2024 YEAR IN REVIEW
Santa Monica to Renegotiate Agreement to Host Olympic Beach Volleyball
After Reviewing the Agreement and a Fiscal Impact Study, Council Members Remained Confused Over the Potential Economic Benefits and How the City Would Be Reimbursed
By Zach Armstrong
Confronted with unanswered questions and a shroud of fiscal uncertainty, the Santa Monica City Council has directed staff to renegotiate its agreement with LA28 organizers for hosting beach volleyball.
During its Oct. 8 meeting, the council convened on a study session before deciding whether to sign a games agreement that outlines Santa Monica’s responsibilities for municipal services and venue logistics, among other duties, if a
temporary 12,000-seat beach volleyball stadium next to the iconic Pier were to be built. Under current plans, the venue would be constructed in April of 2028 and torn down in August, with the games occurring in late July.
After reviewing the agreement and a fiscal impact study, council members remained confused over the potential economic benefits and how the city would be reimbursed for costs associated with hosting the event.
The agreement raised several concerns: no community benefits were detailed; businesses on the Pier could be closed for weeks depending on security needs; and although the state of California and the City of Los Angeles pledged $270 million for reimbursements should LA28 exhaust its funds, Santa Monica will compete with several host cities (Pasadena, Long Beach, and others) for that cash; while there’s no assurance that enough money will cover all shortfalls.
The case for Olympic volleyball to come to Santa Monica became even harder after hearing the fiscal impact study, which contended the City would actually save millions if it opted out completely.
The study, which assessed both scenarios in which Santa Monica does or doesn’t host Olympic volleyball,
indicated the city would accrue economic benefits either way. Its hotels would still be booked. Its restaurants would still be filled. And it would still get hundreds of thousands of more visitors than usual during the Olympic period (although by hosting the sport, it could get 400,000 more, than not).
Whereas the City could lose approximately $1.5 million for building the stadium and hosting the sport, according to the impact study, it would gain around $10.6 million for simply being a hot tourist destination within the hosting city.
Now, compared with what was offered on Tuesday evening, the City is seeking a new agreement that includes “tangible community benefits, added community outreach from LA28, and provides greater clarity and assurances about financial and
other impacts to residents and businesses, particularly on and around the Santa Monica Pier.” said a City spokesperson in an email.
“If you take out the fact that this is the Olympics … the sheer agreement, the financial impact, the negligence in being able to answer any questions that impact the entire city, impact our public safety, or our clean beaches. These are all things not only impact from a financial standpoint, but from a community standpoint.” said Santa Monica Vice Mayor Lana Negrete. “It seems like any other deal like this would be considered atypical.”
Mayor Phil Brock, like most of the council, echoed a similar sentiment to Negrete’s.
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This Homeless Santa Monica Resident
Saved a Teenage Girl From a Vicious Attack
City Council’s Commendation for Wilker Was Made at Its Most Recent Meeting on July 9
By Zach Armstrong
Santa Monica City Council commended a local unhoused resident for her heroic efforts in fighting off Jawann Garnett, who now faces a maximum sentence of life in state prison for his actions, from assaulting and possibly attempting to murder a teenage girl on Santa Monica Beach in late June.
On June 24 just before 10 a.m., Jenna Wilker was on Santa Monica beach when
she witnessed Garnett attempting to strangle and rape a 17-year-old girl. She acted promptly to pull the perpetrator away from his victim, but was punched and bitten by the man before he continued attacking the teenage victim. Soon after, Garnett then began assaulting a woman in her 70s, pulling her into the ocean and holding her underwater.
Authorities arrived within minutes, halting Garnett’s rampage and taking him into custody. The juvenile victim was transported to a local hospital with moderate injuries and later released. The other two victims, including Wilker, were treated on scene by lifeguards and fire department personnel.
Following the incident, the District Attorney charged Garnett with attempted murder and felony child abuse for the attack on the juvenile, assault with a deadly weapon likely to produce great
bodily injury and assault with intent to commit rape for the attack on Wilker, and attempted murder and kidnapping for the assault on the elderly woman.
