New Ocean Front Ordinance Redefines Free Speech, Handicrafts


By Erica Snowlake

cops walking the beat, jes like ol’ times. that was the scene Saturday and Sunday, March 25 and 26 on the Venice Boardwalk.


these pedestrian cops were eyeballing, others could say censoring, the wares of the vendors on the west side of the boardwalk with the intended deliberate enforcement of yet another new ordinance, this one banning commercial vending, items of more than nominal use, and especially coming down hard on t-shirts, among other nefarious things. the psychics were out in full force, however, being immune to such scrutiny.

while it is generally considered beneficial to outcast the plastic, made in China tchotchkes, it is somewhat incomprehensible and unfair banning unique works of art by diverse multicultural artisans under the blanket term “jewelry,” painting and music are seemingly encouraged, though the tunes may only be heard radiating from under 50 feet away. quiet, now that’s the spirit of the beach!

no doubt the powers that be will be going back to the ordinance draftboard for round three. as far as enforcement goes, a few citations were issued, and like round one with the lottery system, arrests were threatened and made to seem seriously imminent and forthcoming.

a statement from beloved and controversial vegan and animal rights activist Jingles follows, who was told to cut his stand down from twenty feet to ten feet and issued a citation in the process.

“Has Venice Boardwalk become a non-commercial free zone? I think not. Due to the new ordinance I can no longer sell my political t-shirts, ones that express my constitutional 1st Amendment rights. i can show them for display purposes only. Offering these for sale or donation is now illegal and will lead to citation and arrest. Please help defend and save free speech on Venice Beach.

Contact <councilman.rosendahl@lacity.org>.

Posted: Sat - April 1, 2006 at 12:22 PM          


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