Local News in Brief : As the Canals Slowly Tern
Concerns about the safety of wildlife have prompted a temporary halt to plans to restore Venice’s historic canals.
Los Angeles City Councilwoman Ruth Galanter said Wednesday that state and national wildlife officials raised concerns that the restoration effort would harm the animals that live in the area, including an endangered bird called the California least tern. Galanter said that she would try to resolve the problem quickly.
Chuck Damm, South Coast director for the state Coastal Commission, said a hearing on the restoration plans, which had been scheduled this month, will be postposed indefinitely.
The canals, built by Venice founder Abbott Kinney in 1904, have fallen into disrepair in recent years. Last year, residents who live along the canal agreed to form a special assessment district to finance most of the $3.3-million restoration costs.
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