Wetlands Crucified at L.A. City Hall

By Suzanne Thompson

Were you there when they crucified my lord? (old gospel tune)

Oh… sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble… were you there when they crucified my lord?

This time of year, this song comes to mind, especially when I think of the recent vote at L.A. City Council to destroy what is left, the 5 percent of our wetlands, the liver of the city of Los Angeles.

This last open space could not only be used for habitat, but also as a treatment wetland. This natural treatment wetland could clean Ballona and Centinela creeks before they reach the preserved 600-acre Ballona Ecological Reserve and Santa Monica Bay. Instead, it was given over to development of Playa Vista, Phase 2.

For more information go to www.naturaltreatmentsystem.org, Yes, jobs. Green jobs!

On March 26, in a packed council chamber, the councilmembers voted 12 to 2 to approve the plan, with Councilmember Bill Rosendahl, who represents Playa Vista and Venice, and West LA Councilmember Paul Koretz voting no. I commend both of these men for their compassion and sensitivity to the environment and courage to stand up to money throwing developers and single issue labor representatives.

Council President Eric Garcetti was absent and sorely missed especially as Councilmember Dennis Zine demonstrated a lack of experience in running the meeting. Several community members, myself included, were not allowed to give public comment and questioned whether a Brown Act (open meeting law) violation was committed.

Rosendahl received over 500 personal letters opposing the project and faced many unhappy westsiders at town hall meetings who were opposed to further expansion of Playa Vista and destruction of this delicate ecosystem.

Koretz was not satisfied with the developer’s representative’s response to protecting the animals from road kill by proposing an underground tunnel for the animals to cross the street.

According to the Ballona Wetlands Land Trust, Playa Vista 2 would add 2,800 residential units, 175,000 sq ft of office space, and a huge shopping center to Ballona. This would result in a minimum additional 26,000 car trips per day. And, permission to build on the property would also represent a multi-million-dollar giveaway to the Wall Street investment consortium landowners.

Rosendahl decided to honor his 2005 signed pledge to voters that he would not approve further development of Phase 2 until the first phase was completed.  He redeemed himself by keeping his word. Some wished he had pushed harder for other councilmembers to vote against the project and save Ballona Wetlands. Valley Councilmember Richard Alarcon was seen ducking under his desk when a member of the community addressed the council and noted that as a former candidate for Mayor, Alarcon had signed the pledge in 2005 as well.

Maria Elena Durazo, head of the L.A. union federation, voiced labor’s support for jobs and encouraged a yes vote for expansion of the project. Steve Soboroff, leader of the pro-developer pack, turned around to the audience after addressing the council, raised his hands in the air for what appeared to be an orchestrated self congratulating cheer from his congregants. Perhaps it’s also due to his alleged contributions to councilmembers’ favorite non-profits. He is president of one of wealthiest foundations in the area, the Weingard Foundation.

Choir members Kathy Knight of the Sierra Club, Marcia Hanscom director of the Ballona Institute, attorney Sabrina Venskus, Tom Francis, and Mary Davis of the Ballona Wetlands Land Trust, Rex Frankel, Patricia McPherson and others, sang loud and strong. Hundreds wrote letters, sent emails, made phone calls and attended the council meeting. Even though the vote was lost, Rosendahl kept his word. And, now we can keep the faith, in the struggle as we move on for justice to protect the liver of Los Angeles.

Neighborhood Council Voting April 11

–Clip and Save–

Neighborhood Council Elections

10am-4pm Sunday, April 11
Oakwood Recreation Center
(corner of California and 7th)

President: Linda Lucks

Vice President: Carolyn Rios

Community Officers: (vote for one only)

Lula Boyland
Cindy Chambers
Buddy Clark
Ivonne Guzmán
Ira Koslow
Jed Pauker
Joey Soto
Kris Valentine

Factual Basis Community Officer: Amanda Seward

————-

By Jim Smith

Those who still believe the Neighborhood Council (VNC) can play a positive role in Venice probably know that an election for its board will be held on April 11. Winning candidates will serve a two-year term, unless they drop out sooner.

Unfortunately, only one candidate will be on the ballot for each of the following offices: president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, communications officer and outreach officers. In addition, there are write-in candidates for president, vice-president, outreach officer and community officer.

There are 27 candidates who will be on the ballot for 13 community officer positions plus two more whose names you can write-in. Community officers don’t have much in the way of official duties. That’s probably why so many are running for these positions. Despite their lack of assigned duties, they hold the balance of power on the 21-member board.

There’s bad news for diversity in Venice. Of the 43 candidates (including write-ins), only two are African-American: Lula Boyland and Amanda Seward. There are only six candidates with Spanish surnames: Carolyn Rios, Anthony Perez, Mariana Aguilar, Ivonne Guzmán, Luis Hernandez and Joey Soto. And there are only 13 women out of 43 candidates.

A bylaw change a couple of years ago limits any voter to voting for just one of the 13 community officers. This change was made to prevent candidates from running on slates with a well-defined platform, something those in charge at the time believed to be evil. Although there is some confusion about it, apparently Venice residents also can vote for the factual-basis community officer. This position was mandated by the city for those who don’t live, work or own property within the boundaries of the neighborhood council but have some connection with it. Factual-basis voters may vote only for the factual-basis position.

