From The Venice Stakeholders Association:

The Venice Stakeholders Association today released an opinion letter from a leading First Amendment attorney that concludes that Councilman Bill Rosendahl misled his constituents when he claimed that: “The Ninth Circuit Court has ruled that people or organizations have a First Amendment right to distribute free food.” The councilman made the statement in a “FAQ” (frequently asked questions) on May 2, 2012.

The opinion letter, prepared by attorney Gary Bostwick (attached), concludes: “Our opinion is that the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has never ‘ruled that people or organizations have a First Amendment right to distribute free food’ as he states. The fact that there is no basis for the Statement is admitted by the City Attorney’s Office.”

Rosendahl’s FAQ also says that “During litigation … the court insisted that the City set aside two spaces on Ocean Front Walk for food distribution. We are legally required to do that …” In fact, the City was never ordered by any court to set aside spaces for food distribution. Rather, the City (with Rosendahl leading the way) agreed voluntarily to bind itself to do so in a settlement agreement with the plaintiffs in the case, and then amended its sidewalk vending ordinance (L.A.M.C. section 42.15) to set aside the spaces.

“Rosendahl gave that away because he’s stuck in a 1950s social worker mindset about how you help the poor, not because any ruling, holding or order by any court ever required such action or held that there is a First Amendment right to distribute free food on public property,” VSA president Ryavec said.

“With this revelation we renew our call for Rosendahl to amend the vending ordinance to remove these public food giveaway stations,” Ryavec said. “It’s not an accident that Santa Monica ended its public feeding programs years ago; these stations are dysfunctional, enable people to stay in squalid conditions, and act as a magnet.”

Ryavec noted that after seven years in office, Rosendahl has yet to put in place effective programs to help the poor get off the street and into housing.

“Bill’s spent a lot of time getting his picture taken, but that doesn’t seem to have resulted in a decrease in our transient population,” Ryavec said. “And in that population we have witnessed murderers, rapists, muggers, burglars and thieves. The residents are really done with the risks to life, limb and property this population represents.”

Attachment: Opinion Letter from Gary Bostwick to Venice Stakeholders Association

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On May 19th, from 12:00pm until 2:00pm, Venice Arts Gallery will host the Opening Reception for the 2012 Student Culminating Exhibition, the most exciting and vibrant way to directly experience the impact of Venice Arts’ programs on young people’s lives.

Doritos by Julie Cabral, age 19.

This show, a stunning finale to a year of hard work, will feature the best of student films, photographs, animations, comics, as well as mixed- and multi-media pieces from the 2011-12 workshops. A potluck reception with food and beverages for families, students, mentors, and show attendees will also take place during the exhibition. The Venice Arts Gallery is located at 1702 Lincoln Boulevard in Venice.

Friends by Jeanette Vasquez, age 17.

Each year, over 400 students participate in our Art Mentoring workshops, expanding their creativity and learning about visual storytelling through after-school, weekend, and summer workshops. These workshops are free for low income families and give students a chance to work with talented teaching artists and high-quality professional equipment, jumpstarting their personal artistic exploration.

Discussing the impact that her involvement with Venice Arts’ Art Mentoring Program has had on her development as a young artists, Jeannette Vasquez, a 17-year-old photography student, said “Venice Arts made me feel confident as an artist and gave me the resources to bloom as one, too. I would have never picked up a camera before this place because I wouldn’t have had one to pick up. The energy of the people here is amazing. I always feel like I am at home.”

Takashima House, Reina Brown, age 17.

Students like Jeanette and their artist mentors work remarkably hard on putting together finished final projects and the Venice Arts Gallery is proud to showcase their efforts. The 2012 Student Culminating Exhibition is an exciting opportunity to be a part of the celebration of Venice Arts’ students and the hard work they’ve done this past year. The exhibit also serves to honor our graduating seniors, many of whom have been taking classes with Venice Arts for years and will now be the first in their families to go to college. Reina Brown, age 17, will be attending Santa Monica College this fall and Izzy Rebollar, age 18, will be attending her first choice school, UC Davis.