Garnett, who is currently homeless, has a criminal history in Los Angeles County that includes prior arrests for assault with intent to commit rape, false imprisonment, assault with a deadly weapon, and domestic violence.
City Council’s commendation for Wilker was made at its most recent meeting on July 9.
“Jenna’s actions demonstrated selflessness and courage under extreme circumstances, and prevented further harm to the victim and helped the SMPD apprehend the suspect. Jenna’s actions highlight the important role a bystander can play when they see someone in need of help.” Santa Monica Mayor Phil Brock stated on LinkedIn.
A GoFundMe page titled “Let’s House Our Hero, Jenna Wilker” aims to raise $15,000 in order for Wilker to find a residence and help pay for food and other bills. At the time of this writing, the campaign has raised over $4,600 across 123 donations.
Santa Monica Pier Bridge to be Replaced in $29M Project
The Updated Design Includes Expanded Walkways, Modern Lighting, and New Railings
Santa Monica has finalized the design for a new Pier Bridge, set to replace the 85-year-old structure that connects
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“This contract has been troubling for the last year and a half. The fact that you sign something and you have no idea what you’re signing, how much you’ll be reimbursed, or how much this will cost,” said Brock. “If someone asked you to do this on the street, you’d walk away and laugh at them.”
Brock, who has fond memories of attending the 1984 Summer Olympics, said the Olympic committee has remained vague on the question of what the community benefit would be for the City. “I want to host it for our communal
Palisades Park and Colorado Avenue to the iconic Santa Monica Pier, the City announced.
The city will seek experienced bridge contractors and construction management professionals in spring 2025 to begin this long-awaited upgrade.
The $29 million project will enhance the bridge’s seismic safety, accessibility, and functionality. The updated design includes expanded walkways, modern lighting, and new railings. A key feature of the project is the careful removal, rehabilitation, and reinstallation of the historic blue “Santa Monica Pier” sign. An architectural historian and neon
heart. For the legacy of our city and grandchildren who can say that we hosted an Olympic event.” said Brock. “But we are a city that I could characterize as the once-rich city of Santa Monica, which will be the rich city again sometime, but right now we’re not. So the question is how do we front money for the Olympics games when we don’t have it right now.”
“I’m really disappointed that they’re asking us to not negotiate a contract, not give us terms that give us any type of normal reimbursement, not give any certainty, and just say we have to accept whatever they want because we have the
conservator will oversee the sign’s preservation, while a smaller replica will be temporarily placed on the pier during construction.
Over the next few months, the city will complete the permitting process before issuing a Request for Bids in spring 2025. This offers an exciting opportunity for contractors with bridge construction expertise to contribute to a landmark that welcomes millions each year.
Construction is expected to start in late 2025. To maintain access to the pier, a temporary pedestrian bridge will be installed before the demolition of the existing structure. Santa Monica Pier
privilege of hosting the Olympics.” he continued. “I’m not sure our city can front a million, ten million, 15 million, years in advance, and then wait maybe another six months for a year to experience reimbursements that we’ll desperately need. We must be prudent.”
For Olympic beach volleyball to take place on the shores of Santa Monica would be fitting for the beachside town, where the sport first emerged on its sands during the 1940s.
A variation of sand volleyball first occurred on Santa Monica beaches, with the first beach volleyball tournament
will remain open to residents and tourists throughout the project.
Detailed bid information will be posted on the city’s website, where contractors can set up accounts to access project updates. For specific questions, Selim Eren can be reached at Selim.Eren@ santamonica.gov.
taking place in 1947 and the first circuit launched in the 1950s, involving hundreds of players on California beaches, according to the Paris 2024 Olympic website.
The sport made its 1996 Olympic debut at the Atlanta Games. The U.S. and Brazil have stood out as strong Olympic contenders in the sport, with a shared 24 medals (10 golds) from a potential of just 42. In the 2020 Tokyo games, gold medalist volleyball players were U.S. player Alexandra Klineman for women’s and Anders Berntsen Mol of Norway for men’s.
Home Safety Assessments Prevent Your Loved Ones from Falling
Steer Clear of Accidents with Safely Home Again’s Fall Assessments
A call at 3:40 a.m. jolts you from a deep sleep.
