A summary of selected City Hall actions...

A summary of selected City Hall actions last week that affect the Westside.

CITY COUNCIL

* SANTA MONICA MOUNTAINS--Approved a resolution urging Congress to recognize the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area as a national treasure and one of the “crown jewels” of the National Park system. Councilman Marvin Braude, who proposed the resolution, said it will not provide any special funding for the area, but will show how important wilderness is to the city. Carol Hesse of the National Park Services said, “Certainly this area is not in the same league with the true crown jewels of the national parks, such as Yosemite and Glacier National Park, but it is an oasis for a vast urban area with over 500 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails.”

* PEPPER SPRAY--Approved a plan to apply for a $217,000 federal grant to study the use of Oleoresin Capsicum or pepper spray. If the grant is approved, the Police Department will conduct a field evaluation on the use of pepper spray to determine if it should be an alternative use of force.

BOARD OF RECREATION AND PARKS

* VENICE BEACH PAVILION--Approved a plan to turn the Venice Beach Pavilion over to the Venice Arts Mecca for use as a community arts center. The center, in the heart of Venice Beach, will be used for youth classes in music, dance, video and painting. Lynn Warshafsky of Venice Arts Mecca said the center eventually will expand to include classes for adults, a day-care center and job training. In a related City Hall action, the City Council approved the use of $250 from the general fund to support the 3rd annual Venice Arts Festival sponsored by the group. The free event will be Aug. 19-20 at Venice Beach Pavilion from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and will showcase local art, music and dance. Those interested in participating in the festival may call (310) 281-6188.