Officials Want To Bolster Security Along Venice Boardwalk
VENICE (CBSLA.com) — The city of Los Angeles wants to bolster security along the famed Venice boardwalk.
CBS2's Jeff Nguyen reported that safety has become a top priority in the area after a recent uptick in crime, including a man beaten by a chair on-camera and a man arrested for carrying a chainsaw.
Last summer, a tourist was killed when a motorist sped down the busy boardwalk.
Since then, barriers have been put in and security lights have been added.
There's consideration to close off about two dozen streets that dead-end onto Ocean Front Walk.
Some residents, however, don't want to see that.
"You definitely ruin the vibe if you say, 'Hey, you can't go here.' It's kinda a tourist area, as well," Zac Frappier said.
City Councilman Mike Bonin said the only "vibe" he's concerned with is safety.
"Diverse doesn't mean dirty and funky doesn't mean filthy. Having a beach that is clean and having a neighborhood that is safe is absolutely consistent with the spirit of Venice," he said.
Bonin, who is working to find money to add more security cameras, said police patrols have been increased, along with other improvements. He also wants to bring in a governing board to oversee safety.
Meantime, the city is planning to put an ice skating rink on the beach this winter to help draw tourists. They will use the money raised to help pay for added security.
