- Those Against
- Those For
By Angela McGregor
Monday night’s Venice Neighborhood Council (VNC) Homeless Committee meeting attracted a packed house equally divided among those supporting and those opposing the motion to support Bridge Housing in Venice coupled with a Community Benefits Agreement (CBE).
VNC Board President Ira Koslow, who presided over the meeting in order to allow all Board members (including VHC Chair Will Hawkins) speak on the measure, pointed out at the onset of public discussion that the Committee was approving merely the “concept” of Bridge Housing in Venice, not a final project. He stated that he had spoken with Councilman Mike Bonin’s office and, as yet, no final details on the project are available, including the location. “This is the first step of the process,” he told the crowd, some of whom were holding up placards opposing the project. “It’s not the last.”
The motion (the entirety of which can be found here: http://www.venicenc.org/docs/34484446-7554.pdf) contains the following language:
Now, therefore be it resolved, the Venice Homeless Committee supports the concept of executing Bridge Home in Venice for no longer than three years and along with the execution of a Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) between the neighborhood of Venice and the City of Los Angeles
May it be therefore resolved that:
1.Those in the CES system be prioritized for placement.
2.Only homeless from Venice be admitted.
3.Every six months or sooner a report is produced to outline the outcomes of
individuals that have transitioned through Bridge Home.
4.A yearly public meeting is organized by the Mayor’s office to discuss the program’s effect on the neighborhood.
Finally may it be further resolved, the CBA contain and guarantees the stakeholders of
Venice that agreed upon conditions will be binding and ongoing to hold the city accountable
for certain agreed upon conditions through the term of the bridge housing’s execution.
Included in this CBA the city should agree to ensure basic program elements such as these examples…a) security, b) sanitation, c) housing placement services, d) reunification, e) sober coaching, f) job placement services, g) green space/community garden, h) social enterprise, and i) specific commitments from LAPD HOPE team and a Senior Lead Officer from LAPD designated specifically for this facility.
First to speak was Venice Deputy Taylor Bazley. He offered an overview of Bridge Housing as proposed by Mayor Eric Garcetti: The MTA has already entered into a joint development to build permanent housing on the site in 3 years or so. He stated that the facility’s residents will be “good neighbors” and the project will include onsite management, security, and rules. In addition, communities with Bridge Housing will receive “significant” additional funding to clean up encampments.
Speakers were equally divided on opposite sides of the room. Supporters felt that bridge housing would improve existing conditions by providing a “triage” facility for homeless willing to accept services, providing them with a safe space in which to receive such services prior to being re-housed.
Opponents were primarily concerned with public safety issues, and many of them lived in close proximity to the St. Joseph’s Center and have seen their quality of life decline precipitously with the opening of that facility.
Those who currently live close to the MTA lot stated they simply do not trust the city’s assurances that their safety concerns will be met, and aren’t convinced the facility won’t attract yet more homeless to Venice.
Supporters countered that not all homeless are addicts, mentally ill or criminals, and that refusing to offer such services seemed self-defeating as well as selfish. In addition, one speaker in favor of the project pointed out that homeless teens, in particular, are in desperate need of such a facility.
One speaker in opposition pointed out that first responders in the area are already clearly overwhelmed and unable to deal with existing crime, and so the city’s promises that such a facility would result in additional police presence rang false.
Another speaker opposed felt the facility — 4 acres in the middle of a residential neighborhood in the heart of Venice — seemed far too large and “too big to work”, as well as “too much money for too little housing”.
Yet another speaking in opposition pointed out that, contrary to assurances that Bridge Housing will allow encampments to be cleaned up, Councilman Mike Bonin has already been quoted in various news outlets as saying that such enforcement, now that the conditions of the Jones Settlement have been met, is “unlikely”.
In the interest of time management, Ira Koslow shut down commentary after ten speakers from each side had spoken, which enraged a few speakers who weren’t able to speak against the project, so much so that they were ultimately ejected from the meeting.
Once things quieted down, the Homeless Committee Board took up discussion. Board member Brian Ulf stated that the CBA being considered must be enforceable, and that “transparency will be key” to the project’s success. He said that the facility will result in homeless willing to accept services having a place to go to receive them, while those who are unwilling can be told to leave. Will Hawkins stated that he “believes in this project” and wants Venice to be the “first through the wall” when it comes to solutions that can actually begin to alleviate homelessness in Los Angeles.