On the positive side, the election will be run by the L.A. City Clerk’s office to prevent shenanigans by the current board. Because of complaints here and elsewhere, the city decided to supersede local bylaws and (un)democratic practices and run the elections from city hall. In one previous VNC election, supporters of one faction were allowed to electioneer in front of the polling place and sometimes inside the voting area, while supporters of a different faction were required to campaign 200 feet away. In a recent referendum on permit parking, the ballot boxes disappeared overnight before the ballots were counted.

The Candidates

President and Vice President: Linda Lucks, the current vice-president is running for the top spot. She has been involved in a number of progressive causes and is the former president of the Board of Neighborhood Commissioners (BONC), the city board that oversees all neighborhood councils. She is a conciliatory voice and is generally well liked by many with conflicting points of view.

There is a write-in candidate, James Hubbard, a proponent of permit parking, He seems to have teamed up with Mark Ryavec, the write-in candidate against Carolyn Rios for VP.

Ryavec is probably the most uncompromising advocate of permit parking, which if implemented, would force many RV dwellers out of Venice. He has teamed up with a far-right group, the Pacific Legal Foundation, to sue the Coastal Commission for its decision against permit parking. If Ryavec’s lawsuit prevails, the Coastal Commission would lose much of its authority to limit development in coastal zones, something that would please the Pacific Legal Foundation no end.

The bottom line is that if Hubbard and Ryavec win, we’ll be condemned to two more years of yelling, bickering and lack of concern for any issue other than getting the homeless and RVs out of town. On the other hand, Lucks and Rios seem to be open to solutions that will benefit both the homeless and the community at large, and let us get on to other issues.

There are two candidates for Chair of the Land Use and Planning Committee, which is being vacated by Challis MacPherson. Both candidates, Alam Glick and Jacob Kaufman, sound acceptable to those of us who are tired of overdevelopment and want local building limits in the Venice Specific Plan enforced, but who knows. There’s a candidates’ forum at 6:30pm Thursday, April 8 at Westminster School for those who are curious.

At-large Community Officers: Most of the candidate statements at www.venicenc.org/ Candidates are not very informative as to where candidates stand on issues of concern to Venetians. One candidate talks about his dogs, another informs us about her jogging and several tell us they just blew into town and want to be our leaders. Others just didn’t bother to post a statement.

Here are some of the best of the contenders (excluding those who couldn’t get it together to file on time), based on their track record and statements (remember, you can only vote for one):

• Lula Boyland is a long-time grassroots Oakwood activist and artist.
• Cindy Chambers is savvy on all the issues the VNC should be addressing.
• Buddy Clark has a long, long history of community involvement and a wealth of experience.
• Ivonne Guzmán is involved with women’s issues and has a food distribution program at the Vera Davis Center. The Beachhead ran a profile about her last month: http://tinyurl.com/ylkg26p
• Ira Koslow is a bit cantankerous but a hard worker who gets things done.
• Jed Pauker is another hard worker who plays well with others.
• Joey Soto is an environmentalist and a sustainable living advocate, two issues which the VNC should address.
• Kris Valentine is also an environmentalist. You can’t have too many of them on the Board.

Sorry if we overlooked some good candidates. It was probably their own fault for not letting the Beachhead know how great they are. Missing the filing deadline and having to be a write-in candidate is not behavior that should be rewarded. Please don’t whine to us.

The last, but not least, office which everyone can vote for is the factual basis community officer. Perhaps the most outstanding candidate in the entire election is Amanda Seward. She has been an essential part of the fight to save nearly 800 apartments at Lincoln Place. Seward, a lawyer, is now working with low-income residents at the Holiday Venice buildings who are trying to buy their apartments. Her presence on the VNC board will give it prestige and credibility. Seward was interviewed by the Beachhead:  http://tinyurl.com/ygq9ofw. Therese Dietlin, who is also running, would be worthy of your vote were she not running against Seward. Better luck next time, Therese.

The city clerk’s office picked the Oakwood Recreation Center for the site of the election because they do not have to pay rent for the facility. Someone neglected to tell them there is no parking there. If you’re planning to vote, ride you bike or walk (which you should do anyway). The polls will be open from 10am to 4pm, Sunday April 11. You’ll have to show your papers – Driver’s License, utility bill, etc. – proving you are who you say you are (unlike when you voted for U.S. President or Congress). See above for the time and location of the candidates’ forum.

Myrna Loy Statue Returns to Venice

Noon Saturday, April 10
Venice High School

Rededication of Myrna Loy statue Noon: Ceremony; 1-3pm: Souvenirs, Reunion Court, Myrna Loy Films in Auditorium, Live Music, Food Booths. Free

The Myrna Loy Statue is a remnant of the golden age of art from 1917 to 1933. During this period Mr. Harry Winebrenner, a nationally recognized sculptor, headed the art department. Student sculptures and other works of art adorned the campus over the years.

A booklet describing the VHS campus, published in 1919, records the concept of the lagoon fountain statuary and shows a picture of the sculpture class, which includes plaster sketches of the main figure as well as the full size sculpture still in clay. The original concept was four statues. A lone sitting figure near the street, representing “Meditation-Study”. Then a group of three nearer the building. Two of the three were sitting or kneeling figures, a male representing “Manual Labor and a female representing “Fine & Intellectual Arts”. The central figure was a standing female representing “Aspiration” or “The Joy of Achievement” (later said to represent “Inspiration”).

