This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
Officials don't expect tourists to be scared away by deadly Venice boardwalk hit-and-run
In this image take from a security camera, pedestrians scatter as a car drives through a packed afternoon crowd along the Venice Beach boardwalk in Los Angeles, Saturday, Aug. 3, 2013. At least a dozen people were injured, two of them critically, according to police. (AP Photo/Snapchat)
(
/AP
)
Listen
1:08
Officials don't expect tourists to be scared away by deadly Venice boardwalk hit-and-run
Close to 100,000 Italians visited the Los Angeles-area last year, and tourism officials say it’s unlikely they will be scared away after an Italian on her honeymoon was killed in this weekend’s hit-and-run in Venice.
The death of 32-year-old Alice Gruppioni generated worldwide headlines. She had been married for only two weeks when she was struck by a car on the Venice boardwalk. Her new husband – and 14 others – were also injured.
RELATED: Venice Boardwalk: 16 confirmed hit, driver possibly jailed in Colorado (updated)
A tragedy – but just one story out of many about L.A.
“There’s so much other news coming out from L.A. about other things happening in the area that it all balances out,” said Susan Lomax, spokeswoman for the Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board.
Lomax reminds anyone considering a trip to L.A. just how safe the city is.
"When unfortunate events like this happen, we do reinforce that it’s safer today than it’s been since the 1950’s,” said Lomax.
Sponsored message
With attractions like Muscle Beach and its own canals, Venice attracts about 10 million visitors a year.
Donna Lasman, Executive Director of the Venice Chamber of Commerce, doesn’t see that changing.
“We don’t expect there will be any significant impact on tourism in the Venice area,” said Lasman.
Before this weekend, only one person had been killed in Venice since June of 2012.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