In addition to photography and other wall-based works, the 2012 Student Culminating Show will also feature screenings of student-made video projects produced for What’s Going On…Now, a national project of The Kennedy Center for which Venice Arts is the Southern California youth partner. In the spirit of Marvin Gaye’s breakout album, What’s Going On, which spoke to the issues of the day–the war in Vietnam, racism, and environmental issues–this project challenges the youth of today to examine and discuss the critical issues of today through their creative art and media projects. During the exhibition, Venice Arts’ Youth Media Crew will screen their visual “tracks” — video responses to Marvin Gaye’s music in light of modern political and social issues. Their work is also featured on the Kennedy Center’s project website and two of our young artists travelled to D.C. this week for a Youth Summit to present their work and attend a concert featuring John Legend, Sharon Jones, and the Dap-Kings.

Venice Arts’ Art Mentoring Program continues this summer with Summer Media Arts Camp. Media Arts Camp is a great way for new students and artist-mentors to get involved with all that Venice Arts has to offer. Designed for both new or beginning students as well as continuing or advanced students, the curriculum is diverse and entertaining. Each week in July, Media Arts Camp explores a different aspect of filmmaking, photography, animation, and comics plus a weekly field trip or field shooting experience. On Venice Arts’ website, a full listing of each week’s special activities is outlined. Youth ages 10-18 may pre-enroll for any week that sparks their interest or for all four weeks. In-person registration is required and will be held on June 16th and 23rd at Venice Arts Gallery. Please call 310.578.1745 for an appointment. Camp is free to low-income families and available to non low-income families at a fee.

About Venice Arts
Venice Arts runs education and mentoring programs in documentary photography, filmmaking, and multimedia primarily targeting Los Angeles area low-income youth. Venice Arts also implements regional, statewide, and international projects with both adults and children; runs the Institute for Photographic Empowerment, a collaboration with the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism; presents exhibitions, public programs, and workshops for adults centered around documentary photography and film at the Venice Arts Gallery; and consults on media arts, visual storytelling, and arts education with organizations and groups locally and internationally.

Learn more about Venice Arts at www.venicearts.org.

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The Big Parade is a two-day walk through Los Angeles that will start in downtown, at the famous Angel’s Flight Stairway, and finish at the Hollywood Sign above Beachwood Canyon.

Day One ends – and Day Two begins – at the famous music Music Box Stairs – site of the Oscar-winning Laurel & Hardy film of the same name – in Silverlake. It will take place May 19 and 20, 2012. Each day includes a main segment of about five miles; the walk runs on a schedule so that people can join and leave the group as it progresses.

From The Big Parade:

Remember—and this is most important: This is a community walk. That means we stay together as a group, and it means that YOU CAN DO IT! Why? Because we break the walk into segments so that walkers of all ages and levels of fitness can join us at specific times (of course, anyone is welcome to meet us at any point along the way – and all are invited to join us at the end to celebrate the walk).

A core group of will be doing the entire event. But – as the name “Big Parade” implies – the true nature of the journey is public-based. In addition to passing dozens of landmarks, we will be joined by community members, both individuals and in groups, as we pass through the city’s most diverse neighborhoods. The walk is broken into specific segments.

Among the other features of the walk will be:

- Ramps, tunnels, and little-known passageways that reveal LA’s pedestrian character.
- Art, art, art—on the streets and all along the way.
- Cross country and trail segments in Echo Park, Silverlake, and Griffith Park.
- Landmarks that are famous, not-so-famous, infamous, and just-plain-weird (over thirty of them, mapped and ready for viewing)
- Music.
- Visits with community groups and local organizations.
- AND A MOVIE/PARTY Saturday night at the Music Box steps.

Thanks to Yo! Venice! pal Zach Behrens over at KCET! Click that link to check his great writeup!

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Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) is alerting customers to be aware of a scam that has impacted other utility customers in several states across the country.

The scam claims that President Barack Obama is providing credits or applying payments to utility bills. In some cases, scammers have asked for social security numbers in order to allow for credits or to apply payments to customers’ utility bills, presenting an identity-theft risk. According to reports, scammers have visited customers in person, posted fliers and used social media and texting to send messages claiming that President Obama will provide a credit or directly pay utility bills.

SoCalGas wants to assure customers that SoCalGas employees carry proper identification when called out to any job. The company also does not randomly call or text customers asking for social security or other information. Customers should verify the employee’s proper uniform and identification before letting anyone in the home or on their property. Customer safety is a top priority for SoCalGas and employees will always be happy to wait while the customer confirms their identity.

Here are some tips to help customers identify SoCalGas employees:

• Be vigilant and question anyone who presents themselves as a representative of the utility.