In 1920 the central figure was completed and installed. A tall stately female standing erect, with the head looking forward and arms back and down.

In 1923, the central figure was replaced by a new female figure that displayed a much more elegant pose. The body leaning forward, arching back above the waist, with the head tilted looking up, the left arm outstretched and the right arm angling back and down. A shy student in the VHS dance program became the model for this figure. Her name was Myrna Williams. After graduating, Williams became an actress, changed her name to Myrna Loy and went on to star in over 100 films.

Loy’s most notable role was in the series of films “The Thin Man”. Although originally named “Inspiration,” the statue was soon recognized as the Myrna Loy Statue.

Over the years deterioration and vandalized took it’s toll. Made of cement and rebar, the statue was never intended to last the seven decades it stood in front of Venice High. Sadly, overcome by rust and corrosion, the statue lost its former elegance and was eventually taken down.

In 2007, thanks to the VHS Alumni Association, Tom Anderson, Laura Ferre and benefactor Peter Schwab, the campaign (The Myrna Loy Statue Project) to bring Myrna home to Venice began. Artist Ernest Shelton was commissioned to recreate the statue.

MYRNA RETURNS!!! In 2010 a new bronze statue will again bring beauty, grace, history and art back to Venice. You can be a part of Venice High history forever by making a donation or by purchasing a brick paver, inscribed with your personal message, that will create the base path of the statue. For information contact Laura Ferre at (310) 391-9762.

– from the Venice High School Alumni Association

Letters

• Neighborhood Council Elections – Cindy Chambers
• Project Censored Seeks Input from Families of Police Deaths – Peter Phillips
• Stopping Wars With Education – Alan Gorg
• Taking the Census in the middle of the night – Lisa Green

Neighborhood Council Election

Dear Beachhead,

As a 15-year resident of Venice, I’ve seen many changes in our community; and yet one thing remains constant – our collective and enduring passion for this community.  I witnessed this while attending ABC-7’s Venice Townhall meeting on Wednesday, March 24.  I’ve seen it during the past three weeks while walking throughout Venice and asking people questions like:  When you think of Venice, what comes to mind?  What do you love about it?  And, what would you do to improve it?  What are the issues that concern you?

I’ve met many great people; heard lots of ideas, suggestions and life stories; and, I’ve been honored that so many would stop and take the time to talk with me and share their perspectives.  Every time I meet another person, introduce myself, shake a hand and spend a few minutes talking, I’m reminded why I love this community, what makes it home and why I’ve chosen to run for Community Officer for the Venice Neighborhood Council (VNC).

I’d like to take this opportunity to remind everyone about the upcoming VNC election on Sunday, April 11, 2010, at the Oakwood Recreation Center (767 California Ave) from 10 am – 4 pm.  If you’re unfamiliar with the VNC, its mission is to preserve the quality of life in Venice.  It represents the interest of our diverse, rich community and does so by working with our elected officials on the LA City Council and other city departments.

The VNC represents an opportunity for us to impact local government, determine our destiny and communicate our vision.  If elected, I pledge to voice our community concerns about such issues as affordable housing, homelessness, safety and fair representation; and, advocate on the behalf of all our vested interests in the preservation, sustainability, diversity, beauty, charisma and soul that is Venice.  We’ve been given brief stewardship of this great community, and with that comes responsibilities.  As neighbor and resident, I’d like to represent our collective voice and address our community needs.
I welcome your input and invite you to join me online at either Cindy Chambers for VNC (Facebook Fan Page) or @ElectCindy (on Twitter).  I update both sites daily and encourage people to share information and discuss community issues.
Please join me on Sunday, April 11 and make your voice heard!  Let’s work together for the benefit of ourselves, our neighbors and Venice.  Together, we can do anything!

Remember this before you vote

We can all sink or we all float

‘Cause we’re all in the same big boat

One world is enough for all of us

- Sting (One World Not Three)

Vote Cindy Chambers for Community Officer!

Thank you for your support,

Cindy Chambers

————

Project Censored Seeks Input from Families of Police Deaths

The Investigative Sociology project at Sonoma State University (SSU) and Media Freedom Foundation are conducting a study on the commonalities of law enforcement related deaths in the United States.

We are seeking to  conduct telephone interviews with individuals in families of people who have died in a law enforcement related incident within the past twenty years.

Students from the spring 2010 SSU Investigative Sociology class will be conducting confidential one-hour interviews with family members in April. The purpose of the study is to evaluate support programs for families who have experienced such a tragedy, and the lowering of the overall number of law enforcement related deaths.

SSU professors supervising the study include: Peter Phillips, Sociology Department, Tryon Woods and Diana Grant in the Criminal Justice Department.

To arrange a confidential interview or refer a family contact—call or e-mail,  707-664-2588 peter.phillips@sonoma.edu

Peter Phillips

————

Stopping Wars With Education

Dear Beachhead,

Stopping wars is the noblest of goals, but most people say we cannot end war. Okay, maybe we will never end all wars, but can we at least stop the big international wars like the World War, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq–the superwars which have killed so many millions?

