It’s an issue that has been debated for years, and the latest word is that Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer is negotiating a potential resolution to the ongoing dispute between the state Coastal Commission and the city over the overnight curfew at Venice Beach.
The midnight-to-5 a.m. ban has been in place since 1988 after concern about gang violence along the shore. Supporters of lifting the curfew say that the beach belongs to everyone and that residents should have the right to be on the beach overnight if they want. They also say the curfew is pushing homeless people into residential neighborhoods, which they say could lead to an increase in crime and trash. Opponents say the curfew has already helped to curb crime and should stay in place.
Should there be an overnight curfew in place on Venice Beach? What about other beach communities in Southern California? Should the city have the authority to tell residents of beach communities they can’t use the beach at certain times?
Guests:
Mark Ryavec, President of the Venice Stakeholders’ Association, an organization dedicated to civic improvement in Venice Beach.
Steve Clare, Executive Director, Venice Community Housing Corporation, nonprofit housing and community development organization serving low-income residents in the Westside of Los Angeles