’s motion noted that there has been a 45% increase in homelessness on the Westside of Los Angeles and that there are 523 homeless individuals here in Venice.

Brown’s motion noted that Councilwoman Park “has repeatedly admitted in public forums that there are no available beds, rooms or space in CD-11 for the homeless and that the Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) reported to the City Administrative Officer that there are many city owned vacant lots at LAX.”

Brown cited locations for vehicle parking as well.

Brown accused Park of “taking no steps to cause LAWA and LA to establish safe camping and parking facilities at these public parcels.

In addition, Brown claimed that Park had established a Citizen Task Force “to facilitate the development of recreation facilities in the LAX Northside Project, but failed to establish a similar task force to facilitate the development of facilities for the homeless on vacant LAX parcels.”

The motion called upon the freshman legislator to establish a Citizen Task Force with representatives from Venice, Del Rey and Westchester to study the establishing of interim shelter, safe camping and safe parking facilities upon these publicly owned properties.

Brown’s motion was made and seconded, but there was apparently an amendment that was to be put forth by Deborah Keaton which was discussed and eventually withdrawn by the maker. Some suggested such an amendment would revise the original motion and that would violate the spirit and intent of the entire petition. The VNC’s BY-LAWS and Standing Rules do not address such amendments and while the revision was withdrawn, the amendment was in order.

Brown also explained he spoke directly with Park and that she told him a committee was formulated of Westchester residents regarding the LAX parcels. Park did not dispute Brown’s description or his version of the conversation. Board members on both sides argued that since LAX was not within the boundaries of the VNC, the entire motion was not appropriate. Brown shot back noting OFW while in Venice, is for everyone, just like LAX.

Before the debate on the motion occurred, Park addressed the board and strongly proclaimed that the motion on the agenda “does not speak for me or CD-11,” And that regarding the Venice Dell initiative she would not comment based on litigation concerns.

Local architect Robert Thibodeau spoke in favor of the Brown motion and asked where is the plan to decrease the homeless on the streets of Venice?

The question to the entire room went unanswered, and several board members thanked Brown for all of his efforts, but would not support his plan despite the signatures he gathered.

After a spirited debate the petition was rejected and the motion failed.

In other comments by Park, she thanked the LAPD for there efforts at the beach this summer stepping up patrols and the increased police presence. She also noted she would be supporting a beach cleanup this weekend and while she had mentioned in her previous appearance with the board the possibility of new information on the Olympics, offered no updates on the status of the 2028 Summer Games or the prospects of any events here at the beach at this time. The formal council report to the board followed by Ashley Lozada, the Venice field deputy for Park who mentioned there would be “listening sessions” by the council office regarding the Venice Community Plan between October 2^nd through October 13^th.

There was also conversation about eliminating the dog park at Oakwood, since there has been a tremendous amount of discussion with “off-leash” dogs at that location. Lozada also mentioned that four different groups have brought forth assets and proposals for the eventual reopening of Centennial Park, just east of the Library on Venice Boulevard.

The locale is currently fenced and under remediation.

In the election to fill the final board vacancy, Christopher Lee was selected to fill the unexpired term of Erica Moore who is now the VNC’s Outreach Officer. Lee was selected over three other candidates, Alpkan Cakici, Chris Cikowski, and Emma Voigt.

Board member Bradbury congratulated all four applicants and urged they stay active and join a standing or ad hoc committee of the VNC.

In other news, President Brian Averill announced that board member Alley Bean would be the new Chair of the VNC’s Committee on Homelessness replacing the outgoing Frank Murphy.

The post Venice Council Rejects Creation of Citizen Task Force on Homeless Shelter appeared first on Yo! Venice!.

The Initiative Is Strongly Supported by Venice Housing Corporation and Received Previous City Council Support

 By Nick Antonicello

The September 19^th monthly meeting was highlighted by the rejection of the woefully unpopular Venice median housing proposal, the 141-unit initiative that is strongly supported by the Venice Housing Corporation that received previous city council support not once, but twice with the backing of former councilman Mike Bonin.

But all housing initiatives like politics are local, and the locals in Venice came out on the record to ensure another solid rejection of the project by this newly seated board.

Multiple speakers opposing the project described it as “ugly and expensive,” noting the proposal’s location is all wrong for Venice in what most opponents believe is just an inappropriate location that close to the beach in a community that relies on tourism for revenue, jobs and a strong local economy.

Conspicuous by their absence was anyone from the VHC, who has had a cold and icy relationship with past boards and seems that will continue at least for now.

Even one homeless advocate deemed the location as inappropriate and that the site will lack specific services for those with drug and alcohol issues.

Brian Ulf, a former member of the VNC’s Homelessness Committee and the President of SHARE (Self Help And Recovery Exchange), a service provider for substance abusers pointed out that Venice has long been accepting and welcoming of numerous venues for the homeless, but described the project as the “wrong place” to construct it.