What day is it? What time is it?
A few short hours from now is the time you’re supposed to wake up, hurry the kids to school and yourself to work. But you know from the pit in your stomach, that call is important.
It’s the one no one wants to get — your father, in his 80s, had a fall. Luckily, he wore an emergency alert system that notified responders immediately.
“We’re transferring him to the hospital. A broken hip and dislocated shoulder,” responders say, as your body responds to the incident before your mind does, awakening a deep sorrow and your will to sit up.
At the hospital, dad is headed into surgery. The waiting, and the racing thoughts begin as dad — blissfully under anesthesia — enters the operating room.
What happens next? Is he safe at home? Does he need a caregiver? Who will prepare meals for him? Does he need mobility equipment? How can I prevent my father from falling, but also care for my immediate family.
This is what you call a “perfect storm,” scenario that happens so often and anticipated by families with aging loved ones. These is the moment that Safely Home Again becomes your resource: to help you and assist you. A small business that assures you and your family have a home that is as hazardfree as possible, and the management of your loved one is underway.
Through case management and home and fall safety assessments, Safely Home Again, founded by Los Angeles native Madeline Fry, helps aging adults maintain their independence and live worry-free in the comfort of their home.
Safely Home Again assesses fall risks and hazards in the home, recommending safety measures that families can take to prevent accidents. The 240+ point assessment tool, which requires a certification to conduct, looks for hazards that exist in and around the living space. Hazards may include poor outdoor lighting, inadequate wheelchair ramp, unsafe staircases and more. Once the hazards are found, Safely Home Again provides solutions and vendors
who can then be available to complete the actual modifications.
“We become your consultant, advocate and family member,” Fry said.
Caring for aging parents and loved ones is a weight few can carry, but with Safely Home Again, you aren’t doing it alone.
“We’re here for you, so you can get back to what you need to do. Whether that’s your family time, anniversary celebration, piano recitals or basketball games. To see you through those moments — the good and the bad — Safely Home Again’s services are the assurance you and your family needs.
Safely Home Again also aids with discharge planning upon leaving a hospital, skilled or rehabilitation facility; orders and schedules lifestyle services such as the delivery of medical mobility equipment, meal delivery; and choosing of caregivers.
Safely Home Again is the simple solution for complex issues that, in scenarios like the one above, are hard to navigate without professional help.
“If you find yourself in a similar situation, reach out to us. We’ve got your back, we’ve got your loved ones’ backs, and most importantly, we’re here for you,” Fry said.
To learn more about Safely Home Again and to schedule a safety assessment, visit SafelyHomeAgain. com.
CEO of New Sci-Fi Museum Steps Down Before Grand Opening, Interior Premiere Delayed
The Delay Also Comes as Staff is Handling Regulatory Compliance with Local Officials
By Zach Armstrong
Outer space, futurism and fantasy enthusiasts looked forward to Memorial Day for a first look inside Santa Monica’s latest tourist attraction: SCI-FI WORLD: The Experience. The new museum, located within the former Sears building on Colorado Ave. just a short walk from the Pier, set a May 27 grand opening date for its 30,000 sq. ft. display of movie props, costumes and replicas. Unfortunately, the event did not go as originally planned.
Rather than being held inside the
museum, the Gala took place in its closed off parking lot with some artifacts brought outside for photo opportunities.
Many of the patrons were refunded, but as one attendee put it on social media, “it’s kind of hard to reschedule something when people like me have already paid for their flights and hotel stay that are non-refundable.”
The let down comes as unpaid volunteers of the museum now confront a turbulent staffing situation and are handling regulatory compliance with local officials.
In the weeks leading up to opening day, executive producer for the Titanic –Movie Tour and now-former CEO of SCI Fi WORLD John Purdy quit his position along with two members of its managing staff. From there, remaining volunteers tried working with City officials and building ownership to meet permit and code requirements in time for the premiere. But when May 27 arrived, the interior wasn’t prepared for visitors.
“We have a new CEO whose name we will reveal soon, and is a well-known horror producer/director,” the museum stated in a Facebook post. “After the
[opening] we will reorganize with our new team, and see what is needed from the city to get us open. Hopefully we can get this done in a few weeks. What we refuse to do is give up, and to quote a certain captain, we don’t believe in a nowin scenario.”