Fraud has been used to start the superwars. No person of intelligence wants to be swindled.

I believe teachers could make a difference by exposing these frauds. The sons of the rich and the elite have to attend school and college. Our purpose should be to bring the light of truth into their learning about history and war. I want to offer support to any teachers willing to do so.

This 20-minute video HOW TO JUMP START YOUR WAR is a satirical look at the four similar deceptive protocols used to start each of the last four big international wars. America was involved in all of these, so the study is appropriate for United States history, a required subject in American high schools.

In my observation, films and videos promoting peace generally appeal only to the faithful. Most people of all political stripes do not like being defrauded, this animated and historical video exposes what might possibly be the four biggest frauds of the last hundred years. Please note that among the four rulers primarily responsible for those big wars, there was one fascist, one communist, one Democrat, and one Republican. War is an equal opportunity enterprise.

For a limited time, for the cause of peace, I am offering to send a free DVD of my video to any professor, instructor, or teacher to check out for possible use. Please send name, mailing address, school, and subject taught to alankentgorg@yahoo.com.

Thank-you for your consideration.

Alan Gorg www.venicevisionarymedia.net

———–

Taking the Census

in the middle of the night

On the evening of March 30 I noticed a crew of Census workers gathered together around Rose Ave and Hampton.

Around 10:30 p.m. I parked on Rose Ave after witnessing Census workers walking 3rd Street. Right after I parked the crew was not far from my van. One of the ladies approached my vehicle with forms and indicated she was with the Census and asked if I would fill out the forms. I said, “It’s late to be bothering people about the Census, isn’t it? She said, “We’re contacting “campers” and it’s confidential.” I told her that I had also taken the Census test myself and understood the process but I’m a homeless advocate and believed that the Census workers shouldn’t be interacting with people at this time of night. Then I asked, “Why do you think I am homeless? I do not believe you should be profiling people. ”  She said, “We have a homeless advocate with us. ”

After she walked away, I followed in her direction towards the crew asking, “So who’s this homeless advocate? What’s the person’s name?” In my opinion the homeless advocates I know in the area would not be profiling people, especially late at night. A guy in the crew tells me the lady’s name, and points to her. The woman (name not provided to protect her rights even though she was short-sighted and ignorant in her own behavior), whom I’ve seen around Venice Boardwalk at times during the day, looks nervously at me as she attempts to justify why it is acceptable for her to be pointing out anyone that drives a van or might be living in a vehicle to Census enumerators.

I inform the Census crew that this lady is not a homeless advocate because advocates do not lead packs to vulnerable people living on the streets late at night, right? Then I continue to inquire of the Census crew, “Why are you bothering people late at night?” The guy says, “It’s what we are told to do.” That it’s easier to find people at night. I state that the homeless are humans and should not be awakened.   I encourage them to do outreach during the daylight.  Before I walk off I find out the name of the Crew Leader and office.

Still upset, and unwilling to leave this situation, I decide to go for a walk with my dog, Tiki, and figure out what to do next.  During my walk I find the lady that was the informant or snitch in a vehicle parked on 3rd Street with a lady that is thanking her for helping out. As I walked by I see what appears to be some kind of exchange between these ladies which makes me wonder if the lady received compensation for profiling people?

The woman from the Census that is speaking to the one that was profiling people, wasn’t in the crew I spoke to so I assume she was the Team Leader.  After her brief interaction with the woman profiling people the Census lady drives off. I decide to follow the profiler for a bit. I’m curious if she’s heading to another Census crew and my intuition was right as she drives directly to Oakwood Rec Center to find another crew.

I  head to an area not far from Oakwood Rec. Ctr. where free internet is accessible to send an email out about what I’ve witnessed to some other homeless advocates then I make a lap back around to Rose Ave and witness this assumed Census Team Leader with yet another crew walking down the sidewalk and the time is 12:17a.m. I make more notes then head off into the night to contemplate all of this behavior and what the next move should be to address the inappropriateness and ignorance of the Census crews actions.

This approach shows ignorance of the people in the crew by agreeing to do outreach late at night and by the Census Team Leaders and Management for not understanding that doing outreach late at night with people is disrespectful because non-housed and vehicular-housed individuals have the same rights as the people living in traditional houses.

I’ll be calling the Culver City Census Office today and I suggest others do the same to voice their concerns about how to treat the homeless.

What happened to treating others as you wish to be treated? Discriminatory and disrespectful behavior is not acceptable in. Love and compassion for every member of our community is the only way…….

–Lisa Green

State Assembly 2010 Candidate, 53rd District

Green Party of California,

www.votelisagreen.net

Strange Bedfellows: Lieu, Rosendahl and the Pacific Legal Foundation

By Jim Smith

Member of the state Assembly and aspiring Attorney General, Colonel Ted Lieu (USAF Reserves) has stuck a dagger in the backs of poor people in Venice. In an attempt to make an end run aground the Coastal Commission’s decision against permit parking and the expulsion from Venice of those forced to live in RVs, the Air Force man and politician has introduced an anti-RV measure, AB 2228, in the California legislature.