• SoCalGas workers who perform in-home appliance services, work on gas meters or work on gas pipelines wear uniforms. However, some other employees do not. Always ask for identification before allowing anyone inside the home or on the property.

• The majority of authorized SoCalGas employees will be in uniform with company logo and carry an official employee badge. Most field employees also drive a company vehicle.

• Most of the time a SoCalGas employee visits a home or business in response to a service request. If no one scheduled an appointment, call SoCalGas before allowing anyone inside the home or property

• Never leave the house unlocked and unattended. SoCalGas does not ask customers to leave their homes unattended.

• To verify the authenticity of anyone claiming to be a representative of SoCalGas, customers are encouraged to ask for proper identification or call the utility at 1-800-427-2200 (or 1-800-342-4545 in Spanish). SoCalGas customer service representatives are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

• Visit socalgas.com/safety for more information on staying safe.

SOURCE Southern California Gas Co.

http://www.socalgas.com

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Blush is a pop music girl group composed of five members from the Philippines, India, Hong Kong, Japan, and South Korea. They were formed by FarWest Entertainment in 2010 with the intent of popularizing an Asian vocal act in the United States as well as in all of Asia.

The group created music history by becoming the first Asian singers to have their debut single hit the top 3 on a major US Billboard Chart when ‘Undivided feat. Snoop Dogg’ made number 3 on the Billboard Dance/Play Chart. Their second single ‘Dance On’ got to number 1 on that chart.

Thanks to wikipedia for the info!

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Hey Venice Neighbors,

My girlfriend and I were burglarized yesterday in broad daylight near Broadway and Electric while at work. Broken in through a small kitchen window. In alerting my neighbors, I learned that my neighbor across the alley (Brooks Ct) was burglarized two weeks ago in a similar fashion. Another neighbor said his agent, a woman on Palms had also been burglarized similarly. She actually has a security cam shot of 3-4 young men and possibly a woman entering her home.

When I called the CSI unit to set a time to fingerprint, I was told they have 3 more Venice burglaries to print today!

Culprits made off with mostly electronics, iMac, Denon receiver, Apple TV, flat screen TV, Epson cinema projector, some cameras, an Xbox and a bunch of my girlfriend’s expensive jewelry. Oddly, they actually sifted through the jewelry and left the less expensive stuff.

Just wanted to alert the community.

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From Councilman Bill Rosendahl:

For several months, rumors have been swirling in Venice that Gold’s Gym, the iconic “Mecca of Bodybuilding” was going to be forced out of its location by Google, which last year made an historic move to Venice.

This morning, my staff spoke with both local Google officials and the head of Google America’s real estate group. We have been thoroughly assured that Google appreciates the significance of Gold’s Gym to the Venice and bodybuilding communities, and wants the gym to stay where it is.

Google America’s Real Estate Group confirmed that Google has acquired the lease for a number of properties in the area near its Venice campus, including the property occupied by Gold’s Gym. Google is currently negotiating with the Gold’s Gym parent company, TRT Holdings, Inc., and hopes to strike an agreement that will keep Gold’s Gym where it is for 10 more years.

I anticipate Google and TRT Holdings will make their own public statements when negotiations conclude. But in the meantime, Gold’s Gym is staying put, in the heart of Venice, as a landmark, and as the world capital of bodybuilding.

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From Yo! Venice! sponsor The Frank:

With a growing batch of perks and services, The Frank’s modern finishes and spacious apartment layouts are just the start of what you’ll find along Rose Avenue. Between the backyard dog run and comfortable outdoor barbeque areas, you—and your furry friend—will feel right at home. Plus, with its locally crafted, site-inspired murals and central Rose Avenue location, you’ll love the perks that come with The Frank’s combination of culture, sustainability, and modern living.

The Frank’s one bedroom, two bedroom, and townhome apartments offer polished, eco-friendly finishes and select features, including ocean views, two-floor living, master baths, and walk-in closets. It’s simple, really. Really good. Really green. Really home. That’s what The Frank is all about. And now that it’s officially open for leasing, you can see for yourself what LEED Platinum apartment living in Venice is like.

Schedule your tour with the leasing office or come to The Frank’s open house on May 17 from 5:30-8pm.

