Monster on the Median
I’m mad as hell and if I don’t vent my frustration, I’m going to explode.
It’s about the horrendous proposed development at Venice Boulevard and Pacific Avenue, commonly referred to as the Monster on the Median — a monstrosity that would completely destroy the character of Venice, the seaside community I’ve been visiting since Pacific Ocean Park, and a place that I love.
Politicians, even ones I called friends and supported both emotionally and financially, won’t listen to me or anything but what they want to hear. Even going so far now as to propose that laws be made lax so they can build whatever they want without restrictions like required parking and, most importantly, public input (see SB 827).
I was so hopeful when I saw state Sen. Kevin de León, one of the most powerful individuals in California politics, on a news program saying that he didn’t want these monstrosities being built in our communities changing the character of our neighborhoods.
It turns out he was talking about a smaller development in Boyle Heights, not something big like in Venice. Still, he said he’d speak to our councilman, even though he had no jurisdiction. Recently I saw the two of them standing in circle with a few other people knowing there’s nothing he can do or will do. But if he believes in his statement, he could make it a campaign issue in his monumental task of unseating Sen. Dianne Feinstein — I’m sure this is happening all over California.
I’ll keep looking and joining in endeavors to preserve Abbot Kinney’s vision of Venice as a seaside community, a place of fun and frolic where the only thing that stands out is the smell of ocean air.
Daryl Barnett
Venice
FROM THE WEB
Re: “East Venice Squeeze,” Cover Story, Jan. 25
It’s not the size of these houses that’s so bad. It’s the hideous architecture. And the new occupants are rich, mean, unfriendly people. This is Venice, not Silicon Beach.
Athina Doria
Re: “A Bigly Idea,” This Week, Feb. 8
Ann Telnaes’ hit list of political cartoon satire subjects seems a bit one-sided — aimed only at Republicans. Evidently there is nothing to satirize about Bill and Hillary, Al Gore, John Kerry or Barack Obama.
Tony in Marina del Rey
Oh, you poor thin-skinned snowflake.
Gary Palmatier
Re: “What Does Black History Month Mean in 2018?” Westside Voices, Feb. 22
Dr. Stefan Bradley offers an in-depth perspective on the pressures facing black America.
Gregory Thomas
Being a Southern California native who graduated from LMU and used to be able to see the massive letters on the hill as I drove down Jefferson. I have watched all the building and changes happening in the Marina/Playa/Venice area. Some have been good, others have done nothing but create monstrous traffic, make the beach seem like its only for the wealthy, taken away the casual laid back feel of the area and made it less family friendly and more of a place for self centered people who drive like they own the road, are rude and the only enjoyment they seem to have is standing around at overcrowded venues drinking pricey drinks and texting their dates and friends who are standing somewhere in that same overcrowded venue. Change is always inevitable and we have to accept it and go forward. But please stop calling this area Silicon Beach. Most people from other states think everyone in California is fake, phony, plastic and pretentious anyway and our beautiful casual, laid back Marina/Playa/Venice area is only one vowel away from being just that. For those who can’t relate, add an “e” to silicon and what does it spell… silicone. Need I say more.
Daryl is right, the City leaders including Councilman Bonin need to consider the pros of alternative projects. Take for example 330 acres of land the Faa transferred to the City last year. Yes it is deed restricted for park and office uses but that is not to say this huge propert could not serve the homeless condition that exists. Abutting this property is a site that is unrestricted land that is owned by the City. If the city movies the old and outdated uses off the unrestricted land to the FAA restricted property they would making a huge financial gain in property value. And once done would leave room to develop all sorts of badly needed homeless services and housing.
It just takes backing down from a poorly conceived concept in Venice and realizing there might be better solutions.
The site I’m proposing has major transportation services to entry level job opportunities in Inglewood, LAX and neighboring business districts. The funds to make it possible are already available it just takes the leadership.