The bill would allow cities to “prohibit or restrict the parking or standing of vehicles on certain streets or highways, or portions thereof, between the hours of 2 a.m. and 6 a.m.” and to create preferential parking districts (permit parking) without regard to the Coastal Commission.

Lieu’s effort to cap a lackluster Assembly career by having the state address an issue better left to local communities is not without precedent. State authorities also tightened the law that would have left it to local communities like Venice to decide whether they wanted to become their own city. And when many cities began passing strong rent control laws, big landowners found pliable Democrats and Republicans in the legislature to pass the Costa-Hawkins Act which gutted local laws. In these cases the rich and powerful had their way, and most likely passed on part of the profits to friendly politicians.

Lieu’s devious maneuver puts him in league with the tea partiers at the Pacific Legal Foundation, homeless haters inVenice, loose cannon and L.A. City Attorney Carmen “Nuch” Trutanich and the otherwise sane Councilmember Bill Rosendahl – all of whom want to impose permit parking on Venice even if it results in lessening the power of the Coastal Commission.

It all started shortly after the Coastal Commission’s decision in June 2009 when staunch anti-RV advocate Mark Ryavek filed suit under the name of the Venice Stakeholders Association. To date, he is the only identified member of this clandestine organization. Meanwhile, Ryavek and his buddy, Jim Hubbard, are trying to win the top two spots on the Venice Neighborhood Council, presumably to draw that organization into this sordid imbroglio.

It’s unclear who initiated bringing in the Pacific Legal Foundation to file an Amicus Brief in the lawsuit. It is one of the oldest right-wing foundations in existence. Founded in 1973, the PLF claims to be the “most successful public interest legal organization that fights for limited government, property rights, individual rights and a balanced approach to environmental protection.” In practice, this means fighting unions, opposing affirmative action programs, “protecting private property” by repeatedly suing the coastal commission, and opposing numerous government efforts to protect the environment. The PLF’s governing board is top-heavy with white male “captains of industry,” particularly in the real estate and construction areas. Thomas Bost, a former partner in the Latham and Watkins law firm, a powerhouse in Los Angeles city affairs, is vice chairperson.

Pacific Legal Foundation President Ron Rivett spoke admiringly about the tea parties in a radio interview last year: “Millions of people realize that big government’s expansion is dangerous and must be resisted,” said Rivett. “You could see it in the thousands who flocked to ‘tea parties’ on April 15 to protest multiplying regulations, galloping deficits, and voracious new taxes.” There’s more at www.pacificlegal.org

Why would seemingly nice people like Ted Lieu and Bill Rosendahl make common cause with a group like the Pacific Legal Foundation? You’ll have to ask them. It’s time to see if we can find a more compassionate person than Colonel Lieu to be California’s next Attorney General. There are 13 other candidates to chose from on the June ballot. You can reach Ted Lieu’s Sacramento office at (916) 319-2053. Bill Rosendahl can be reached by dialing 311 or at Councilman.Rosendahl@lacity.org. In the meantime, keep up the fight for housing, services and respect for the homeless and RV dwellers. Lil’ Venice has prevailed against powerful forces in the past and it can do so again.

In Brief

• Abbot Kinney’s Grandson, Kendrick, Dies – Paul Tanck
• Vera Davis Center NOT in Danger of Closing? – Lydia Poncé

Abbot Kinney’s Grandson, Kendrick, Dies

On January 28, the passing of Kendrick Kinney, Abbot Kinney’s last remaining grandson, symbolically closed the end of an era for Venice.

Kendrick is survived by his wife of 67 years, Barbara, son Robert (Cathy) and grandchildren Peter Abbot and Anne Marie. The family celebrated Kendrick’s life with a burial at sea.

Kendrick was the third child of Innes Kinney, the fifth son of Abbot’s – out of 11 children.

March 28 would have been Kendrick’s 94th birthday. As we continue to enjoy the endless joys of living in Venice, spend a few moments in recognition of Kinney’s sense of community, his beloved family and the end of a remarkable era. A time of thrill rides, orange groves and a village by the sea that magically transported visitors to a Venetian dream. A dream that has become almost extinguished.

-Paul Tanck

———–

Vera Davis Center Not in Danger of Closing?

Readers responded to the last month’s Beachhead on the Vera Davis closure. The Center received reassuring news that it was not being closed from City Hall officials and from Councilmember Bill Rosendahl.

The center’s phones have been ringing off the hook and people have stopped by to see how they could help to defeat it’s closure. Senior citizens put a petition together and collected over 300 signatures in support of keeping the Center open.

Center staff Cliff McClain and Eddie Nuno ask you to stop in to check out the services available. There is something for everyone there. Happy to report a happy ending to this story…

––Lydia Poncé

Japanese-American Memorial Marker at Lincoln and Venice Boulevards?

By Phyllis Hayashibara

Were you one of these Japanese-Americans who lined up on Venice Boulevard, west of Lincoln Boulevard on April 25, 1942 in compliance with Civilian Exclusion Order No. 7?

Exclusion Order No. 7 directed “all persons of Japanese ancestry, both alien and non-alien,” to send “a responsible member of each family” on “Tuesday, April 21, 1942, or . . . on Wednesday, April 22, 1942 to the Civilian Control Station located at 2422 Lincoln Boulevard, Santa Monica, California.”

