July 3, 2025 #1 Local News, Forum, Information and Event Source for Venice Beach, California.

Venice Homeless Shelter Passes Legal Hurdle

California Supreme Court declines to hear Venice Stakeholder’s Association case against bridge housing center

By Sam Catanzaro

The California Supreme Court denied to hear a legal challenge to a homeless shelter in Venice brought forward by the Venice Stakeholders Association.

On Tuesday, Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer announced that the California Supreme Court denied a Petition for Review filed by the Venice Stakeholders Association against the Pacific Sunset: A Bridge Home Shelter.

“My office will continue to fight to defend the homeless housing we so urgently need,” Feuer said. “These victories are important milestones in this vital work.”

The 154-bed shelter opened in February on the 3.15-acre lot that takes up an entire block between Pacific Avenue and Main Street south of Sunset Avenue.

The lawsuit brought forward by the VSA centered around AB 1197, a state bill passed in October 2019 which exempts emergency homeless shelters and supportive housing from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

“The city failed to comply with the requirements of CEQA, California’s environmental law. It was clear from the judge that we were about to prevail and force additional environmental compliance when the city got the legislature to pass AB 1197 which exempted only Los Angeles and any of its shelter and homeless housing projects from CEQA review. We appealed all the way to the Supreme Court and I believe they made an incorrect decision because the CA constitution requires a rational basis for giving an exemption to just one jurisdiction and not the residents of the entire state. San Francisco’s got a higher homeless population per capita than Los Angeles, which means there’s nothing unique about Los Angeles that justifies exemption under the California constitution,” said VSA President Mark Ryavec. “It is an insult to the good people of Los Angeles that the State’s judicial system allowed the Legislature to deprive only residents in LA of the protections of environmental laws, while residents in every other city enjoy those protections. It is grossly unfair and a misguided decision by the courts.”

In an interview with ABC 7, Feuer noted that the decision allows the City to move forward with the development of more shelters.

“[AB 1197] was adopted last year designed to facilitate the construction of homeless housing in this city and bypass what could otherwise be objections that could slow down the process for a long time. That can’t be the rule,” Feuer said. “We are going to continue to fight to defend the city’s homeless housing throughout our region right now.”

in News
Related Posts

More Commercial Uses Could Be Coming to RAND Building

July 2, 2025

July 2, 2025

Amendment Unlocks New Opportunities, Secures $5.5 Million in Community Benefits The Santa Monica Planning Commission unanimously approved an amendment to...

Proposed Rebuilding Authority for Wildfire Recovery Sparks Local Control Debate

July 2, 2025

July 2, 2025

Plan Aims to Streamline Rebuilding but Raises Questions Over Community Input A proposed “Resilient Rebuilding Authority” to oversee recovery from...

(Video) ‘World’s Strongest Man’ Champion Pulls Big Blue Bus for 30 feet

July 1, 2025

July 1, 2025

World-class strongman Martins Licis pulled a 34,680‑pound, 35-feet long, battery electric bus through the Pier to set off Pier 360...

Venice Saw a 22% Drop in Homelessness, Study Finds. Vehicle Declines and Housing Placements Credited with Trend

July 1, 2025

July 1, 2025

Venice’s remaining unsheltered population stands out, with higher employment rates, education levels, and access to benefits compared to Hollywood and...

COMMENTARY: Use the Law to Tow the Returning RVs and OVs on Washington

July 1, 2025

July 1, 2025

Legal Push Urges Swift Enforcement as Nuisance Concerns Grow By Clark Brown Three weeks ago the City successfully removed the...

Second Victim Killed Alongside LAPD Sergeant in Brentwood 405 Crash Identified

July 1, 2025

July 1, 2025

Authorities Confirm Garcia, 34, Died at the Scene, GoFundMe Launched  Authorities have identified the civilian who was killed alongside a...

Why Nordstrom Says It’s Closing Its Santa Monica Place Location

July 1, 2025

July 1, 2025

A Nordstrom spokesperson explained the closure as a strategic realignment Nordstrom confirmed its decision to close its Santa Monica store...

People are Using Palisades for “Disaster Tours.” Local Officials Are Trying to Stop Them

July 1, 2025

July 1, 2025

A new motion introduced to City Council requests a coordinated strategy from LADOT, the Los Angeles Police Department, and the...

Community to Honor Late Activist Martin Rubin with Memorial

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

A key figure in founding the Mar Vista Community Council and Zone 2 Director, Rubin dedicated decades to addressing the...

Three-Bed Palisades Highlands Townhouse Hits Market for $1.7M

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

The Mediterranean-style property, located at 1529 Michael Lane, is part of a 71-unit community A remodeled 1,919-square-foot townhouse in the...

(Video) Getty Villa Reopens Six Months After Dodging Destruction of Palisades Wildfires

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

With the reopening also comes a new exhibit, “The Kingdom of Pylos” Getty Villa Reopens Six Months After Dodging Destruction...

Venice Chamber of Commerce Announces New Board of Directors

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

The new board, composed of professionals from diverse sectors, includes members serving two-year terms through 2026 and 2027, as well...

Six-Bed Mar Vista Hilltop Home Under Construction Lists for $5.3M

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

The private backyard is complete with a pool, spa, fire pit, built-in BBQ, and areas for outdoor dining A stunning...

LAPD Updates Immigration FAQ to Clarify Enforcement Role

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

The document, available in English and Spanish, outlines the department’s policies and limits regarding immigration status The Los Angeles Police...

Three Santa Monica College Student Films Selected for International Film Festival

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

The LA Shorts International Film Festival, the city’s longest-running shorts festival, screens over 350 films annually and draws 10,000 attendees...