The Board voted in favor of the Motion, 7-0. This motion will now go to the VNC Board for approval. The next meeting of the VNC Board is Tuesday, August 21st at 7pm at Westminster Elementary School, 1010 Abbot Kinney Blvd.
One sees a homeless person who obviously needs help. What does one do? This web page tells you to identify the help needed, and where to call, or make an outreach request.
This can be used by residents or homeless who see a homeless person suffering. Of course, if it is a medical emergency, call 911 or if it is crime or an illegal activity, call local law enforcement.
Read the web page and make a request.
This is the Venice Beach Business Improvement District (BID) report for June.
The 15 person VB BID Safe Team helps people throughout the district.
In addition to the stats above, here are a few more services performed in June:
16 People safely escorted to their destination
6 Noise complaints responded to
1 Kitten rescued from a storm drain
The VB BID is dedicated to making sure that LA City and County continue providing services at or above the levels provided before we began working in Venice. In support of that commitment, we do things like this:
31 Damaged street signs reported for replacement
We have 15 VB BID Clean Team workers. They are all clients of Chrysalis transitioning toward personal employment goals while increasing their on-the-job skills and earning a paycheck
El Pueblo, the first of the “Bridge Housing” projects, will open in 4 to 6 weeks. It will house 45 homeless, providing a “bridge” from the streets of Los Angeles to a permanent apartment.
In April, 2018, Mayor Garcetti and the City Council declared an emergency shelter crisis and took advantage of a new state law that enabled cities to construct homeless shelters on any land owned or leased by the city.
Each District
Each of the 15 Los Angeles Council Districts plans to have a “Bridge Home, Bridge Housing,” both terms are used synonymously.. Each district is in a different stage of start up.
Koreatown, which has become very controversial, is looking at two lots, one at 681 Vermont and another at 923 – 937 Kenmore Ave, both of which are in close proximity to each other. Vermont is a 65-space parking lot. Kenmore consists of buildings. Koreatown is in President Herb Wesson’s 10th Council District.
Councilman Mike Bonin of the 11th Council District has selected two sites, one on the West LA campus of the Veteran’s Affairs and the other at the former Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) in Venice. Both sites are in the process of being evaluated.
The MTA site is near and would consequently serve the Ocean Front Walk and the 3rd Ave encampments first. The site was the former bus yard and is over three acres. It is about to have its buildings demolished. The MTA plan is to start to build housing within three years. So the site is available for this bridge program for three years.
The site search continues. The LA City Council recent Homeless and Poverty committee reported the following: Council District 15 is looking at three sites at 2316 East Imperial Highway; 828 Eubank Avenue; and 515 North Beacon Street. Council District 8 is looking at 5965, 5971 and 5975 South St. Andrews Place. Council District 5 is looking at 7951 Beverly Boulevard to see if it is suitable and could be available for use as emergency shelter as part of the a Bridge Home Program.
Bridge Housing Should Accomplish
The bridge housing program is designed to last for three years and that is true for all the districts, The sites are suppose to be close to areas with encampments.
According to Mayor Eric Garcetti, hopefully, this program will allow many of these people to be off the streets of Los Angeles into homes, before the planned Measure HHH permanent housing will be ready.
It was hoped that each council district would be able to accommodate 100 in its ‘Bridge Housing” program. It is planned that some homeless will be there for a week, a month, others three to four months, and some longer before permanent housing is found. When one gets housing, another will be placed in the bridge housing. This project, operating for a period of three years throughout Los Angeles, would put a large dent in the number of homeless on the streets. It is estimated that it will take three years before Measure HHH shows any units available for the homeless.
In general The sites are to accommodate couples, animals, and storage.
El Pueblo Site
Right now the El Pueblo site’s five modular structures are well positioned on a triangular 7400-square-foot, former parking lot in the heart of Los Angeles downtown freeway system, next to Olivera Street. Three of the modulars will house the formerly homeless — two for 30 men and one for 15 women. All the modulars are 24 x 60 excerpt the restroom/laundry modular, which is 24 by 50. There is one for the case management group.
Because of lot’s elevation differences, it was decided to link the five modulars with a raised wood deck allowing residents to walk from one modular to the other without walking down steps and eliminating all of the different elevations. It is a costly $700,000 plus deck that’s price keeps going higher. One worker said the deck, when finished, probably could be driven on by a car, because of its sturdy construction.
But the deck will be used as a community meeting place and make the facility more attractive.
The office modular is for the offices of the assisting workers. The non-profit, The People Concern, who are experienced with homeless service outreach, will oversee the program. These people are case managers, who help these people and who will also help them obtain permanent housing.