A visit to the non-profit museum is a dream come true for a sci-fi & fantasy geek, as the space is abound with original props and replicas from seemingly every iconic TV show and film of the genre.
These include: The Enterprise Bridge set from Star Trek: The Next Generation, the 25 foot bubbleship from Oblivion, a full size Alien Queen and Powerloader from Aliens, along with artifacts from Doctor Who, Planet of the Apes and Lord of the Rings. The museum’s latest acquisition, the 10 Forward set from Paramount+ Star Trek Picard, was used in the opening of Picard episode one, season one, starring Sir Patrick Stuart and Brent Spiner.
Tickets for the exhibit were set to go for $20/children and $30/adults, with discounts for seniors, military and first responders and free admission for those under 6 or over 90. Annual memberships
start at $60.
Sci-Fi World started out in 2012 as New Starship Foundation. Its initial mission was to preserve a Paramount-built Star Trek Enterprise-D display bridge, as seen on Star Trek: The Next Generation, its website explains. Over the years, NSF gained support from Star Trek stars such as William Shatner and George Takei. Additional support was gained, from the cast and crew of shows including Battlestar Galactica and Doctor Who, to include the creation of Sci-Fi World to NSF’s mission.
The Foundation has raised over $200,000 from supporters, according to its website.
“The city and police have been wonderful to us and really want us to succeed. Everyone of us is an unpaid volunteer right now, a new CEO is coming, but there’s still a lot to figure out.” a spokesperson stated in a message. “All we want is for this to open and for people to enjoy it and to hopefully be a successful nonprofit.”
48-Year-Old Costume Shop Set to Close
News Comes as the Store’s Legendary Owner Struggles With Pancreatic Cancer
By Zach Armstrong
After nearly half a century of costuming the Hollywood film industry in addition to anyone looking to spruce up for Halloween, Ursula’s Costumes in Santa Monica is closing its doors.
The store, located at 2516 Wilshire Blvd., offers a large array of rare and one-of-a-kind accessories and costumes including masks, hats, wigs, makeup, shoes and jewelry. Those store items are now on sale by as much as 50%.
According to NBC4, lasting impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic and Hollywood strikes, in addition to mounting competition from online retailers, are what led to the decision. The store is set to close after Halloween.
Announcement of the imminent store closure comes as its owner, 90-yearold legendary costume designer Ursula Boschet, is struggling with serious illness.
“[Ursula] walks into her costume house every day at 9:00 a.m., cane-assisted and troubled with pancreatic cancer and agerelated conditions.” stated a GoFundMe set up for Boschet’s needs. “It is time to close shop now; and there is a heavy financial burden that has taken hold … Closing costs of Ursula’s Costumes are not yet set, though gaining traction.”
That GoFundMe aims to raise $125,000 to resolve Boschet’s difficulties related to her health and closing her beloved business. That campaign can be found
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here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/ help-ursula-boschet-overcome-healthand-financial-struggles?attribution_ id=sl:56736e54-7929-4b03-8f7af3471e43a7a4&lang=en_US&utm_ campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_ medium=customer&utm_ source=facebook.
As detailed in a recent L.A. Times piece, Boschet was born in Germany in 1934, and has been tailoring since the age of 14. She moved out of her home country with her husband in 1957 to
Canada where she worked at a sock factory. After settling in Los Angeles more than four years later, Boschet found herself working at theater productions and making costumes.
In 1976, after finishing her time working for Disney, Boschet launched a wardrobe mecca of her own.
Through the years since opening her West L.A. storefront, Boschet worked on various productions including the 1980s TV show “Cagney & Lacey” and the 1984 film “All of Me”.
School of Rock West LA Turns 14 This November
By Susan Payne
While School of Rock West Los Angeles is celebrating its 14th anniversary this November, the school continues to do what it does best — teach kids how to rock.
School of Rock’s patented method of teaching uses programs that are designed to encourage learning in a supportive environment where students of all skill levels are comfortable and engaged. For kids, teens and adults, School of Rock takes music school concept to the next level.