Under board comment, Steve Bradbury said the proposal is not affordable housing, and that the site needed to be developed responsibly.

Secretary Tima Bell, an architect said while he supports affordable housing, he didn’t like the project and was concerned about the tone and tenor of the discussion.

Deborah Keaton, another new board member described the project as “looking like a prison,” with the lack of windows while Outreach Chair Erica Moore noted “far less support,” from those she has interacted regarding the controversial issue with so many residents.

Soledad Ursua, described the site as “not the right location,” and questioned why the project was exempt from the fact it sits in a flood zone.

Board member and homeless advocate Lisa Redmond who supports the project called the motion to reject “wrong, redundant and pandering.”

Redmond took exception to the presence of LA City Councilwoman Traci Park (CD-11) who sat next to her communications staffer Jamie Paige, the former publisher of the Venice Current, now known as the Westside Current, who was one of Park’s strongest and most vocal supporters in last year’s council campaign that saw her squeeze past fellow Venetian Erin Darling by a slim, 52-48% margin.

Paige previously served as a member of the VNC.

Redmond mused why Park was even present, and noted that the LA City Council had voted twice previously to support the housing initiative just steps from the beach.

President Brian Averill wrapped up board comment describing the proposal as making “little sense,” and that dollars could be spent more efficiently.

The vote was overwhelmingly against the project with 11 members against and just 2 in the affirmative,  while 3 were recused, 2 not eligible and 2 absent.

For more information about the Venice Neighborhood Council, visit them online at www.venicenc.org

Nick Antonicello is a thirty-year resident of Venice who covers the local Neighborhood Council. A member of the Outreach & Oceanfront Walk Committees, he can be reached via e-mail at nantoni@mindspring.com

The post 141-Unit Affordable Housing Project in Venice Rejected by Council appeared first on Yo! Venice!.

Commonwealth Now Victim to Additional Homeless Individuals East of Lincoln 

By Nick Antonicello

Another day, another illegal encampment comes to fruition in Venice.

Now you can check Commonwealth on the eastside of Venice as a new venue that needs to be addressed by city officials.

While it’s only one large tent at the moment, it is housing at least three people and like Flower where there is one, more in all probability will follow.  

One of the campers has a bike and it is unclear if they’re all part of the same group.

This new Commonwealth encampment appears to be a result of the Rose Avenue “sweep” on September 13^th.

Sources tell Yo! Venice that all the former encampments shifted to Lincoln boulevard and the surrounding streets.

There seems to be no open drug usage as the RV has since left, suggesting they were out-of-town transients.

Know of an illegal encampment on your block or street?

We want to report it to the proper city officials for a scheduled clean-up.

Nick Antonicello is a thirty-year resident covering the issue of homeless encampments in Venice. Have a take or a tip on all things Venice? Contact Antonicello at natoni@mindspring.com

The post Venice Shorts: Illegal Encampments Expand to Commonwealth Avenue appeared first on Yo! Venice!.

Included Is Crispy Gruyère Cheese, “Like a Nutty, Sharp Cracker”

By Zach Armstrong

The “croque Matthieu”, featured on the bar menu of Santa Monica’s Pasjoli, is the best grilled cheese sandwich in the universe according to Los Angeles Times Food Columnist Jenn Harris. 

“The bread, annealed and shiny, was all crunch and butter. Then there was crispy Gruyère cheese, like a nutty, sharp cracker cemented to the inside of the sandwich. It shattered into a puddle of rich, creamy Mornay sauce that melted into sweet caramelized onions and shaved Bayonne ham.” wrote Harris in the Sept. 11 column. “The decadence of French onion soup, the simplicity of a good jambon beurre and the thrill of a gooey grilled cheese were all present, crammed into this four-bite sandwich. Its unabashed decadence is something to marvel.”

Mathew Kim, the French bistro’s former chef de cuisine who made a grilled cheese covered in Mornay sauce and a fried egg, is who the menu item is named after. Chef-owner Dave Beran recently brought back the sandwich after initially appearing on the menu as a limited takeaway item.

Pasjoli is presented by award-winning chef Dave Beran who moved to Los Angeles in 2017 to open his first restaurant, Dialogue. The restaurant earned him a Michelin star and Five Stars from Forbes Travel Guide.  Located at 2732 Main Street with dinner doors opening at 5:15 p.m., more information on Pasjoli can be found at https://www.pasjoli.com/.

The full Los Angeles Times column can be read at https://www.latimes.com/food/story/2023-09-11/grilled-cheese-sandwich-roast-beef-fried-chicken

The post L.A. Times Declares Santa Monica Restaurant as Having “Best Grilled Cheese in the Universe” appeared first on Yo! Venice!.

Manana Coffee is located along Main Street.

@yovenicenews Venice Beach has a new coffee shop #venice #venicebeach #coffee #coffeetiktok #lacoffeeshops #dining #fypシ ♬ I Can Make It – CRi

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New York Times Praised the Dining Concept as the “Most Successful Combination of Chewy and Crisp Crust.”

