Venice Beach has been traditionally known as a getaway for those who are creative and artistic. The 1950s and 1960s witnessed Venice as a hub for the Beat generation. Poetry and art flourished freely. Some of the leading luminaries included Stuart Perkoff, Frank Rios, John Thomas, Lawrence Lipton, John Hagg, and Tony Scibella.
Venice, presently, is a bustling region in Southern California. It is region known for its progressive social change. Many westsiders are responsible for this change. Venice Family Clinic is free in service and mammoth in size. Venice Community Housing Corporation is a non-profit organization. It is dedicated to the preserving the economic and social diversity of the region. The racial relations among local inhabitants are excellent. The corporation provides cheap housing in addition to economic and community development. Social service is also provided to locals having low incomes.
Sister Ada Geraghty, who has resided in Venice for a long time, founded Recovery Inc, which is a nonprofit organization that offers a live-in and 12-step program for women in need of rehabilitation. Geraghty’s organization is located on Coeur D’Alene Avenue. They honor annually those individuals who have made a difference to the cause of women, especially in the field of substance abuse. The 2006 award went to Christopher Lawford. Previous winners include Jamie Lee Curtis, Angela Lansbury, and Anthony Hopkins.
When one speaks of Venice beach one includes the promenade which runs parallel to the beach. The promenade is also known as ‘boardwalk’ or ‘ocean front walk’. Muscle Beach, handball courts, courts for paddle tennis, plaza for skate dancing, and beach volleyball courts also are a part of the beach. The biking trail is an integral part of the beach. The numerous business establishments and residency areas have their very own addresses on Ocean Front Walk. The basketball courts are famous for their high-intensity street ball. Several players belonging to the NBA trained and practiced in these very courts.
Venice Breakwater is a highly acclaimed surfing spot in Venice Beach. It is located north of Venice Pier and Lifeguard Headquarters, whereas south of the Santa Monica Pier. This particular spot has the artificial barrier as its shelter on the northern side. The breakwater consists of an extending sand bar and piping. Large rocks also lie at this end. The region has different breaks that depend on the swell intensity and direction. The time and tide of the day also play a major part.
