BOYCOTT COMMERCIAL MERCHANDISE IN FREE SPEECH ZONE ON BOARDWALK

February 4, 2011

Free speech activists display new boycott sign on Venice boardwalk phtograph courtesy of http://www.theartofritter.com

Venice Beach Boardwalk Coalition ~ Working to restore free speech at Venice Beach

Dear all,

It was called to the attention of the organizers that the earlier notice of proposed action down the Boardwalk was perhaps too vague. Therefore, this follow up message includes Sundays 2/20 and 2/27 as possible dates for carrying out this action. The suggested time remains 2pm.

If members have thoughts on other actions as well – either on the same day or for other occasions, we are open to suggestion.

One request: To be sure that our member address directory is correct, we ask that you send a reply stating you received this message.

And here is a bit of information that is of great significance to all of us concerned about the commercialization of the Boardwalk and the penchant of the city attorney’s office to craft legislation that does nothing to protect first amendment activity there:

1. A committee of 10 individuals inside city government, primarily from the City Attorney’s Office, the Department of Recreation and Parks and LAPD, have not yet met to discuss a possible response to Judge Pregerson’s decision granting a temporary injunction against the permit/lottery system. Last word was that they were considering asking for an extension.

2. The representatives from Recreation and Parks were pulled off this committee by the General Manager and told to stay out of the discussions. This effectively leaves decision making in the hands of Mark Brown, the Deputy City Attorney who crafted the ordinance (LAMC42.15), his assistants, and LAPD. There will be no public input.

3. We have just been informed by reliable sources that Mark Brown will be stepping down from his position, effective the end of this month. This event may provide us with a window of opportunity for realizing meaningful change, if we can get our voices heard in determining either his replacement and/or discussions of city officials with respect to future actions affecting the Boardwalk.

Thoughts, anyone????

Thank you for your time and consideration. We look forward to hearing from you and meeting you in person..

VBBC ADMIN
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https://vbbc.wordpress.com