By Zach Armstrong

Pizzana, a Naples-style Pizza chain reimagined for Southern California with “consciously sourced toppings”, will soon open a new Marina del Rey location near Ballona Creek in Unit C of 4716 Lincoln Boulevard.

The franchise was ranked #67 by the Los Angeles Times’ in its 101 Best LA Restaurants, calling Chef Daniele Uditi  “one of the city’s most accomplished pizza maestros.” The New York Times also praised Uditi’s dining concept as the “most successful combination of chewy and crisp crust.” As explained on Pizzana’s website, Uditi’s signature style is using “slow dough” which is carefully prepared to ferment for multiple days for a light crust that is easy to digest.

Menu items include a first-of-its-kind Cacio E Pepe, inspired by the traditional Italian pasta, which melts fior di latte and provoloncino d’agerola together then finished off with parmigiana crema and cracked black pepper. Its Neo Margherita is a unique take on the classic item, by replacing traditional tomato sauce with a tomato reduction cooked for a full 24 hours and sprinkling the pie with crunchy basil crumb. Antipasta, dessert and salad options are also available.

With its original location in Brentwood and others in Sherman Oaks, West Hollywood, Silver Lake, Dallas, TX, it also plans to soon open a Houston location.

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Thriving Happy Hour of Bites, Wine, Cocktails and Beer!

 By Nick Antonicello

Located at the corner of Clune and Washington Boulevard, CHARCOAL VENICE was one of the original eating establishments that transformed the neighborhood into one of the premier locales for great food and fun.

Charcoal Venice is an inviting neighborhood restaurant from Michelin-starred Chef and Owner Josiah Citrin that was inspired by the backyard barbecues he hosts on weekends for his friends and family.

As the name suggests, everything is cooked indoors over live fire – whether over charcoal or in the coals. Citrin and Chef de Cuisine Jordan Olivo prepare a seasonal menu of craveable comfort foods featuring locally-sourced proteins and vegetables ideal for sharing family-style.

Whether diving into a platter of smoky grilled chicken wings with a beer or classic cocktail at the bar, or splitting a 48 oz. dry-aged Porterhouse and a bottle of Bandol with friends, Charcoal Venice is an everyday dining spot.

Next door to the Marina Towers, this great neighborhood meeting place quickly became a local’s preferred place to wine and dine.

Be it the Prime Skirt Steak or the Lamb Ribs, Charcoal Venice has an impressive 4.0 out of 5.0 YELP rating with nearly 700 customer reviews!

Charcoal Venice is open 6-9 PM Monday through Thursday and 5:30 -10 PM on Friday and Saturday, 5:30 – 9PM on Sundays.

Known for a great and consistent Happy Hour experience by the beach, visit Charcoal online at www.charcoalvenice.com or via email at info@charcoalvenice.com

For reservations, go to RESY or call 310-751-6794.

Locals love Charcoal Venice and so will you.

Nick Antonicello is a self-described foodie who loves all things Venice. Have a take or a tip? Contact him at nantoni@mindspring.com

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The Mural Is a First-Time Collaboration of Local Muralists

By Zach Armstrong

In the Brooks Ct. alley behind Swartz Glass, just west of Lincoln, a new mural pays homage to the preeminent figures of Venice’s legendary skateboard community. 

A memorial component is placed in the center, depicting the late co-founder of popular streetwear brand Born X Raised along with celebrated surfer and skateboarder Jay Adams. Chris “Spanto” Printup, who launched Born x Raised in 2013 while incarcerated, passed away in June three days after a New Mexico car accident. Adams, a Venice-born member of the Z-Boys team who helped turn skateboarding’s reputation from a child’s hobby to a gritty lifestyle thanks to his freeform style, died in 2014 from a heart attack.  

Other depicted Venice skateboard legends are Ricky “Rickle” Massie, Josh “Bagel” Klassman, Joff “Gamera” Drinkwater, Juanita “Grandma” Massie, Rocky Jay Martinez, Julian “Juice” Martinez, Richard Massie, Eric “Lil Man” Garber, Jim “OG Red Dog” Muir, Eric “Tuma” Britton, Jesse “The Mess” Martinez, Aaron “Fingers” Murray and Tim Jackson.

The mural is a first-time collaboration between local muralists Gustavo Zermeño Jr. and Jonas Never.

Zermeño Jr.’s work can be spotted throughout Los Angeles, primarily honoring the giants of Los Angeles’ sports teams along with the late Pittsburgh rapper Mac Miller. He is also the artist behind the Red Hot Chili Peppers mural adjacent to Venice Beach. Never, a former UC Riverside pitcher-turned-muralist otherwise known as Never1959, has a portfolio of public art easily recognized by any West L.A. local, such as the Lana Del Rey painting at 15 Paloma Avenue or the Muscle Beach tribute at 1825 Speedway.

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