THE ROAD TO HELL...

To the contrary, the intentions of the proponents of Overnight (Permit) Parking Districts (OPDs) in Venice are inevitably based in conspicuous self-interested exclusivity, with not a shred of goodness to be seen anywhere. That is, unless you count having your own “permitted” parking space reserved outside your home (a popular, but delusional, belief entertained by some) as a “good” thing. To others, who oppose OPDs in Venice, “permit parking” simply signifies yet another step forward in the interminable gentrification process of Venice, coupled with the ousting of the less fortunate (vehicle-dwellers) in our midst. Not to mention the added financial weight of permit fees on an already overburdened and exploited tenant population, clinging to their meager month-to-month subsistence in what has become a “desirable” residential enclave. The battle lines have been drawn and both sides of the OPD argument are rallying their ranks for an electoral skirmish at the Venice Public Library on Saturday, February 21 from 12:30-3:30pm, when “Venice” will vote to have, or not, overnight permit parking on our streets. Meanwhile, the venerable Councilmember, Bill Rosendahl, and cohorts, wait on the sidelines to acknowledge, or not, the outcome of the election “depending on who votes” (according to a recent comment made by the venerable one to a reliable source.) When questioned on the validity of this comment, a statement issued forth from the venerable Councilmember’s office, by his trusty aide, Arturo Pina:
“A Neighborhood Council election allows for "stakeholders" to vote, meaning anyone that lives, works, owns property, [volunteers]etc. can vote. The Councilman’s comments center around the fact that it is his responsibility to ensure that ALL voices are heard. In addition, Venice has a constituency of 30,000 folks and any vote taken by the VNC is a recommendation which he ALWAYS listens to.”

Yes, but…the Councilmember’s hearing is historically and notoriously defective when listening to opponents of anything that city hall favors, especially if it interferes with the grand scheme hatched behind closed doors. So, the BIG question is: will Councilmember Rosendahl ACKNOWLEDGE and HONOR a majority vote that opposes OPDs in Venice? And, more importantly, will he represent such a majority at the upcoming Coastal Commission meeting in June, rather than stand vehemently with the small minority of OPD proponents, as he did at the recent Coastal Commission on Wednesday, February 4? Where he was visibly disturbed by the Commission’s decision to consider the “substantive issue” of OPDs, restricting coastal access, at a later date. Following the Coastal Commission meeting Rosendahl was heard to lament the time wasted (approximately six hours) by himself and his companions, awaiting the Commission’s decision but was reluctant to respond when asked by one indignant Venetian homeowner about the ,000 appropriated from the Venice Specific Fund (taxpayer’s money), which paid for the City of Los Angeles’ Bureau of Engineers to railroad the OPDs through in the first place!

According to the erstwhile Arturo Pina: “…know that the current requests for the creation of Overnight Parking Districts is in the hands of the Coastal Commission. As I've stated on several occasions, West of Lincoln is a dual jurisdiction area and Coastal Development Permits need to be vetted by them. They will be revisiting this request at their June meeting.”

We await the outcome with baited breath.
For more info: http://spiritofvenice.wordpress.com