VENICE PEACE AND FREEDOM PARTY CALLS
FOR REESTABLISHING THE CITY OF VENICE

The Venice Peace and Freedom Party, meeting on April 5, reaffirmed its support for Venice cityhood. A resolution was passed stating, "The Venice Peace and Freedom Party supports reestablishing the City of Venice, and will aid efforts to explore its feasibility."

Renewed interest in Venice cityhood has been sparked by proposed redistricting of the Los Angeles City Council. Under the plan being considered by the City Council, District 6, which includes Venice, would be moved to the east San Fernando Valley. Along with the district would go the current elected councilmember, Ruth Galanter. Council District 11 would be moved south from the Valley to include Venice. Instead of having an election in District 6 as scheduled next year, odd numbered districts have elections in 2005. Until then, Venice would be in an uncomfortable position of having taxation without elected representation. Valley Councilmember Cindy Miscikowski who has never run for election in the Venice area would be installed as the councilmember representing Venice.

Other issues fueling interest in cityhood include rampant development that is unpopular with Venice residents and a lack of affordable housing that is forcing Venetians to abandon their community.

According to Peace and Freedom veterans, the Party has long supported the concept of reestablishing the city of Venice. However, until recently there was no requirement that a referendum be held to vote on the issue. Since 1997 when the Cortese-Know-Hertzberg law was amended, an election must be held if certain requirements are met. Among these are collecting signatures from at least 25 percent of the registered voters. In Venice, that could require signatures of more than 4,000 people.

Prior to the vote on the cityhood resolution, a notice was mailed to all Peace and Freedom members in Venice. Discussions took place among members in the weeks leading up to April 5. During that time only one P&F member expressed opposition to Venice cityhood, although some others felt the need for more information.

....about the Peace and Freedom Party - It was founded in 1967 by civil rights and anti-Vietnam War activists, and was certified for the California ballot from 1968 until 1998. A sustained voter registration drive has regained most of the total membership of 86,212, which is the threshold needed to regain ballot status. Organizers expect to requalify for the ballot later this year. Peace & Freedom is the largest socialist organization in the country.

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Q and A on VENICE CITYHOOD