The Frank
512 Rose Avenue
livefrankly.com
310-392-4555

Paul Tanck: “main+ak collage”

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The Variety Hour will be hosted by Armen Weitzman and feature an evening of music, comedy and art. Musical acts include Crooked Cowboy & the Freshwater Indians, Ahkiyyini, Milo Gonzales (Insects vs. Robots), Emeen Zarookian (Spirit Kid) and Maggie Lane.

Featured artists include Jules Muck, Nathan Sestack, Christy Smith, Jake Zambas, Harrison Ramsay, Courtney Branch, Dominic James and Daniel Park.

Beyond Baroque
681 Venice Boulevard
Venice, CA 90291
(310) 822-3006

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A short edit I made of the wonderfully eclectic people I came across at Venice Beach CA. Much of this was inspired by Philip Bloom’s brilliant “Turin Brakes: Chim Chim Che-ree”

I just love how silent faces can tell stories.

Shot on the Canon 60D with a 30mm f/1.4, Color graded in Apple Color. Shot at 60p and conformed to 24p in Cinema tools. Music: That Home by The Cinematic Orchestra

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This is the fourth mural in Sonata’s series “Just Being Real With Me” in which the artist “explores the thoughts I’ve had in personal relationships but never said.”  

Sonata says “the term ‘Iron Maiden’ is usually associated with the English heavy metal band or with a torture device from the Middle Ages, both having a harsh connotation to them. For this piece I decided to play more off the ‘Maiden’ aspect of the term”.

Sonata: I Only Want You When I’m Coming Down
Brooks and Ocean Front Walk

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Click on photo to enlarge

Board of Officer Meeting Agenda
Westminster Elementary School (Auditorium)
1010 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, 90291
Tuesday, May 15, 2012 at 7:00 PM

1. Call to Order and Roll Call (7:00PM – 5 minutes)
A The meeting is called to order in memory of Nathan Benderson, father of Bob Benderson and Jack Wright, husband of Liz Wright, VNC Elections Co-chair.

B Presentation of Certificate of Appreciation to outgoing LUPC member and former VNC Board member, Susan Papadakis

2. Approval of the Agenda (7:05PM – 5 minutes)

3. Approval of Outstanding Board Minutes (7:10PM – 5 minutes)

4. New Business (7:20)
[Discussion and possible action.]

A Zip Line Proposal for Venice Beach, (60 minutes) Amanda Seward, Matt Kline,
co-chairs, on behalf of the VNC Visitor Impact Committee (amanda.seward@venicenc.org,
Matt.kline@Venicenc.org)

Project: http://yousend.it/JqbhAV

Presentation: 20 Minutes
Public Comment: 20 Minutes
Board Discussion and possible action: 20 Minutes

MOTION: Whereas, the Venice Neighborhood Council (the VNC) welcomes the
recent decision to place on hold plans to negotiate a contract for the installation of
the “Great Observation Wheel” on Venice beach; and

Whereas, the VNC recognizes the need for the City of Los Angeles Department of
Recreation and Parks to generate additional revenues to adequately maintain the
Venice Beach Park; and

Whereas, the proposed Greenheart/Flightlinez zipline attraction is perceived to be
compatible with the historical values and vision of Venice Beach, due to the cultural
live performances and experimental educational programs that will be a part of this
attraction;

Therefore, be it resolved, the Venice Neighborhood Council (the VNC) recommends
the installation of the Greenheart/Flightlinez (the Operator) zipline attraction with
the following conditions:

1. The permit issued to allow the attraction be for a trial period of not more than three
months in 2012 and that at the end of the trial period, the attraction shall be
dismantled;
2. At the end of the trial period, any permanent installation shall be subject to
environmental review by the City of Los Angeles and the California Coastal
Commission and to input from the VNC and the community regarding the impact
on the community, including without limitation, the noise impact, parking, visual
blight, whether appropriate security and safety considerations have been met, how
the company has handled crowd control, and revenue earned;
3. Night-time lighting, except for special performances, shall be confined to the
minimum required for proper security;
4. Night-time security shall be provided by a minimum of two people at all times;
5. The Operator offers the live artistic performances and juggling, aerial aerobatic,
and hooping and other classes and workshops for children contemplated in
addition to the open public attraction and that financial packages are available for
at risk minors that make it feasible for them to participate in the classes and
workshops;
6. At least 2/3rds of gross revenue paid to the City by the Operator shall be spent by
the Department of Recreation and Parks for maintenance of and enhanced
services at Venice Beach in addition to previously budgeted items, such that no
funds currently budgeted by the Department of Recreation and Parks for such
maintenance and services shall be replaced by this revenue and that a separate
account be established to track both the revenue generated by the City from the
zipline attraction and the expenses paid from that revenue to better assure
enhanced spending to improve maintenance and other services in the Venice
Beach community;
7. The VNC (and through the VNC, the community of Venice) shall have “meaningful
consultation” rights with the Department of Recreation and Parks regarding the
maintenance and services specified in condition 6 above;
8. The Operator shall reduce the parking impact of the attraction by offering
incentives to encourage non-vehicular and public transportation customers;
9. The Operator offer incentives, including discounts and other incentives to assure
access by Venice residents and families;
10. No “for profit” or commercial signage shall be allowed on any part of the attraction;
11. The Operator, with the assistance of the VNC Arts Committee, shall invite local
artists to dress the towers;
12. The zipline attraction does not displace regularly scheduled events;
13. The Operator hosts once a month benefits for Venice based nonprofits and non-
profit organizations that serve the Venice community;
14. The Operator, the Department of Recreation and Parks, LA City Council District 11,
the VNC and community members shall meet monthly to review attraction
operations and Venice Beach maintenance and services as mentioned in condition
6 above; and take corrective action should any of the above conditions not be met
and/or other problems arise;
15. The “Great Observation Wheel” proposal for installation at Venice Beach shall be
permanently rejected in favor of a location elsewhere in the City where it might
generate community support.

5. Scheduled Announcements (8:25PM –20 minutes)
[No discussion or Public Comment]

A PATH (People Assisting the Homeless) (3 minutes) Update on Councilman
Rosendahl’s Roadmap to Homes Program, Joel Roberts, Joel.Roberts@epath.org),
Tomasz Babiszkiewicz (tomaszb@epath.org); This report includes statistics on the
number of people placed in permanent and temporary housing as well as the numbers of
people in process.

B Public Safety – LAPD Report (10 minutes): Lt. Paola Kreeft, Venice
Beach Detail; Senior Lead Officers Peggy Thusing/Theresa Skinner/Gregg
Jacobus, (310-622-3968; 25120@lapd.lacity.org, 35162@lapd.lacity.org,
31142@lapd.lacity.org). This report includes crime reports, updates on the status
enforcement of the OFW Vending ordinance (LAMC 42.15) and outcomes of enforcement
in Venice in general and of rulesregarding the closure of Ocean Front Walk from Midnight
to 5 a.m.

C Status Update on VNC Community Improvement Projects (2 minutes) Ivan Spiegel,
Parliamentarian and CIP Program Administrator, Parliamentarian@Venicenc.org

D Governmental Reports (8:45PM – 20 minutes)
● U.S. Congress Representative Janice Hahn, Deputy Natalie Rodgers,
(Natalie.Rodgers@mail.house.gov) 310-831-1799
● State Senator Ted Lieu, Representative, Veronica Zendejas
(Veronica.Zendejas@sen.ca.gov) 310-318-6994
● State Assemblyperson Betsy Butler, Representative, Stephanie Romero,
Stephanie.Romero@asm.gov 310-615-3515
● LA County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky,
213-974-3333
● Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa; Joseph Hari, West Area Representative
(Joseph.Hari@lacity.org) 310-479-3823
● Los Angeles County Beaches and Harbors Department, Ken Foreman, Facilites and
Property Maintenance Divison Chief, KForeman@bh.lacounty.gov, 310.305.9559
Report on “Summer at Venice Beach” plan with topics including Washington St. Lot;
possible cooperative beach parking efforts, beach maintenance (lots, sand, underground
restroom) and other issues affecting Venice.
● City Councilmember Bill Rosendahl: Cecilia Castillo, Field Deputy (310-568-8772);
(Cecilia.castillo@lacity.org); Arturo Pina, District Director (Arturo.Pina@lacity.org)

6. Old Business (9:15 — 30 minutes)
[Discussion and possible Action]

A Closing Nominations for Board Community Officer Seat (5 Minutes)

http://www.venicenc.org/node/2115

Candidates:
Benjamin Ballentine
Mark Rojas
Tom Sauer

B Closing Nomination for LUPC Seat and possible selection

http://venicenc.org/node/2702

Candidates:
Michael Jensen
Mehrnoosh Mojallali

C Report from Election Committee and update on LA City Council Decisions on 2012
Neighborhood Council Elections

