> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.smdp.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Boardwalk braces for peacemakers - URL: https://www.smdp.com/boardwalk-braces-for-peacemakers/ - Published: 2006-02-11T16:00:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-23T17:14:47.000Z - Author: Ryan Hyatt - Tags: Community, Venice, #archive-import, Homeless *Peacemakers look to be settling disputes by summer* VENICE BOARDWALK — Community activists are optimistic that efforts to manage the free spirit of this 1.5-mile stretch may prove more successful by this summer than it has in recent years. In particular, they anticipate boardwalk “peacemakers” becoming a reality. The peacemakers would be a team trained in conflict resolution and assigned to settle territorial disputes among those vying for space along the renowned boardwalk. The group’s power would come from community consent. However, if successful, the peacemakers might prove to be an effective first line of defense, handling situations before the police are called in. It’s hoped the peacemakers may be assisting with boardwalk issues in time for this summer’s tourist season, said Stephen Friske, a Venice resident and musician who is organizing the team. The Los Angeles City Council last week unanimously approved a new Venice Beach ordinance to regulate its world-famous boardwalk, and community activists familiar with the issues say the new rules are a first step to creating a Venice in which all who visit can accept and respect. The new ordinance is intended to address a variety of public concerns aimed to protect the fabled street performers and defend free speech, as well as eliminating commercial activity along the west side of the boardwalk, according to LA City Councilman Bill Rosendahl, whose 11th District jurisdiction includes Venice. Rosendahl’s proposal — which was born from three public meetings drawing hundreds of locals — declares an officially recognized “Free Speech and Expression Zone” from Navy Street to 17th Street; allows performers, entertainers and free expressionists to sell their own original and constitutionally-protected merchandise; prohibits all other commercial activity; and begins to crack down on excessive noise. Officials said that the greatest effect the new ordinance will have is to eliminate commercial activity on the west side of the boardwalk, thereby freeing up more space for artists and expressionists. In recent years, boardwalk users have been fighting for limited space to exercise their right to free speech, sell their art and hawk their wares. Rosendahl’s efforts are a response to complaints about a revised Venice boardwalk ordinance that went into effect in October of 2004, which attempted to address frustration among boardwalk users and resident complaints over noise. Several boardwalk artists and vendors spoke out against it, arguing that measure took an unneeded step to regulate how they conduct themselves before millions of visitors who come annually to regard the legendary spectacle of the boardwalk. Last July, the situation reached a breaking point when the American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit against the city of Los Angeles, alleging that the boardwalk ordinance violates the First and 14th Amendments of the U.S. Constitution, because it is too broad and subjective to enforce. The lawsuit is still pending, said Carol Sobel, an attorney handling the case. “We still have some definite differences (with the city of Los Angeles), so we’re waiting to see what the final ordinance looks like before we sign off on anything,” she said. The complaint contends that Venice founder Abbot Kinney aimed to create a cultural and artistic renaissance by instilling a tradition of free speech in the community he began. This “unique history of celebrating the freedom of speech” came into question by the enforcement of the new law and “threaten(ed) to change the character of Venice Beach forever,” the lawsuit states. Plaintiffs represented in the case include a homeless advocacy group called “Food Not Bombs” and two individual permit holders, Woody Mulligan and Robert “Jingles” Newman. Newman is a political activist who has been protesting the mistreatment of animals and police brutality on the boardwalk since 1974, oftentimes wearing a pig mask to “take on the character of the animals on whose behalf he advocates,” the lawsuit states. Newman was prosecuted for soliciting donations on the boardwalk after a young girl gave him a few dollars for some flyers he had given her earlier in the day, the lawsuit states. The misdemeanor was reduced to an infraction and subsequently dropped, but Newman “fear(ed) engaging in free speech activities” after receiving the violation and “being threatened with imprisonment and a large fine,” the lawsuit states. Newman told the Daily Press this week that he is generally supportive of the new ordinance. He compares the boardwalk to a “piece of clay that is constantly being molded.” Newman said the new ordinance has components which will facilitate that molding process and make for a better boardwalk. “It’s a work in progress,” Newman said. Rosendahl’s proposal directs the city’s Department of Recreation and Parks to collaborate with the Grass Roots Venice Neighborhood Council to create a working group to monitor the new ordinance and how it may be improved. The council was formed with the intent of representing resident interests. The working group will explore whether the lottery-based system of issuing permits for boardwalk space may be modified or abolished. Those who do exhibit but don’t apply for permits, take part in the lottery, or violate other rules, are considered to be in violation of the ordinance. Each of the warnings may be appealed, but the third citation means the permit is revoked and the person can no longer legally qualify for a boardwalk space — for life. The lottery system has been cumbersome, ineffective and even inappropriate in its attempt to regulate freedom, according to expressionists. Before it was put into place, however, residents trying to sleep in on a Saturday or Sunday morning were waking up to the sound of bickering among boardwalk users. Police were being called out, and their resources drained, in order to meddle in disputes which might have been avoided if a system were in place which more easily settled them. The new ordinance will also look at developing ways to further restrict amplified noise. Newman said he feels the boardwalk’s “darkest days are behind.” “I’m a lot more optimistic than I was a year ago,” he said. ARE PEACEMAKERS FOR REAL? Newman attributes brighter days for the boardwalk to Rosendahl and Friske, who has developed the peacemakers idea and is currently seeking ways to fund and operate the proposed team. Friske said the purpose of the peacemakers is to provide what he believes should be self-regulation on the boardwalk. “Their main mission is simple — to assist, inform and mediate,” Friske said. “It’s not about control. It’s about coming from a place in your heart where you want it to work. “The peacemakers’ power will come because the community will want them to work.” The peacemakers could be successful because boardwalk participants will likely prefer their methods over punitive enforcement, Friske believes. At the same time, law enforcement officials will be freed up to respond to other grievances. Friske is presenting the peacemakers’ plan to business groups in Venice. He hopes to have a group organized and trained in time for the summer tourist season. It’s hoped that the peacemakers will become a boardwalk mainstay because, if they are able to prove themselves in coming years, they may present an opportunity to abolish the lottery system. By eliminating the commercial activity, the peacemakers’ job may also be easier, since more space will be freed up for artists and expressionists for which the boardwalk was originally intended. Friske said the peacemakers, once established, might achieve the order and stability sought on the boardwalk that the lottery system is meant to provide. Until then, the lottery system will remain the law of the land, he said. Robert Haskin, director of the Venice Beach Recreation Center, which oversees the lottery system, said the peacemakers may prove to be an effective way to regulate the boardwalk, if they are able to win the community trust. “I believe if it works it would be a great thing,” Haskin said. “It won’t be successful overnight, but over the long run it’s the best idea for the boardwalk.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/2026/10/021106-01_01.jpg) COME TOGETHER: David Lasker, 36, paints the ‘Abbey Road’ album cover recently on the Venice Beach boardwalk. (Photo: Fabian Lewkowicz/Daily Press) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/2026/10/021106-01_02.jpg) Flags and streamers decorate the Venice sky atop the hostel at the end of Windward Circle. (Photo: Fabian Lewkowicz/Daily Press) *Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on February 11, 2006.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/021106.pdf?ref=smdp.com)