Currently, students in Performance , School of Rock’s hallmark program for ages 8 to 18, are preparing to play a show at the Viper Room in January, a tier of the program that culminates School of Rock’s long-standing method of teaching: performance-based music education.
For students as young as preschool aged, Little Wing teaches foundational music skills through games and interactive musical activities. Rookies , ages 6 and 7, are given one weekly group music lessons learning fundamentals like chords, rhythm and song structure. In Rock 101 , for ages 8-13, students have one weekly group rehearsal and a weekly private lesson to learn music concepts and skills behind their performance songs.
Justin Salmons, the general manager of School of Rock LA, has been part of its community for almost as long as the school has been opened, watching students grow as musicians and take lessons learned into the real world.
“During the spring season, when we get on stage and have to say goodbye to
our seniors, I feel like a proud parent. We know we’re sending out great citizens of the future into the community, whether they pursue music as a career or a hobby. The lessons learned in School of Rock will carry them for a lifetime,” Salmons said. “As long as they have the passion and drive, we’ll help take them to the highest levels.”
After January, School of Rock gears up for new students and returning students in the spring, inviting kids of all skill levels, ages and music aspirations to grow into real musicians. Spring classes start in February and ends in late May.
“We’re a growing, passionate community dedicated to enriching lives through performance-based music education, but more so, our school is a safe place for students to be themselves and express their feelings. For new and returning students, its edifying and enriching for them to be surrounded by other learners who love music just as much,” Salmons said.
Other programs at School of Rock include Songwriting for ages 12 and over, offering a weekly private lesson and collaborating with other students in a group to work together on songwriting exercises and lyrical workshops. This program is only periodically offered and is one of School of Rock’s week-long summer camps.
Performance places kids in an ensemble group that study a band or genre over the course of several months, learning and rehearsing songs in preparation for a live end of season performance at a real venue, such as the Whisky-a-Go-Go, Troubadour and Viper Room. Students in Performance can later advance by auditioning for our
House Band and then AllStars Adult Program invites students over 18 to improve their musical proficiency or pick up an instrument with no prior experience. This program is also performance based, so they learn concepts and apply them in a live setting. Online for all ages, invites students to
learn from the comfort of their home.
“When students are first starting out, we make it really fun for them. As they learn more, we help shape them into serious musicians. So many of our students stay for years, and that’s a testament to our mission and drive,” Salmons said.
2024 YEAR IN REVIEW
Hundreds Remember Sarah Alden at the Canals
A tearful and somber crowd assembles to memorialize the slain vintage jewelry collector
By Nick Antonicello
Sarah Alden, who was viciously attacked near the Venice Canals and died from those sustained injuries was tearfully remembered this evening as family members, close friends, city officials and members of the Los Angeles Police and Fire Departments paid their respects to the Massachusetts resident that was planning to relocate to the neighborhood.
Alden died May 24th following the violent attack that took place on April 6th which eventually left her brain dead. Her family opted to take her off life support last month.
Alden had signed a lease to move to Venice Beach from her native Massachusetts and was set to share her relocation announcement with friends before the attack.
This obscene assault of Alden and another woman Mary Klein has shaken Venice to its core as one mourner remarked, “It is scary to walk in Venice.”
A GoFundMe page has been established to cover medical expenses with a goal of $150,000.
Alden was remembered for her love of “sunrises on the east coast and sunsets on the west coast.”
The suspect in custody is Anthony Francisco Jones, who has been charged with the murder of Alden and is being held without bail.
The apparent transient has pled not guilty.
Jones is also accused of attacking Klein the same evening. A GoFundMe posting in support of her has apparently raised over $100,000, surpassing the goal of $75,000.
“Our hearts and deepest sympathies go out to the victim’s family and friends during this unimaginably tragic time,”
said Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón in a press statement.
Los Angeles Councilwoman Traci Park (CD-11), a Venice resident and attorney was also on hand and addressed those in attendance.
The murder has brought the issue of crime and homelessness back to the forefront of locals as many feel this once eclectic, urban beach enclave is no longer safe and a threat to the neighborhood’s longtime reputation as a bustling international tourist destination. For the influx of homeless encampments and RV’s which are in the hundreds have locals calling for swift and drastic
measures to cleanup this seaside community as another summer season is now here.