7. Land Use and Planning Committee Motions (9:45 – 30 minutes)
[Discussion and possible action]

A 1319 S ABBOT KINNEY BLVD 90291; APCW-2011-1152-SPE-CDP-SPP-MEL E Jake
Kaufman on behalf of the Land Use and Planning Committee chair-lupc@venicenc.org
[EXHIBIT A]
MOTION : The Venice Neighborhood Council supports DENIAL of the project for the
following reasons:
a. The property is currently in violation of code and this is to correct the
violation. Order to comply was issued on November 15, 2007 and has remained out
of compliance ever since.
b. Do not support a variance or exception to the VCZSP because there is no
hardship to the property, it was simply to increase square footage of the retail
space.

c. Do not want the ADA (Handicap) parking space removed, under any
circumstance.
d. $18,000 in lieu of fee should only be for BIZ parking (per VCZSP), not for any
or all parking spaces needed.
e. Rent has been generated on these (removed) parking spaces. The Community
has had to incur the burden of public parking because of this rented space and
should be given back or repaid back to the Community (est $5/sqft for 4 years is
roughly $200,000) before any permits are issued and, any additional rent received
should continue to accrue and given to the Community until the spaces are
returned.
f. Required on-site parking must physically be within 750sqft. of the property.

The property currently rented by Mystic Journey Bookstore converted their required
parking into retail space. They were told to come into compliance in 2007. They filed to
convert the parking.

8. Treasurers Report (10:15 – 10 minutes); Hugh Harrison (Treasurer@Venicenc.org)
[EXHIBIT B]
[Discussion and possible action to approve financial statements and expenditures]

A MOTION: The VNC Board approves the attached report on expenditures for the period
March 22, 2012, through April 21, 2012, and the itemized purchase card invoice.

B Approval of Reallocated Budget [EXHIBIT C]

MOTION: The VNC Board approves the following amendments to the 2011-2012
VNC budget:

Budget Committee vote: 4-0-0

9. VNC Announcements (10:25 –10 Minutes)

● President: Linda Lucks (president@venicenc.org)
A VNC Board Retreat/NewWeb Training @ The Canal Club or other Venice venue on
Saturday, June 16 from 1-5pm. Appointment of Mindy Meyer to chair the VNC BBQ
Committee and Mariana Aguilar, chair of the Great Venice NC Toy Drive
● Vice President Marc Saltzberg (Vicepresident@Venicenc.org)
● LA Alliance of NC’s Representative: Ivan Spiegel, (parliamentarian@venicenc.org)
● Plancheck NC: VNC Rep Challis Macpherson (Challis.Macpherson@Verizon.net)

● LA Dept of Water & Power/Memoranda of Understanding: VNC Rep DeDe Audet
(daudet@ca.rr.com)
● LAPD Community Police Advisory Board: Daffodil Tyminski
(Daffodil.Tyminski@Venicenc.org) , Nicolas Hippisley-Coxe, (hippisley@earthlink.net)
● Westside Alliance of Neighborhood Councils- Mike Newhouse, President, Marc
Saltzberg , VNC Representatives. Chair@westsidecouncils.org,
VicePresident@Venicenc.org,

Announcements & Public Comment on items not on the Agenda
[20 minutes, no more than 1 minute per person – no Board member announcements permitted]

10. Board Member Comments on subject matters within the VNC jurisdiction
(5 min, no more than 1 minute per person]

11. Adjourn (approx. 11:00)

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If you want to say goodbye to the old post office, do so soon!

Thanks to Boise for the intergalactic transmission!

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Check out Animal Wellness Centers!

Sidewalk Café:

Stop in to see Sidewalk Café’s expanded bathrooms, new floors and new tables! Best happy hour in Venice!

The Cat Practice:

The online pharmacy and store makes it easy to order food and refill prescriptions from home or work and get them delivered directly to you!

Hamakaze Sushi

Bento Happy Hour 5- 7pm daily! You’ll get full for about $10! Sake specials daily from 5-7pm! Check the specials menu! Sake tastings menu at 9pm!

Kifune

Check out our great lunch specials!

Small World Books:

Join Small World on FaceBook!

The Ave:

Custom shirts! Custom Converse! Custom Vans! New Prices!

Mulholland Motor Sports:

Mobile dent removal to your home or office is $99 per panel when you mention Yo! Venice!