Do you remember, or do you know someone who does remember, receiving instructions to line up at or near this intersection?

The Free Venice Beachhead, Los Angeles City Councilmember Bill Rosendahl, and Venice High School students in the New Media Academy have proposed a memorial marker to commemorate the local Japanese-Americans who were evacuated from the Venice area and interned for the duration of World War II, but they need your assistance in documenting the correct and exact location of this local pick-up site.

Please contact the Beachhead if you have any eyewitness information, written documentation or other photographic evidence!

Xeriscaping in Venice

By erica snowlake

For those who get around our fair city on bike and by foot, the diversity of front-yard and street-facing landscaping is remarkable to behold. Equally functional and eccentrically artistic, a day’s perusal of the green belt reveals most Venetians are eco-friendly and hip enough to have embraced Xeriscaping and Xerogardening, landscaping and gardening in ways which reduce or eliminate the need for supplemental irrigation. Let’s spread this good news and conscious practice to all our neighbors in Venice, greater Los Angeles and beyond!

Scientific studies recently compared the greenhouse gases absorbed by ornamental turf grass (lawns) to the amount of gases emitted by the irrigation, fertilization, and mowing of them. The results confirm keeping a lawn is not good for Mother Earth. Turf grass covers 1.9 percent of the United States and is the most commonly irrigated crop. Gasp! That’s a lot of water! According to Paula Daniels, an L.A. Public Works Commissioner, 40 percent of the drinking water we import at great financial and environmental expense is used for lawn-watering. Over half the household water usage in Southern California is in the yard – averaging 238 gallons per day for a family of four. This demand far exceeds the capacity of the bioregion’s 10-15 inches of rainfall per year to fulfill. Worse, overwatering results in pesticide and fertilizer-laden runoff into the groundwater, sewer drains and the ocean.

Implementing bans on watering from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily has been a successful measure. Joining the (anti) grass-roots movement of Xeriscaping (and collecting rainwater) makes common sense. Xeriscaping (from the Greek, xeros, dry) is the art of arranging gardens with drought-tolerant plants, a tradition originating in fifth and sixth century Persian courtyard paradises, where diverse arrays of native palms and cactus provide havens for butterflies, birds and poetry lovers. Venetians share a similar aesthetic and have a wide variety of lawn alternatives to choose from…. sedum (stone crop) and creeping red fescue to edible groundcovers, fragaria chilolensis (the wild strawberry), nasturtiums, mints, and nutritious chickweed. Flowering shrubs with little water maintenance include the entire sage (salvia) species (growing up to five feet in diameter), the california redbud, the monkeyflower, lilac and verbena. Stroll idyllically past rainbow bougainvillea, wild rose, vines of cascading honeysuckle and jasmine, and sidewalk hedges of rosemary, lavender and thyme. Native trees providing shade for groundcovers to thrive are laurel, juniper, chaparrel and oleander. Other green spaces solely feature succulents, from towering St.Peters, agave, and yucca cactuses to tiny hens and chicks.

The time is ripe to compost that lawn! Keep in mind a bylaw exists stating no more than 45  percent of the land can be hard-scraped, as this process contributes to desertification and depletion of the soil. Sustainable landscaping using drought-tolerant plant species makes water available for other uses and more people. It recharges the groundwater and allows less polluted run-off to flow into the ocean. It reduces maintenance and mowing, which results in less urban noise and a lower water bill! Most importantly, here’s our chance to affirm Mother Nature knows best. We’ll breathe easier existing in co-creative harmony. Lighter footprints! Astroturf is not an option!

The local chapter of the California Native Plant Society hosts planting tips for urban gardens on their website (www.lasmmcnps.org.) Farmer’s markets sell a variety of native plants. For water conservation info visit www.bewaterwise.com.

In Memory of Dr. John Michel

• Dear Doctor John – Arturo
• I have known Dr. John for 17 years – Catherine Andrews
• Dr. John has left us – Enyaj and family
• Peace and Love – Linda Lu
• Dr. John’s Memorial Service – Erica Snowlake
• I first met Dr. John when I moved to Venice – Christopher Stevens

Dear Doctor John

How we miss you so

Your song for Peace and laughter

Echo far now as you go….

Venice lost an elder

A voice for justice and peace

Who will now carry your flag?

Who will stand up to the powers that be?

How often we took you for granted

Such comfort knowing you were there

Fighting for our rights,

Helping people in need…

A reminder of why we should care.

Now you are onto your next journey

Where peace and love abound

Free from all that ailed you

While defending Venice ground.

The Prayer for Peace will be your legacy

Wherever people gather as One

We will miss you Dr. John…

May you dance forever in the Sun.

Love & Light,

–Arturo

———–

I have known Dr. John for 17 years and he has always been good-hearted, happy, cheerful, and ready to help anyone who needed it.  He was a true gentleman, polite and caring, even under the most extreme circumstance. I have for years given him prints and cards of my art to make money for the homeless.

Dr. John stayed with my family as I was going through a 5-year horrendous divorce. He was there, providing counseling and helping me take care of my 3 young children. He would have fun and laugh with us, such a kindly Gentleman.