For many Venetians, the belief is homelessness and crime are intertwined, and strategies must be implemented to stem the tide of this encampment crisis currently on our streets today.
With the Summer Olympiad scheduled for Los Angeles in 2028 for a third time, locals are anxious about what specific measures in terms of security will be implemented so that those attending this 17-day extravaganza will be safe.
Several speakers were grateful for the capture of Jones and called for an increased police presence here in Venice.
We’re in the holiday mood at The Watermark at Beverly Hills, with warmth, hope, and good will toward everybody. And the best gift of all? We embrace that spirit year-round in our ever-active community, where residents enjoy classes like Tai Chi or Beginners Spanish, take fun group excursions, and share stories and belly laughs over holiday feasts and memorable meals every single day.
Call 424-512-7129 to plan a tour. May all your days be merry!
A Gift for You. Sign your lease by December 31, 2024, and we’ll waive your $15,000 membership fee AND lock in your 2024 rental rate for a full year.
Winston House, a Signature Music Venue and Restaurant of Venice Beach, to Close After Three Years
Through the Years, a Multitude of Influential Artists Have Collaborated With
the Venue Including Billie Eilish and Chappell Roan
By Zach Armstrong
Winston House, the popular restaurant, bar, and music destination of Venice Beach situated along Windward Avenue, will end operations on New Years Day, the business announced on social media.
Reasons for the closure were not immediately disclosed.
“We are deeply grateful to everyone who made Winston House possible. Bringing live music back to one of Venice’s original stages has been a dream come true–one that persevered through the pandemic, and
became reality in August 2021, thanks to your support.” the establishment stated in a social media post. “Since then, we’ve collaborated with so many incredible artists and had the privilege of getting to know many of you as our guests and friends.”
The concept for Winston House started as a grassroots movement to bring more live music to Venice, co-owner Corey McGuire describes on its website. McGuire opened his house to young artists from Oregon who needed a place to stay in Los Angeles during the summer of 2015. Soon after, his abode became a place where shows were hosted and artists could both share their work and make friends.
Eventually, after creating a logo and name, operations for Winston House moved adjacent to the beach at 23 Windward Ave., the former location of the St. Mark’s Jazz Club. Designer Bridget Rynne and Michael Baker crafted the interior to mimic the “eclectic atmosphere” of McGuire’s loft, Hospitality Design reported. To establish a sense of intimacy, the pair incorporated aesthetics of Wes Anderson films and traditional supper clubs for the interior.
Through the years, a multitude of influential artists have collaborated with the venue: Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan, Ed
Sheeran, Dua Lipa, Hozier, Justin Bieber, Young The Giant, The Shins, A$AP Ferg, Carly Rae Jepsen, and Yungblud, along with many others, according to its website. In addition to musical performances, Winston also operated as a supper club, serving a menu that is “sort of classic American fare mixed with mostly Chinese and Japanese ingredients,” LA Eater wrote of the options, which included Truffle steak frites, fried chicken nuggets with sansho salt, and shrimp toast with maple chili glaze. Jared Dowling, a former executive chef of New York City’s Fat Radish who previously designed menus at Habitas resorts, was the initial executive chef.
This is not, however, a finish to the efforts of Winston’s owners to create a place where artists can perform and collaborate.
“To everyone who shares our belief that live music belongs in Venice, CA, and that local businesses supporting artists are an essential part of the fabric of our community, please know that we are fighting to keep the dream alive.” stated the social media post. “This setback does not diminish our commitment to creating performance spaces, to supporting artists, and to building community around music.”
Updates on the venue’s final events, and for “what’s next”, can be found on its Instagram page: @winstonhouse
Venice Beach’s Iconic “Declaration” Statue to Be Removed Within Months.
There’s Still Time for a Patron to Save It
Declaration Is Now Months Away From Being Dismantled and Transferred to di Suvero’s Sculpture Park in Petaluma, CA.
By Zach Armstrong
Over two decades ago, a 60-foottall I-beam sculpture weighing 25 tons was installed along the Venice Beach Boardwalk as part of the Venice Family Clinic’s annual art walk benefit.
