CJ COLE

candidate for

Venice Neighborhood Council At-Large Community Officer

CJ Cole … The Right Choice for 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 Venice Median Project.

I want to see: a Board devoted to serving our community; all Community Officers participating on a committee; all committees having regular scheduled, open meetings. I would like to see a true spirit of cooperation among the Board members.

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 and on the board Venice Canals Foundation. I am a retired 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 Venice Median Project … 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 … Community must stay involved once the developer is selected.

#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 Board 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 knowledgeable 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. I am a retired 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.