July 11, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Venice Shorts: Born on the Fourth of July!

Venice celebrates its 119th Birthday, America now 248 Years Young

By Nick Antonicello 

Venice like America will celebrate a birthday on the Fourth of July thanks to a visionary named Abbot Kinney, a conservationist, developer, and world traveler who spoke six languages and replicated the canals of Venice, Italy here at the beach is father of this iconic community and neighborhood of Los Angeles. 

According to Wikipedia, the Venice recreation area opened on July 4, 1905. 

Venice came to be known as the “Coney Island of the Pacific.” By mid-January 1906, an area was built along the edge of the Grand Lagoon patterned after the amusement thoroughfares of the great 19th and 20th century expositions. 

It featured foreign exhibits, amusements, and freak shows. Trolley service was available from Downtown Los Angeles and nearby Santa Monica. Around the entire park, a miniature steam railroad ran on a 2+12-mile (4.0 km) track. 

The park included a system of canals complete with gondolas and gondoliers brought in from Venice, Italy.

There were ornate, Venetian-style businesses and a full-sized amusement pier with an ocean aquarium featuring seals and marine life. Kinney and some of the nearby residents were aghast at some of the low-class shows that Venice began to offer, but it was considered the best collection of amusement devices on the Pacific Coast, and made a significant profit. 

Eventually, Kinney gained control of city politics and had the name changed from “Ocean Park” to “Venice” in 1911. 

Kinney was also allowed to build a 60-foot (18 m) long breakwater to protect his facilities from storm tides.

But over time health concerns by the City of Los Angeles saw many of the canals paved over in 1929 as Venice officially became a part of Los Angeles four years earlier in 1925. 

For the Venice of today is no longer a local destination for Angelenos, but an international tourist attraction that has changed rapidly over the last decade alone as home values have exploded and rentals are out of reach for most. 

A gentrified neighborhood that is considered hip and exclusive, Venice still faces the challenge of rampant homelessness and crime, as more unhoused reside in Venice more than any other place in LA with the exception of Skid Row. 

Nevertheless, Venice remains an eclectic community rich in art, architecture and tourist attractions like the Venice Fishing Pier, Oceanfront Walk and of course our spectacular beach for surfing and swimming. 

As so many will celebrate this national holiday, the Fourth of July has a special meaning for locals, especially those who reside in the historic canals. Venice, despite all of its challenges and issues, remains one of the most frequented tourist destinations in California with fabulous dining and shopping as several new venues will be opening this month and as the pandemic is now behind us, the crowds are back and the place is bustling and busy like never before!

in News, Upbeat
<>Related Posts

Father-Daughter Authors to Host Book Signing to Aid Fire-Affected Women

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

Ten percent of proceeds from book and art sales will benefit the Pacific Palisades Rebuilding Fund, a nonprofit initiative created...

Metro Reports Crime Drop, Higher Rider Satisfaction, and Progress on Major Projects

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The Authority said the drop in violent incidents—down to the lowest level since May 2019—coincided with more uniformed personnel and...

Santa Monica Joins Regional Lawsuit to Halt Unconstitutional ICE Raids

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The motion to intervene seeks to ensure that Santa Monica and other plaintiff-intervenors can advocate for their residents’ rights in...

Promenade Restaurant Introduces Lunch Menu Set at $18 Per Person

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The fixed $18 price point targets commuters and those seeking a power lunch or a change of scenery The restaurant...

Santa Monica Council Votes in Support of Park-Centric Future at Airport Site

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The decision followed a contentious meeting with over 140 public speakers and more than 1,000 emails received by the council...

Housing for Health Chief Appointed to Lead Unified Homeless Services Department

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

Veteran Housing Advocate to Oversee Streamlined LA County Services The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday confirmed the...

‘Adoptapalooza’ Pet Adoption Festival Returns to Main Street This Weekend

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The free, family-friendly event aims to connect adoptable animals with new owners Green Dog Dental & Veterinary Center will host...

Virtual Town Hall to Discuss Proposed Resilient Rebuilding Authority

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The agency, to be run by political appointees, would manage permitting, development, zoning, and funding, modeled after post-disaster recoveries Los...

New Agenda Coaching: Changing Lives in LA

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Students Work Toward Applied Success with Executive Function Coaching Services The demands of daily routines and studies sometimes bear weight...

Saint Monica Prep Students Win Award for Anti-Street Racing PSA Video

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

The winning public service announcement, titled “Not Worth It,” was highlighted in a post on X by @LADOTofficial  Students from...

Anti-Drunk Driving Resolution Introduced as City Council Honors Late Palisades Teen Killed in Crash

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Levi, who was set to attend the University of Virginia this fall, was killed by a drunk driver on May...

Free and Reduced Price School Meals Available for Eligible Families in Santa Monica-Malibu District

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Parents in Need Encouraged to Apply, SMMUSD Commits to Nutritious, Accessible Meals By Brandyi Phillips, SMMUSD Chief Communications Officer Santa...

Big Blue Bus to Raise Fares for First Time in Nearly a Decade

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

The fare increase aims to offset rising costs for fuel, utilities, and supplies, according to the agency. The Santa Monica...

Shore Hotel: A Local Destination for Summer Fun

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Bring on all things summer. Walking or biking along Santa Monica Pier, you might find yourself taking a pause at...

Santa Monica’s 150th Anniversary to be Celebrated with Vibrant State of the City Event

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, beach chairs, and picnics to enjoy during the performances Santa Monica will mark its...