The LA Times ran an editorial regarding the costs for this “first” program. http://www.latimes.com/opinion/editorials/la-ed-homeless-shelter-budget-20180727-story.html It is not the purpose of this article to discuss the costs.
Rick Coca, communications director for Councilman Jose Huizar, said of the El Pueblo project “Our office is partnering with the Mayor on this. It is separate from the $20 million the Mayor and Council dedicated for the ones to follow.
“The next thing we have to do, and Councilmember Bonin has said this too, added Coca, is to get as many people as we can immediate assistance to get them off of the streets, out of tents and into the short-term, bridge housing to put them on the path to those long-term solutions.”
By Noel Johnston
Friday Santa Monica put out the sign that says “No Electric Scooter Zone. It’s the Law. The lower two lines say “Motorized Scooters Are Prohibited on Santa Monica Beach Bike Path, Sidewalks, and Parks.” The sign was posted on the bike path heading north into Santa Monica from Venice.
Sunday … Parking lot for scooters on the Venice side, partly on the right of way and partly on private property.
This needs to be addressed. It is a mess and an eyesore.
(Photo and story by Rick Swinger.)
Girl was knocked unconscious Saturday evening on Rose Ave near 7th after spilling on her Bird scooter. She apparently hit her head and was unconscious until the paramedics arrived. According to Rick Swinger, a bystander said she was lucky she was not hit by a car. She was not wearing a helmet.
By Darryl DuFay
The City of Santa Monica has moved on electric scooter enforcement, commonly known as “Birds” and “Limes.” The SMPD began an education and enforcement campaign on the beach bike path. E-Scooters are not permitted on the beach bike path, in parks, or on sidewalks.
Here is a posting from July 20th Nextdoor.
Birds and Limes, Oh My!
Santa Monica Police spent hours confiscating Birds and Lime scooters this afternoon on the beach bike path. Over 120 were impounded. Motorized vehicles are not allowed on the path.
Status of Los Angeles Regulations for Scooters
Following the photo is information on the status of the City of Los Angeles dealing with E-Scooters.
Two Committees of the Los Angeles City Council are working on Scooters: Transportation, chaired by Mike Bonin, and Public Works and Gang Reduction, chaired by Bob Blumenfield. The Council File is No. 17-1125.
The Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) prepared an extensive twenty-five page report for the committees. It is entitled: “Dockless On-Demand Personal Mobility Services,” including Rules and Regulations. The Committees have made recommendations to the Report. Within 90 days, starting on June 27, the LADOT is to report back to the Committees with updates.The Report contains wide ranging issues including Rules and Guidelines. Here is one small section:
d) Electric scooter systems shall have visible that notifies the user that:
- Helmets shall be worn
- Riders shall yield to pedestrians
- When riding on the street follow all motor vehicle rules and ordinances of the road
- Riding on the sidewalk is strictly prohibited
- Riders must be 18-years of age and have a valid driver’s license
This is what is visible so far on many of the scooters.
By Angela McGregor
An MTA (Metropolitan Transit Authority) spokesperson announced MTA will be starting community outreach in the fall for the structure on their site (not bridge housing), a spokesman for City Planning said they were going to upgrade the Venice Specific plan, it was decided for the VNC election to have both online and in-person voting, and the cityhood motion was tabled. All of these actions happened at the July Venice Neighborhood Council meet Tuesday night.
Wells Lawson
VNC Meeting featured a presentation by Wells Lawson of MTA (Metropolitan Transit Authority) officials regarding the long-term (post Bridge Housing) plans for the MTA lot on Main Street. He said the environmental cleanup was finished, and demolition would begin shortly. MTA’s outreach to the community to determine what type of development Venetians will take roughly 6-9 months, beginning in the fall with Town Halls and VNC Board meetings.
Late next year, the MTA will present their findings to the Metro Board and, once approved, issue a request for proposals to interested developers. They anticipate construction will begin on the lot no sooner than 2021.
Jonathan Hershey
The Los Angeles Department of City Planning, according to Jonathon Hersey, is embarking on a 3-year process to update neighborhood community plans, including Venice’s, which was last updated in 2000 (seen here: https://planning.lacity.org/complan/pdf/vencptxt.pdf). On Tuesday, October 2 they will hold a kickoff event at Westminster Elementary to begin to gather community input, to be followed up with surveys, walking tours with stakeholders and questionnaires. The website, which is still a work in progress, will be found at www.planning.thewestside.org.