This last winter was hard for him; he’d call and tell me,” I’ve just had my sleeping bag stolen again”. He would be out in the rain, lying in the street, unable to get up because of his back and his heart failing. He would ask for help from people taking photographs of him lying there, and they would just walk on.

I told Dr. John about 3 weeks ago, “Dr. John, you will no longer be homeless.” The Saint Joseph Center in Venice had made arrangements for him to have his own place in the Horizon Building in Venice. This was befitting to someone who had worked so hard for the cause of the homeless for so many years without any benefit or acknowledgement from society.

Just before he was finally able to have his own little home, after 40 years of being the front line helper, his heart failed him. God had called him home!

No one sees or knows the quiet passing of those who live in small social circles. They are rarely recognized for the charity or philanthropy work they participate in. For helping the homeless, the hungry, or those no one else could reach, Dr. John Michel will always be remembered by those who live in Venice Beach. He is Someone who truly listened to your heart, who made an attempt to help you heal, Someone who got food for you if you were hungry, and Someone who loved you no matter what!!!!! This is everything Dr. John Michel stood for. Wouldn’t it be nice if we all could be something like him?

–Catherine Andrews

———–

Dr. John has left us. Although his health was fragile, everyone is shocked. He was such an icon, you expected to see him forever.  He lived these streets with constant police harassment, often the joke of the media, for over 20 years.  He fought with his life to feed and clothe the homeless, petitioned for Venice Cityhood, and championed to have teachers paid what they deserve. He was stubborn and a tad naive, but he was genuine and original and he really helped a lot of people, more than he provoked.  He recently won a trial and had his case overturned for sleeping in a vehicle in Venice,

a vehicle he fed and clothed the homeless from.

I remember arriving on this beach over two decades ago.  My boyfriend and I were so fresh and optimistic we were deemed “HanSal and GreTal” with a Rastafarian spin, by Sunny Zorro, the King of Venice, and Reggae star Micheal Trevor added the “spin.” These late 80′s/early 90′s were amazing times for Venice. Dr. John freely gave out spirulina and bee pollen to the homeless, until the police stole cases of his stuff, never to be returned. I’ve seen him continually harassed by the police. I watched Officer Skinner purposely step on his thick glasses (he’ll love that I named her), and ‘Putz-Man”,

(now he’s laughing his great gawfaw), push him around while he needed a staff to hold him up.  I’ve seen him harassed  enough to be in need of a wheel chair, only to rise up again and dance freely in the drum circle again, with his characteristic long, grey flowing hair, loving the Venice breeze of freedom.

With so much soul lost on the streets this past decade, and even less to buy with your dollars, Dr. John had a hard battle. Apathy is a heavy fog to lift. He fought his dandiest, with the spunk and conviction that characterized a man  from the ’60′s era, calmly enduring the mockery of those who had long forgotten what conviction and individuality meant. When he left this planet, he lay in the comforts of a bed, with his son by his side, on the Mayan day of the Cosmic Wizard. He had a perfect send-off. I now wish in my heart, that those of us who loved him, will continue his good work with his sense of conviction into the future. People such as he, Sonny Zorro, Gail, David, HanSal and GreTal, Adrian Prober, Milton, the two J.C.’s; these are Venice legends that need to be preserved. They are as important as Chaplin and Morrison for our local history. They are charming and warming originals, inspiring tales that need to fly from our  hearts and onto the page, the canvas, the wall, the film.

Now my tears come, so I stop,

All my love to you dear dreamer,

Enyaj and family

———–

Even though Dr. John had very little material wealth while he was with us on the beach – he had more spirituality than most of us will ever achieve before we leave the planet.

Peace and Love from Linda Lu

Drum Ceremony for Dr. John!

with Ibrahim and friends

Saturday April 3rd 11 a.m.

in front of the Venice Bistro/Dudley Ave.

Check out the July 2006 Beachhead, page 6,

online for a rousing Interview with

Dr. John Michel.

http://www.freevenice.org/Beachhead/July2006/July2006.html

————

Dr. John’s Memorial Service

Loving friends and family attended Dr. John’s Memorial Saturday March 27th at the Vera Davis Center.

Stories of first meeting him and knowing him over the years were shared amid folks enjoying a bountiful feast (including Nice Cream!) and dancing. We played pass the Flag, reminiscing while upholding Dr. J’s famous talking stick. His son Justice was on hand to carry forth his father’s proud tradition. Lois Webb and Vicki Landers, directors of the Center’s tech support team, spoke of the magical way in which Dr. John traveled full circle in their lives, having housed them in the eighties when they were Venice street kids to spending his last days in their home. Catherine Andrews brought several of her visionary paintings, and gifted cards of Dr. John’s favorite, entitled The Ascension, to remember him by. Bo recalled some of his happiest days in the late eighties leading Tent City by the Pavilion on Venice Beach. Our troubadour minstrel Brother, along with Mary Geitlein, Enyaj and daughter Sabina, sang protest, sixties, and original tunes, while others beat African drums. It was a happy occasion, befitting the Gentle Giant who inspired us with his unique Joy and One-Man Revolution. Dr. John! We see you smiling, rising in the Rainbow Light!