Venice Beach fitness specials:

Santa Monica Airlines:

Buy a MINI skateboard and get a free kid’s t-shirt this week! Click here!

Venice Beach beauty specials:

Urban Escape

15% off any facial on weekdays!

Venice Services specials:

Upgraded Images:

LA’s leading product photography studio!

Venice Beach community involvement:

Boys and Girls Club

Nothing can make you feel better than helping kids!

Yo! Venice! is the #1 website in the #1 public tourist destination in Southern California! Want your business advertisement to be seen more than 3.5 million times a year? Click here to ask for rates!

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The California State Parks Malibu Lagoon Restoration and Enhancement Plan (which will bulldoze 14 acres and 90,000 cubic yards of Malibu lagoon and wetland) is scheduled to start on June 1st, but opponents of the controversial plan to drain, dredge, bulldoze and reconstruct the western channels of the Malibu Lagoon continue to fight the project.

The Surfers Coalition Benefit
Duke’s Malibu Restaurant
21150 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu

More information on the event is available from the Surfers Coalition at 310-428-3026.

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The skater, who was wearing a helmet, suffered only a mild concussion and is now OK.

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Click here to see the “slideshow” full screen or here to see them individually!

Breaking 27, a band comprised of 11-13 year-olds that was brought on as a last minute addition, stole the show with their enthusiasm. While not technically perfect, all in attendance agreed that “those kids rock!” Breaking 27 is headed up by musical director Mark “Muddy” Dutton, the bassist for LA Guns and the Chris Robinson Brotherhood. We expect to hear more from these kids in the future!

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Picture by Ray Rae! Click here to see more! Buy a print!

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Thanks to the band for “going for it”! Awesome set before LAPD showed up!

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Yikes. I hear Costa Rica is pretty nice!

The Governor will release his revised budget proposal at a press conference in Sacramento on Monday at 10 am, followed by a press conference later in the day in Los Angeles. The press conference will be streamed live on the California Channel at calchannel.com.

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CBS:

CBS:

NBC:

View more videos at: http://nbclosangeles.com.

ABC:

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Music starts at 10 am with the Smithfield Bargain, The Icy Hot Club plays at 12 and Cliff Wagner & the Old No. 7 play from 2:30-4:30!

Get out the bicycles, do some shopping and then check out the music festival at the beach! Tomorrow will be a fun day in Venice!

The Venice Meet
Westminster Avenue Elementary School
Saturday April 7th, 10AM-5PM
1010 Abbot Kinney Boulevard (at Broadway).

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This years musical highlights include Barry “The Fish” Melton of Country Joe and the Fish, Tracii Guns, Michael Jost, Corty Byron, LOONER, Marc Blackbird, Braw, Fly n Lion, Stephanie Lallouz and The Divine Crime.

Venice Spring Fling Music Festival
Windward Plaza Park

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Carroll Shelby poses with his A/C Cobras at 1042 Princeton Drive.

The Shelby-American automobile company was originally located here in Venice (now considered Marina Del Rey) at 1042 Princeton Drive in March of 1962. The property was recently sold for $6.5 million. Shelby later moved his company to a facility near Los Angeles International Airport in 1965 and then to a shop outside of the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

The Shelby-American production line at 1042 Princeton Drive.

From The New York Times:

In the 1960s, Shelby raised the profile of American racing machines on the international sports-car circuit by packing powerful Ford V8 engines into lightweight British roadsters, and by developing racing cars for Ford.

His Shelby Cobras proved worthy competitors to the likes of Ferrari, Maserati and Jaguar and became prized collector’s items, commanding six- and seven-figure prices today.

The Shelby-American team’s Ford GT40 won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966 and 1967. Those victories ended a Ferrari winning streak that began in 1960, the year after Shelby teamed with Roy Salvadori of Britain to win in their Aston Martin.

Phil Hill, co-driving a Ferrari, was the only American-born racer to have won at Le Mans before Shelby, capturing the race in 1958. (Luigi Chinetti, who won in 1949, was an American citizen but was born in Italy.)

“Carroll desperately wanted to beat all the Europeans at Le Mans,” C. Van Tune, a onetime Shelby employee who was later editor in chief of Motor Trend magazine, told The Dallas Morning News in 2001. “He wanted to show all those fancy, highbred Euros in their slick racing suits that a chicken farmer from Texas could beat them at their own game.”

Click here to continue reading this article at the New York Times.

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