WETLANDS

The outlook appears bright for the long-awaited restoration of the Ballona Lagoon in Venice. The California Coastal Commission on Wednesday approved a plan to revitalize the wetlands. The plan was submitted by the Ballona Lagoon Marine Preserve, a nonprofit Venice group leading the restoration effort, the city of Los Angeles, and the California Coastal Conservancy.

However, the Coastal Commission will not issue a permit for the project until the groups submit detailed plans for specific parts of it--a process that could take as long as six more months, said one Coastal Conservancy official. No work can begin until those plans are submitted and approved by the commission.

Development of specific project plans has been put on hold while the city has waited to finalize its acquisition of some privately owned lagoon property. Los Angeles City Councilwoman Ruth Galanter said she expects to close escrow on the property by the end of this week.