–Erica Snowlake

————-

I first met Dr. John when I moved to Venice a few years ago. I was fortunate to have a nice place to stay near the beach. The woman I worked for who owned the place I stayed at was a friend of Dr. John’s for many years and she would invite him over and let him stay at the house on occasions. At first, he struck me as man with a big heart and a strong spirit. It was also quickly apparent that he was fighter. He was constantly protesting injustices in his community, country and the world at large. When he wasn’t doing this, he was busy helping to provide food or clothing to other people in need, often in neglect of his own needs.

Luckily for me, when the unfortunate day came when I found myself homeless in Venice, Dr. John was the first familiar face I ran into. He of course shared what little food he had with me, and mixed he me up a drink of Spirulina, to get some vitamins in me. I was so appreciative of this, not just because I was so hungry, but because I was really glad to be with someone so kind and caring at that moment.

I was homeless in Venice for a year after that, and on many occasions was blessed to have been helped and fed by this kind man. I cherish the memories of the many bowls and conversations we shared.

From the countless souls whom you’ve helped and inspired, we love you man.

You were a warrior and a Saint.

~Christopher Stevens

Back to the 60s at Surfing Cowboys

By C.J. Gronner

The front of Surfing Cowboys is painted with a sign that says “Purveyors of Beach Culture & California Lifestyle” and that pretty much sums it up. Owners Wayne & Donna Gunther have created a bright, happy space filled with all of the items that make the feeling of California living obtainable, wherever you happen to dwell. Old and new come together to create a sense of place that is both a tribute and a groove.

Wayne and Donna met in Chicago, then traveled and worked as photographers until they decided to settle in the space that now houses Surfing Cowboys. They lived in a corner of the back, and as they traversed the world, they collected things for the California house they would one day have. People would come to the store for photo shoots or peek into the windows, wondering what was going on inside, and everyone always commented on how much they loved the things they were seeing. So much so that the Gunthers decided to open a store, to share the things they had, to pass them on to cool homes, and also to have fun. They came up with “Surfing Cowboys” to capture the spirit that both words embody, and that vibe permeates every corner of the shop.

People are always asking the Gunthers where they get their things, and they always say “There is no ‘stuff’ place” … they’re just always on the road, seeking out gems for the shop, bringing in only things that speak to their hearts, and that they feel will serve as inspiration for those good California vibrations. In fact, they said that people often write “Inspiration” on their receipts to their accountants for purchases made from Surfing Cowboys. That tells you something.

Having been open on Abbot Kinney for over a decade, they know their customers, and are extremely grateful to the Venice community for in turn inspiring them. As all of us have mixed emotions about the change and progress of Venice, and the mix of new and old, so too do Wayne and Donna. They feel strongly that it’s up to us to be Preservationists, to protect the spirit of the place, and make sure it keeps its soul. In celebration of that spirit and soul, Surfing Cowboys has mounted a wonderful show from the Collection of Oakland-based John Favors of Hippie Folk Funk Art: Anonymous Social and Political Expression of the 60′s and 70′s, on now until April 12th.

About 90 percent of the items displayed in this show are anonymous works, which I like a lot. The artists were doing their work not for the bottom line, but because they HAD to. Those times created in artists a NEED to protest, a need to express, and that is evident in how ALIVE it all feels. As Donna said, “These are the collectibles, the folk art, of the future.” Wayne added, “People always comment on how bright the store is. Our collective psyche has been lethargic, we’ve all been muted … There is a reason that the art is bright … We need it.” The art reflects, “Social justice, politics, music … and a lot of drugs.” For all of the above reasons, it’s a perfectly appropriate show for Venice.

A big highlight of the show for the Gunthers (and for me) is the big American flag made up of black stripes and skulls in place of stars that Mark Twain (an anti-Capitalist/Imperialist) suggested as the alternative U.S. flag. Another great piece is the Mickey Mouse head that contains a factory of filth and dollar signs inside its skull. All of it: colorfully painted protest helmets, bejeweled guitars, old skateboards, paintings rife with social commentary, collages, and perhaps my favorite, a wooden Uncle Sam store display that they call “Haight Ashbury Wants You”, depict a special place and time, that realizes the value of, and celebrates the spirit of, an entirely bonkers era … while recognizing the similarities to today’s crazy as ever world.

Mr. Favors explained his collection and the impetus behind gathering things that were anonymously done, by saying “Folk art stands on the strength of its visual vs. the pedigree of the name. Their style was their signature … they were doing it for the mere ART of it, and so it sings.”

This show indeed sings. It sings of the colorful, radical 60′s and 70′s, but it also sings of the colorful, radical Venice of today, spirit and energy intact, despite the changes along the way. It was interesting to me that the day after the opening of this Surfing Cowboys show (“Take as many pictures as you want.”), I went to the opening of the Peter Max show (“No photography!”) on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. While both shows celebrated the colors of the past, it was clear that the bottom line of the Max show was “Selling” (as I was directly told by one of the Gallery workers), while to the anonymous artists of the show on Abbot Kinney, the point was merely Art for Art’s sake. Interesting, because art and commerce have been such talking points as to the continued preservation of the Spirit of Venice.

Cheers to the Gunthers for their continued work towards that preservation of spirit, and for being a unique and lively “Cool Stuff Shop.” The inventory is always changing, but is constantly a hub of creativity. Stop in to discover, learn, and most of all, to be inspired.