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VENICE - Despite organized community outrage over the continued presence of illegally parked RVs along Washington Boulevard from the beach to Lincoln Boulevard, the Parking & Transportation & Infrastructure Committee of the Venice Neighborhood Council opted to do nothing, rather than support a petition seeking that those vehicles illegally parked be ticketed immediately moving forward.
The issue of illegal RVs parked along the Washington Boulevard corridor in Venice & Marina del Rey has been an ongoing political football between city and county officials with Councilwoman Traci Park (CD-11) offering support while the LA County Board of Supervisors basically punting, hoping the issue would just go away!
Venice locals are exhausted by the lack of real action or progress and many wonder with major events like the Super Bowl in 2017 and the Summer Olympics in 2028, does Los Angeles have a reliable or credible plan of action to clean-up this homeless and RV crisis before this 17-day international extravaganza in less than three years?
According to anonymous sources to CITYWATCH, it was confirmed that political influence and considerations have blurred, and in fact restrained serious parking enforcement of these RVs and that such action comes directly from the office of Mayor Karen Bass, who is seeking reelection in 2026.
Tonight's meeting saw Chairman Richard Stanger post the item under new business, but according to the agenda, no motion was anticipated.
The Parking, Transportation and Infrastructure Committee of the Venice Neighborhood Council consists of Stanger as chair, Crysal Lopez, Selena Inouye, Ellen Schwartz, Andreas Kempkes and Colin Warn who was absent.
Also in attendance were VNC Community Officers Yolanda Gonzalez, Erica Moore, Clark Brown and Jim Fitzgerald.
Brown, a retired attorney and strong opponent to permanent RV loitering along Washington addressed the 25 or so in attendance that a community petition with some 60 signatures urging these illegally parked RVs be ticketed by DOT or the LAPD.
Brown said a copy of the same has been submitted to LA CD-11.
Many in attendance were under the impression committee action would be taken but did not occur.
Further frustration was clearly evident by those who attended the meeting to leave empty handed.
A representative of the KINNEY hotel located on Washington also spoke, as employees are asked to park in front of the facility to avoid the plethora of illegal RVs. It was also indicated that the number of RVs is affecting the hotel's business in a negative fashion as the problem is impacting guests who are, for the most part, tourists. It was also announced that many of the parking meters are broken or damaged, further escalating illegal, long stay, RV occupancy. The height of the RVs is also a concern as guests are forced to view these dilapidated vehicles during their entire stay.
The general consensus during the proceedings was that the community demands support, and that businesses here are suffering for the lack of action.
Other commentary included dogs being off leash, further complicating the somewhat dangerous conditions.
In response, Chairman Stanger replied he would not entertain any resolution of endorsement of the signatures, but would seek parking enforcement and having spoken to both DOT and LAPD, stating "I'll will take them at their word."
It will be interesting to see if the Committee follows up with updates from both DOT and LAPD at the November meeting. It was also recommended in public comment that data be requested on RV enforcement and that a member of the LAPD be invited to a future committee meeting sooner than later.
Selena Inouye, a longtime parking advocate and ranking member of the body called for a "Town Hall" specific to this crisis of RVs at Washington as well as the rest of Venice. Erica Moore, who serves as Outreach Chair indicated she would be happy to assist should the committee take that best next step.
Under general public comment, one Jesse Glazer indicated he is a longtime Venetian and as a retired technology & transportation official, would be willing to lend his expertise to the board. Glazer said he had a particular interest in the Lincoln Boulevard corridor from a technology point of view.
CHAOS, VAN LORDS AT DOG PARK:
Two residents with a third verifying the same said that RV campers at the Dog Park make it virtually impossible to use the facility as numerous complaints have been registered with both CD-11 and LAPD.
Apparently one van lord continues to control numerous RVs (3) and that the situation has become dire.
The term "van lord" is used online to describe people profiting from the housing crisis by renting out old vans or vehicles as living spaces, similar to how “landlord” can be used pejoratively as well.
Another speaker under public comment said this "substandard housing' in the form of RVs has made the situation dangerous for residents. The same speaker urged that RVs be ticketed at Cabrillo as well.
In other committee action, information was shared regarding updates from the WRAC Mobility & Transportation Committee by Inouye as well as improving the pedestrian environment on Windward between Speedway and the Circle.
It was also announced that a series of funding measures appropriated and expended from the Quimby Fund account between 2017-2024 included $8.7 million for the Venice Pier, $2.5 million for the Venice HS pool, $1.6 million for the Venice Skate Park, $629,000 for public restroom enhancements, and $300,000 for improvements at Centennial Park located due north of the Library which included mostly fencing around the entire facility.
The meeting concluded at 7:45PM.
(Nick Antonicello is a 32-year resident of the neighborhood who covers the deliberations of the Venice Neighborhood Council. Have a tip or a take all things Venice? Contact him via e-mail at [email protected] )