Taylor Bazley, spokesperson for Mike Bonin’s office, stated that electronic scooters are by far the biggest issue currently concerning Venice residents, judging by the amount of emails the Councilman’s office receives. He announced that legislation to regulate Birds and Lime Bikes is currently in process and on its way to the city’s Public Safety Committee. It will include a citywide 2500 device cap per company, and forbid riding the bikes on the sidewalk. This should be finalized within 1-2 months.
The Board engaged in a contentious discussion of implementing online voting in the next VNC election, which will happen in June of 2019. Former California Secretary of State Deborah Bowen, a longtime Venice resident, spoke against online voting primarily on the basis of difficulties with accessibility, especially among older residents, since Venice is a “documentation” neighborhood council requiring proof of residency in order to vote, which would presumably mean that voters would have to scan such proof and upload it. Conversely, VNC Parliamentarian Ivan Spiegel pointed out that with such a system there is nothing to prevent homeless residents, who are exempted from the documentation requirement, from voting multiple times. Nevertheless, the Board voted to go with both online and in-person voting for the 2019 elections, at an additional expense of $5,000.
Finally, the Board considered a motion regarding cityhood for Venice, in which the Board would call upon the City to amend and revise their current regulation governing local government reorganization. Currently, in order for neighborhoods such as Venice to separate from Los Angeles, the entire City of Los Angeles would vote on the issue. The requested amendment would rest that decision solely upon Venice Stakeholders.
Before the Board could vote, Venice Stakeholders Association President Mark Ryavec rose to explain that he had created a revised motion with Los Angeles’s Local Agency Formation Commission (see: http://www.lalafco.org/) that would be more Venice-specific, since, as written, the measure on the Board’s agenda might open the door to any neighborhood that had previously been a separate city to easily secede (including San Pedro, the City’s major port), and as such would inevitably be a non-starter when sent to the City Council for consideration. The Board ultimately decided to table the motion until next month, in order to give the Cityhood Committee time to do more research and present a revision.
Jocelyn Williams
New board member Jocelyn Williams was sworn in.
The meeting adjourned around 11pm. The next meeting of the VNC Neighborhood Council will take place Tuesday, August 21st.
By Kip Pardue
Councilman Bonin and staff –
Help me understand. Please help me understand how we can get your help. Many of us are begging for your help and yet you do nothing for us in Venice. You have time and energy to fight (and get arrested) for immigrant families but you won’t even respond to many of us in Venice – where we have real and serious concerns about our safety and quality of life.
For at least 3 months this van has been parked in the area. For the past month it has been parked less than 20 feet from my front door. I cannot pass on the sidewalk, I cannot park my car. They yell and harass my wife and me as we walk past. They deficate and urinate openly. They have stolen bikes strewn about. Their license plate tells me their from Tennessee.
I can hear these people arguing as I type. I can smell the acrid smell of burning plastic – meth or crack. I can hear the dog barking in anger.
The police officers I speak with almost daily call this a “Bonin Special.” Their actual words. They are on a first name basis with the woman shown in the photo and have told me that she is the ringleader. She brings travelers to her van for prostitution, drugs, and bike thefts. It’s always a new crew and it’s always bad news. This van is a known entity to the LAPD – they KNOW trouble follows these people – but there is nothing they can do per your policies. The officer I spoke with this morning told me he wouldn’t be able to live this way if this happened in his neighborhood and he “doesn’t understand what Bonin is doing to Venice.”
And yet there is nothing I can do.
I have asked you and your staff several times to look into solutions to this exact problem before. Possible solutions include parking permits for streets with direct proximity to available parking lots, 2-hour parking, or even making this street RED in your completely irresponsible 85.02 map (which had ZERO public input and puts residential streets in Venice – but nowhere else – at risk of situations just like this).
You are doing NOTHING to help us. You won’t even communicate with us. You hurl hurdle after hurdle at Venice and yet don’t even bother to engage the community.
I have a three year old son. Is he worth fighting for as well? Would you sleep well knowing that a criminal element is at work just feet away from your son’s window?
Why do we deserve this? Is this what you envision for Venice – because this is the reality. This van from Tennessee is the vehicle I am writing about today but there are 4 others within a block – one from Quebec, one from Arizona, one from Colorado, and an RV from NY. They are all occupied by people who have come to Venice to hide behind your tolerance. We can tolerate it no longer. Too much is at stake.
Please listen to us. Please help us find a solution. We do not deserve this.