It was originally intended to stand for a few months. But since installment, Mark di Suvero’s artwork Declaration remains and has become one of the most recognizable fixtures of the oceanside landscape–a focal point for meditations, poetry readings, workouts, political rallies and more. Two intersecting V-shaped configurations constitute the piece: one tilted in the direction of Downtown Los Angeles, the other toward the ocean. Its title derives from Martin Luther King Jr.’s interpretation of the term, emphasizing its application to everyone.
“The piece seemed to me very natural there … I tried to give people a feeling of open space–a sense of spirit and capacity.” di Suvero, 91, told the New York Times in 2019.
But Venice is set to lose this landmark.
After a failed multi-year effort by the L.A. Louver Art Gallery (which subsidized its 2001 installment) to generate enough financing from either private donors or public funds to keep the monument in place, Declaration is now months away from being dismantled and transferred to di Suvero’s sculpture park in Petaluma, CA.
The L.A. Board of Recreation and Park Commissioners approved Declaration’s permanent placement in 2004 on the condition that LAG purchase and donate it to the city. But that purchase never materialized, although the gallery has covered insurance to indemnify the city as well as maintenance. Director of LAG Kimberly Davis stated in February that, while the city once conceived a $100,000 fund to reimburse the gallery, no compensation was provided.
In recent years, LAG sought a benefactor, underwent a fundraising campaign and held several discussions with city officials for public funds. Former councilmember
Mike Bonin once described those meetings to NYT as attempts by LAG to negotiate for a few million dollars; a sum he said wasn’t feasible “when we have so many other pressing demands.”
“The Declaration statue has been part of the Venice Beach landscape for over 20 years, making it a unique feature for locals and visitors alike.” City Councilwoman Traci Park’s office stated in an emailed response. “While we’d love to secure the statue’s future, current budget limitations mean public funding isn’t feasible. We’ve connected the owners with county and cultural affairs teams to explore alternative funding, but realistically, private support is the most viable path forward.”
But no benefactors have sufficiently stepped up to the plate. In terms of private donations, the gallery raised less than $2 million via pledges–a fraction of estimates on the piece’s price tag. Its retail value is approximately $7 million, according to Davis.
Since the money, effort or motivation to acquire the artwork seems to not exist, di Suvero wants it back.
The Board of Recreation and Park Commissioners authorized the conceptual removal in January. Although an exact timeline for displacement hasn’t been established, as LAG works with local officials to acquire a removal permit, LAG Founding Director Goulds told Mirror Media Group it will likely be in “early 2025.”
Although the towering sculpture is experiencing what appears as its waning days on the tourist-heavy boardwalk, LAG is leaving the door ajar for a patron to take initiative in time before the dismantling process moves forward.
“We’ve learned that so many people don’t really realize that the piece isn’t owned by the city already.” said Goulds, who expressed optimism that District 11 locals could still galvanize support needed to preserve the piece. “The time is probably good now to revisit that fundraising. I’m just very hopeful that it will be achieved, but at this stage, one wonders if it will happen.”
If no funding is secured, Declaration will join other works by di Suvero in Northern California. Adjacent to his Petaluma studio, the renowned artist is establishing a sculpture park on what Goulds describes as a “large piece of land.” Preferably, the artwork would remain in a place that holds significance in the life of this accomplished creative.
As a teenager, di Suvero built a boat and embarked on a solo voyage along the coast of California, according to The New Yorker. He landed in Santa Barbara where he lived
in a tree house and studied philosophy, sculpture and painting. Soon after, Mark arrived in Venice Beach in the late 1950s, where he developed relationships with the beachside neighborhood’s local artists, according to Goulds. Today, his work can be found throughout Los Angeles. Born in Shanghai to Italian parents and immigrating to the U.S. at age eight,
di Suvero is recognized as a pioneer in the creative use of steel for complex constructions. He has won the Smithsonian Archives of American Art Medal and the American Academy of Arts and Letters Gold Medal for Sculpture. In 1985, Di Suvero founded Socrates Sculpture Park in Queens, New York, which later became a public city park.
