
CJ COLE
candidate for
Venice Neighborhood Council At-Large Community Officer

CJ Cole … Your Voice for a Safe & Clean Venice!
As a Venice property owner, resident and community activist since 1968, I am asking for your vote as a VNC At-Large Community Officer.
I will advocate for the rights of property owners, renters and businesses to curb crime and clean up our neighborhoods.
I am passionate about the preservation of the unique qualities that make up the Venice community.
I support moderate growth while keeping the small-town vibe.
Local issues stemming from the over-saturation of our unhoused population in Venice are my primary concerns.
I am against the massive proposed Reese Davidson Community (Venice Median Project).
As a proponent of rational, cost-effective solutions for addressing homelessness, I feel we need to rein in the Venice “homeless industrial complex” and move additional housing/services to less expensive parts of Los Angeles.
I believe that we are at a real crossroads … our low-density neighborhoods of single-family homes are about to be compromised. I am committed to fighting this demise.
I am a current VNC Community Officer and past VNC Treasurer. I am also the Treasurer of the Venice Canals Association and belong to the Venice Chamber of Commerce. I am an Associate Real Estate Broker with The Agency in Venice.

My Position on Issues Currently Facing Venetians:
#1 Homeless Encampments … Against … Support additional clean-up efforts
Support clearing Ocean Front Walk of encampments
Support enforcing laws and prosecuting criminals
Support placing addicts/mentally ill in medical facilities
#2 Reese-Davidson Community … Opposed … Unsuitable location for both future residents & neighbors
Cost-prohibitive project
Advocate for keeping property open space as zoned
“Gateway” parking, visitor’s center, community facilities
#3 Metro Lot Future Development … Advocate … Important that the community become actively involved
#4 Venice Local Coastal Program … Advocate … Important that the community become actively involved
#5 Transit Oriented Communities … Opposed … The size and density do not fit in Venice neighborhoods
#6 Airbnb … Controls … Support current regulations plus strict enforcement

My Promise to You …
• I will attend all monthly Council meetings, other important VNC Committee meetings, and City hearings that relate to Venice issues.
• I will read the background information and arrive at all VNC meetings fully prepared and knowledgable on the issues being considered.
• I will insist on transparency … both on my part and by the full Council.
• I will advocate for the interests of property owners, renters, and businesses.
• I will devote the time necessary to be a great Community Officer !!!

My Bio …
I was born in upstate New York where I grew up. I graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in mathematics and economics. Additionally, I attended UCLA School of Design. My late husband Jay and I, along with our son, settled in Venice in the late 1960s. I am a proud owner of a home on the Venice Canals.
Over the years, my career path has been varied … from retailing to publishing, computer systems to real estate. Currently, I am an associate broker at The Agency in Venice.
My love of Venice comes out in the community service I have been involved with over the years … I served as the Treasurer of the Venice Neighborhood Council from 2005 to 2007 and, since 2019, am on the Board of the VNC as an At-Large Community Officer. I am a current Board Member and Treasurer of the Venice Canals Association, current member and past Board Director of the Venice Chamber of Commerce.
I would like to continue my community service as an At-Large Community Officer of the Venice Neighborhood Council.