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WESTSIDE - In what was rumored for weeks, Brian Averill has resigned as president of the Venice Neighborhood Council according to the board's website and an email by Averill delivered to the neighborhood Monday afternoon.
Averill, a popular member of the Venice community was elected in 2023 when he defeated the incumbent Vice-President Daffodil Tyminski 563-329. In 2025, Averill sought reelection to a second term and was unopposed, receiving 385 votes.
A photographer by occupation, Averill was a local advocate for the surfing community and strong supporter of Councilwoman Traci Park (CD-11), herself a Venice resident.
In an email blasted this morning Averill noted the following:
"After some reflection, I’ve decided to pass the presidential torch as we head into 2026. It’s the right moment to shift my time and energy back toward creative work, my clients, and two new film projects that will definitely demand more bandwidth this year. Volunteer-wise, I’ll continue helping organize the surfing, art, and live music events — the parts of Venice where I feel most connected and most able to contribute in a real way."
"I want to thank the partners who’ve moved Venice forward over these last few years. It’s been genuinely great working with Councilwoman Traci Park and her team — especially our Venice Deputy, Sean Silva, whose consistency, presence, and follow-through have been invaluable. From my vantage point, they are the foremost reason our neighborhood has improved over the last few years, and their dedication, drive, and work ethic are truly incredible. Venice is very lucky to have them in our corner."
Despite his good relationship with the Venice community, city officials and local advocates, Averill was dogged and plagued with constant criticism meeting after meeting by a foursome of board members who were divisive, negative and obstructive in their relationship with Averill.
Issues of parliamentary procedure, board leadership and just an overall tone and rhetoric became increasingly combative that in many ways contributed to a fractured relationship with this distinct minority of four with Averill.
Averill's relationship with a vast majority of board members was friendly in tone and positive in getting things accomplished.
One stated Averill had "the patience of a saint" when dealing with this minority of four.
Off the record, several board members were disturbed and upset by Averill's decision to resign.
Infighting was obvious over the last several meetings as Treasurer Helen Fallon, Outreach Officer Erica Moore and Community Officers Lisa Redmond and Sarah Mahir were constantly critical of Averill on the most trivial issues and procedures. Sources also told Yo! Venice that several conversations with DONE amounted to no action by the controversial city agency.
In an e-mail inquiry to DONE General Manager Carmen Chang last week, responded with a blunt "no comment" regarding any impending resignation by Averill and directed all questions be routed to Ava Marinelli, the agency's public information officer.
Sources confirmed that Averill reached out to Chang, who apparently offered no resolution or support. Averill joins former officers Steve Bradbury and Christoper Lee in board members who have resigned after reaching out to DONE to avoid such board controversies.
According to the VNC website, all interested parties in filling the vacancy have until February 12th to apply, and that a formal vote of the remaining twenty-member body will be taken at the February meeting scheduled for the 17th beginning at 6:30 PM at the Westminster elementary school.
According to the VNC BY LAWS, the vacancy will be filled by a bona fide stakeholder and that 11 votes will be required for election according to Vice-President Gary Pearl who also serves as the VNC's parliamentarian.
This is a selection and election process to vet candidates and select a new president by the remaining twenty members.
As of this writing, there are no declared candidates seeking the unexpired office.
Pearl is expected to assume the role of acting President until a successor shall qualify.
For more information on how to apply for this vacancy, visit the VNC website at www.venicenc.org
(Nick Antonicello is a thirty-three-year resident of the community and covers the deliberations of the Venice Neighborhood Council. Have a take or a tip? Email him at [email protected])
